Newborn & Toddler Vaccinations
At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we know that every parent wants to make informed decisions about their child’s health. Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect your baby, your family, and the broader community. While all medical care involves some level of risk, vaccinations play an important role in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses during infancy and early childhood. To learn more about recommended pediatric vaccination schedules, please refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines here.
While we respect that parents make medical decisions for their children, Primary Care Partners of South Bend requires newborns and toddlers in our care to receive state-required vaccinations. Choosing not to vaccinate reflects a difference in care philosophy from our practice. Other vaccines, such as influenza, are recommended but not required. If you have questions or concerns about newborn vaccinations, please contact us at (574) 251-1200 or reach out online.
Protection
Vaccinating your newborn helps protect them from dangerous diseases they may encounter in everyday life, both now and as they grow. Vaccinations also help reduce the spread of illness within the community, protecting other children and individuals who may be more vulnerable. The risks associated with vaccination are significantly lower than the risks posed by the diseases they are designed to prevent.
Recommended Vaccines
Newborns and toddlers require several vaccinations during their first years of life to support long-term health and protection. Primary Care Partners of South Bend follows the vaccine schedule and recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for all pediatric patients. These guidelines are based on extensive research and are designed to provide timely and effective protection as children grow.
If you have questions about the recommended schedule or specific vaccines, our team is happy to discuss them with you.
Vaccine Contraindication
In rare cases, a vaccine may not be the safest option for an individual child due to specific medical conditions or contraindications. Our providers carefully consider each child’s medical history and any potential risks before administering a vaccine. We encourage parents to share any concerns or relevant health information with our team so we can make the most informed decisions together.
Types of Vaccinations
We believe it is important for parents to understand the vaccines their child receives. There are four main types of vaccines used in pediatric care.
Attenuated (weakened) Vaccines
These vaccines use a weakened form of a live virus to create immunity. They are highly effective and often provide long-lasting protection. Examples include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and rotavirus.
Killed (Inactivated) Vaccines
Inactivated vaccines use viruses that have been killed and cannot cause disease. Because immunity may decrease over time, multiple doses or boosters may be required. Examples include vaccines for hepatitis A, influenza, and polio.
Toxoid Vaccines
Toxoid vaccines protect against diseases caused by toxins produced by bacteria rather than the bacteria themselves. The DTaP vaccine is an example of this type.
Conjugate Vaccines
Conjugate vaccines combine parts of bacteria with proteins to improve the immune response, especially in young children. These vaccines offer strong, long-lasting protection and are suitable for most immune systems. Examples include vaccines for Hib, hepatitis B, HPV, pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease.
