Preventive Medicine and Immunizations

There is a great deal of publicity and concern about the safety of immunizing children. We are strong advocates of careful immunization and am absolutely convinced of the efficacy of routine immunization as outlined here. The vaccines that your child will receive are not, however, without possible adverse effects, but the frequency and severity of reactions to vaccines are far outweighed by the protection they provide against serious illnesses. You will be given specific written information on all vaccines that we use. Children only rarely become very ill after immunization. If this is or has been the case with your child be sure to inform us before vaccines are administered again so that this can be assessed. Efforts to assure the safety of vaccines are immense and ongoing. Proper timing of vaccines and selection of the safest vaccine make immunization schedules complicated and subject to change. Should parents decide against all or selected immunization, after availing themselves of reliable information, We will, of course, honor their decision [although we may open the issue on occasion].

Not infrequently children who have received vaccines have swelling and inflamation at injection sites. These should be treated with cold compresses. Local swelling may persist as a firm nodule in the muscle for weeks and is not cause for alarm. Fever and irritability following immunizations should be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol or related brand names). The use of such medication prior to injections has been shown to be of no benefit in reducing discomfort.

There is no difference in the quality of vaccines provided by the Vaccine for Children Program and those that must be purchased. In fact, the same brand of vaccine is often used.

We are pledged to work with public health officials in overseeing the immunization of children in our area. With your approval we will send your child’s immunization record to a central registry along with others. If you object to this please let us know. The schedule of immunizations we follow in this office is shown below, but we often have to customize it for the individual child. If you have any concerns or questions about immunizations be sure to ask.

Immunization Schedule

 *Pneumococcal vaccine reduces frequency of ear infections.

A lot of shots must be given with as many as four at one visit. We will be glad to give some on one visit and the rest at a visit a little later at no charge for the second visit.

October 2000

©2002 South Valley Pediatrics
page updated April 7, 2002