Immunizations offered by your Edinburg and Mission, TX, pediatrician, Dr. Syed Husain of Valley Pediatric Clinic, help your children avoid many types of illnesses and diseases. Lately, immunization rates have declined, putting children at risk of developing potentially life-threatening diseases.
The factors affecting immunization rates
The decrease in immunizations is due to two factors:
- The COVID-19 pandemic: Parents have been postponing annual health visits due to worries that their child could catch COVID-19. Since the majority of children just recently became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, their fears are certainly understandable. Unfortunately, childhood illnesses don't stop happening just because the country is dealing with a pandemic. If your child doesn't follow the vaccine schedule recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics, he or she may not be fully protected from whooping cough, rotavirus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis, and other illnesses.
- Distrust of vaccines: Outbreaks of whooping cough and measles in recent years are a direct result of vaccine distrust. Some parents fear that immunizations will cause autism or worry about side effects. Luckily, studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although vaccines may cause side effects, most are mild and may include a low fever, fussiness, or pain at the injection site.
Why immunizations are so important
Diseases can only be prevented if the majority of the children are immunized. Kids who've received immunizations can't spread illnesses and won't become sick or will only become mildly ill if exposed to a virus or germ. Widespread immunization also protects children who are too young yet to receive vaccines or can't receive immunizations due to health issues.
Immunizations are recommended at specific times to maximize their effectiveness. If your child doesn't receive vaccines on schedule, he or she may not be adequately protected from disease. It's never too late to catch up on missed immunizations. During a visit to the Edinburg or Mission, TX, pediatric clinic, your child's pediatricians can offer all the immunizations your son or daughter needs. Your child's safety is the priority during visits. Every staff member wears a mask, and exam and waiting areas are cleaned thoroughly and often.
Does your child need immunizations? Now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician in Edinburg and Mission, TX. Call (956) 424-7100 to make an appointment with the Mission office or (956) 383-9300 to reach the Edinburg office.