Children need vaccines to supplement the body’s natural immunity so they can ward off serious and even life-threatening diseases. Sunshine Pediatrics of Florida provides a comprehensive array of vaccines to help children around the Tampa Bay area and surrounding Hillsborough and Pasco county, FL area stay healthy as they grow and also to meet school and other requirements.
Vaccines Q & A
Sunshine Pediatrics of Florida
Why does my child need to be vaccinated?
The body has a very complex natural immune system that can offer protection for many types of harmful germs to help ward off infection. However, there are many diseases for which the body has no immunity or very low levels of immunity. Vaccinations help stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies for specific diseases so the body can fight off the germs that cause those diseases to prevent an infection. In addition to maintaining the health of the child, having a child vaccinated also prevents the child from transmitting diseases to other people. School, sports, and other activities may also require vaccinations.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines introduce a very tiny and very diluted amount of a germ into the body – not enough to cause illness, but enough to cause the immune system to begin producing antibodies for specific diseases. Some vaccines last for many years while others will need occasional “booster” shots in order to ensure the child remains immune. Some vaccines, like tetanus and flu shots even need to be “updated” throughout the adult years.
Will vaccines make my child sick?
No, vaccines will not make a child sick. However, as the body ramps up its production of antibodies to fight off disease, some children may develop mild flu-like symptoms that may be mistaken for illness. These symptoms will go away within a few days or less. In a few rare instances, a child may be allergic to a vaccine. During the pediatric exam, parents should be sure to mention any allergies the child has including food allergies since this could increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction, and this information should also be noted on the medical history for the child.
How can I tell which immunizations my child needs?
Government health agencies, schools and other organizations requiring immunizations maintain lists of required and recommended immunization schedules. This immunization schedule will be discussed during the office visit.
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH VACCINE EXEMPTION FORMS AND ALTERNATIVE VACCINE SCHEDULE.
● MUST HAVE THESE FORMS. THESE WILL BECOME A PART OF THE MEDICAL RECORD AT SUNSHINE PEDIATRICS