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 ages. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children from potentially fatal diseases that they will encounter at school and in daily life.
At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we believe that we have an obligation to give every child the highest quality care possible. Furthermore, we strongly feel that vaccinations are key to living a healthy, happy life. While every medical intervention has risks, the benefits of vaccinations strongly outweigh these risks.
Protection
By vaccinating children, you keep your children safe from the dangerous and potentially fatal diseases found throughout daily life and especially at school. 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.
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 a vaccination to Primary Care Partners of South Bend before we give the vaccine.
Parent-Provider Agreement
If a parent refuses to vaccinate their children, it shows a significant difference in care philosophy. For this reason, we feel professionally uncomfortable caring for children who will not receive the recommended vaccines. We strongly believe that vaccinations are beneficial to all age groups and protect not only yourself but also the community around you.
What Vaccinations Does my Child Need?
Throughout children’s lives, they will require several different immunizations. Depending on age, these are the vaccines we recommend and administer at Primary Care Partners of South Bend.
- Chickenpox Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccine
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular pertussis)
- Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
- IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
- PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- RV (Rotavirus Vaccine)
- MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Meningococcal Vaccines
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
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.
