Vaccines help to control, eliminate and even eradicate diseases

For example smallpox has been eradicated thanks to vaccines. If the number of vaccinated people in the population decreases, diseases that are not usually registered now because they are controlled, could reappear in the form of outbreaks or epidemics.

Vaccines protects you and the community

To face a disease, it is necessary for the population to be vaccinated. Thus, the microorganism that causes it circulates much less and people who have not been vaccinated are also protected. This is known as community immunity.

Vaccines are important for certain risk groups

Getting vaccinated is essential for people who suffer from certain chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, asthma, etc.), since it can avoid complications thereof; for pregnant women; people who in the development of their profession have contact with people more vulnerable to certain infectious diseases; or for people who are going to travel to another country.

Social and economic benefits of vaccines

Vaccines are an instrument of equity since they reduce inequality in health care, also providing benefits to the most disadvantaged. And, in addition, vaccination increases life expectancy. On the other hand, vaccines have economic benefits since their health cost is lower if we compare it with the cost of treating this disease. Remember: if you have been given the vaccine at the pharmacy, the container should not be thrown away or down the drain. Deposit it in the SIGRE Point of the pharmacy, so you will take care of the environment and the health of all.

Vaccines

If we take a look at the recent history of humankind, high mortality rates were mostly caused by infectious diseases. But over the past couple of centuries, infection-related mortality rates started to decline, mainly as a result of the improvement of the hygiene and cleanliness measures in societies, the discovery of antibiotics, and especially the breakthrough discovery of vaccines and vaccination.

Vaccination has now become a substantial part not only in pediatric care but in the general practice of conventional medicine. The team at Pediatrics of Sugarland is here to help you with all things related to vaccination, so contact us today to book your appointment!

What are the benefits of the vaccines?

What is vaccination?

Vaccination is defined as the administration of a vaccine, which is a substance that will help the immune system develop immunity against a specific microorganism. Vaccination is a simple, cheap, easy, and effective way to prevent infections and serious health complications.

What are the benefits of vaccination?

Vaccination holds many benefits, both on a personal and social scale.

– Vaccination has helped lower mortality rates worldwide and continues to save people’s lives today.

– Vaccination has helped control some serious diseases while also completely eradicating other infections.

– Vaccination reduces the cost of healthcare and protects the community from disease.

– Vaccination can help protect specific populations who are at risk, such as those suffering from immune deficits, or chronic diseases…

What is in a vaccine?

A vaccine is defined as a substance that will help the immune system develop immunity against a pathogen when introduced into the body. A vaccine usually contains the following ingredients, all designed to help it remain safe and effective:

– Antigen: responsible for generating the immune response.
– Adjuvant: helps boost the efficiency of the vaccine.
– Stabilizer: protects against environmental conditions related to storage and transportation.
– Preservative: allows the vaccines to be stored and to remain effective as time passes.

What are the types of vaccines?

Vaccines can be classified in many different ways depending on:

– The mode of administration: some vaccines can be administered by mouth (poliovirus) while others need to be injected into the body.

– Whether the antigen is bacterial or viral.

– Whether the vaccine contains a whole pathogen (inactivated or attenuated), parts of the microorganism, or a toxin it produces.

– Whether the vaccine is polyvalent (contains multiple strains of the same pathogen) or monovalent (one strain of the pathogen).

– Combination vaccines: some vaccines are administered in association with others (like the measles mumps rubella vaccine).

What should I do after my child has received a vaccine?

Babies may be irritable and fussy after a vaccine, which is understandable and not something to worry about. Parents should make sure that their children are comfortable, content, and closely reassured. Keep in mind that they may still feel slight pain or discomfort at the area of injection, so make sure to avoid mobilizing that area until it heals.

Another important thing to monitor is the child’s temperature. Having a fever after receiving a vaccine is common, but high fevers, especially in younger infants, can have serious long-term complications if the temperature is not lowered quickly.
Last but not least, any allergic reaction occurring after receiving a vaccine should be reported to your pediatrician. Although it’s extremely rare, but if the child shows signs of respiratory distress after receiving a shot, they should be taken to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Why should my child see a pediatrician for vaccines?

A routine vaccination schedule is recommended by the American association of pediatrics and the centers for disease control and prevention, but keeping a close relationship with a pediatrician is necessary to ensure not only an optimal experience but also optimal vaccination results.

Your pediatrician will also examine your baby before and after vaccinations, thus making sure that there aren’t any contraindications or complications from receiving the shot.

When it comes to the vaccination schedule, a pediatrician will be able to accommodate the child’s different needs and will suggest a schedule that covers not only the regularly recommended shots but also any special ones that the child may need, depending on her or his existing medical conditions.

Aside from the recommended vaccination programs, children will also need different boosters, and may also require yearly vaccines. Your pediatrician will help you understand which shots are needed and which aren’t.

Furthermore, special immunizations may be needed if the child is traveling to risky areas, or has been in contact with people who are at risk of carrying a harmful pathogen. Add to that any special vaccines in case of pandemics or outbreaks, especially such as the covid-19 global pandemic.

Last but not least, a pediatrician will help advise the parents on how to manage their child’s fever or alleviate their discomfort, reassure them and answer any questions that they may have, because although it’s not talked about often, vaccinating a child can be a stressful event for a parent.

Pediatrics of Sugar Land

(833) KIDS-DOC

Your treatment plan is designed for steady progress, with every phase promptly implemented.

Vaccination