Vaccines are one of modern medicine’s most significant innovations, and they protect people from illnesses. They’re recommended shortly after birth; for example, following a family doctor’s immunization schedule keeps your child protected. Here are a few beneficial reasons to keep your child’s vaccines up-to-date.

Why Should You Vaccinate Your Child?

1. They’re Life-Saving

Vaccines protect your child from the rare instance they may be exposed to a life-threatening disease. Your family doctor will inject a small, weakened sample of the illness, such as diphtheria or polio, so your child’s body builds an immunity to it so that they're always protected.

Immunizations also ensure they don't accidentally spread an illness. For example, some people may have an allergy to a vaccine. Infants also can’t be vaccinated right away, so you’re protecting these people by keeping your child up-to-date.

2. They Save Time & Money

It can be challenging when an unvaccinated child falls ill. They’ll be held out of school, and you may have a lot of medical bills. You'll also have to take unpaid time off from work to care for your child.

There are several essential immunizations your family doctor will recommend: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), hepatitis B, influenza, and poliovirus. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), HPV, meningitis, and hepatitis A vaccinations are administered to children around age one, and some like hepatitis B and DTaP are delivered multiple times throughout childhood and adolescence to ensure immunity.

3. They Protect Future Generations

Polio, diphtheria, and rotavirus are controlled thanks to immunizations. Immunizing your child ensures they don't contribute to a resurgence. They contribute to an overall stronger global population. COVID-19 is an immediate example since cases are dropping as vaccinations roll out. The goal is to ensure future generations won't face this illness because those immunized now prevent it from reaching pandemic levels again.

If you’re ready to schedule an immunization for your child, contact a family doctor at Dumas Family Practice. For 26 years, this practice has served patients throughout Dumas, TX, with preventative care. They create an individual treatment plan for every family member based on their health needs, including specialized long-term care. Call (806) 935-9005 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more about the practice.