Child Vaccinations
Recently, there has been skepticism surrounding vaccinations by well-meaning parents. We understand that parents want to do what is best for their children. Importantly, we believe vaccination is in the best interest of all kids and teens. Kids & teens vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect children from potentially fatal diseases that they will encounter at school and in daily life. To read our full policy regarding pediatric vaccinations, click here.
While we respect every parent’s decision on whether to choose or refuse vaccines, we do not feel professionally comfortable caring for kids and teens that will not be receiving the state-required vaccines. Deciding not to receive kids & teens vaccinations shows a significant difference in care philosophy from Primary Care Partners of South Bend. On the other hand, we encourage but do not require other vaccines like influenza. Please feel free to let us know about any of your concerns concerning vaccinating your baby by giving us a call at (574) 251-1200 or contacting us online.
Protection
By vaccinating children, you keep your children safe from the dangerous and potentially fatal diseases found throughout daily life and especially at school. Therefore, you are also protecting your community and other children by not spreading these diseases. We strongly believe that the risks of vaccinations are much less threatening than the risks of catching one of the diseases they protect.
Recommended Vaccines
As kids and teens get older, they require several immunizations to keep them healthy. These vaccinations are essential and will keep your child protected from potentially fatal diseases for their entire life. We recommend the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s schedule for immunizations to all of our child and teenage patients. We recommend but do not require some vaccines for teenagers such as influenza and HPV. If you have any questions regarding this schedule or any of the recommended vaccines, please feel free to contact us.
Vaccine Contraindication
We understand that there can be very rare instances of vaccine contraindication in which giving a vaccine may not be the safest option for an individual. Of course, we are very aware of these risks and will consider these and many other factors before administering any vaccine. We encourage you to voice your concerns about vaccination to Primary Care Partners of South Bend before we give the vaccine.
Types of Vaccinations
We understand that there is speculation about some vaccinations, so we want to make it clear to parents exactly what their child is receiving. There are four main types of vaccines.
Attenuated (weakened) Vaccines
Some vaccines use small doses of live viruses. These immunizations are very similar to the disease they are fighting. They are very effective and provide lifelong immunity. Attenuated vaccines are used to fight MMR, chickenpox, and rotavirus.
Killed (Inactivated) Vaccines
Killed vaccines use dead forms of the virus. They have less long-lasting protection, which is why multiple doses may be necessary. These are vaccines like Hepatitis A, flu, and polio shots.
Toxoid Vaccines
Toxoid immunizations use the harmful product of a germ to protect only against the parts of that germ that cause disease. This is the type of vaccine used for the DTaP vaccine.
Conjugate Vaccines
Some vaccines use bacteria in combination with proteins. This provides strong protection from the key harmful parts of the germ. By using specific parts of the germ, they also have a long-lasting effect. Additionally, these vaccines can be given to almost every immune system. These are vaccines like the Hib, Hepatitis B, HPV, pneumococcal, and meningococcal.
