Figuring out which vaccines and vaccinations your child needs — and when to get them — is overwhelming for any parent. When your child becomes a patient of Pediatrics of Southwest Houston, you get a custom immunization schedule. At Pediatrics of Southwest Houston, our pediatric team in Houston ensure that your child is up to date on all of their required injections. Whether you’re a new or established patient, you can book your child’s appointment online or call the office to schedule.
No. Vaccinations introduce the disease-causing organisms into your body in a dead or weakened state. That way your immune system starts building up antibodies to fight them.
The terms “immunizations,” “vaccines,” and “vaccinations” are often used interchangeably. Immunization is the technical term that describes the process your body goes through to build strength and ward off specific harmful organisms. Vaccines/vaccinations ultimately immunize your body against a particular disease.
Your child starts getting vaccines right after birth and continues this process for much of his or her life. Typical vaccine schedules include:
Chickenpox
Influenza
Tetanus
Hepatitis A and B
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Whooping cough
Bacterial meningitis
Your child may need additional vaccines, depending on their age.
If your child is behind on certain immunizations, they might need to catch up and receive other types of injections. By the end of your first visit with your dedicated pediatrician, you know exactly which immunizations your child needs and can book those future appointments on the spot.
Not necessarily. It’s normal for children to have minor reactions to shots. Your child may experience:
Redness or swelling at the injection site
Stiffness or soreness
A mild fever
Mild joint pain
Poor appetite
Crankiness or moodiness
If your young one gets the chicken pox or MMR shot, they could develop a mild rash about a week or two after getting the injection. This is completely normal sign that your child’s body is building up immunity to the foreign organisms.
Serious reactions to vaccines and vaccinations are rare, but if your child has difficulty breathing or a high fever, call the office right away.
