Vaccines

Childhood vaccines protect your little one from serious communicable diseases. That’s why Romit Kar, MD, at Kar's Pediatrics, follows the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccination guidelines to give your child the healthiest start. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more or schedule vaccinations for your child. The practice has locations in Newport Beach and Tustin, California. 

What are vaccines?

Vaccines are injections that prevent your child from getting serious diseases by exposing them to tiny amounts of microbes or illness-causing germs. 

When pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or other disease-causing microorganisms) enter your body, your immune system goes to work to fight them off. In many cases, your immune system identifies the pathogen right away. Its fast response keeps you healthy. But there are some diseases that your body needs a helping hand to fight.

Vaccinations work by exposing your child’s body to a specific disease but in a safe form. Scientists weaken the pathogen before injecting it into the body. This way, the vaccine doesn’t make your child sick. Instead, it teaches the body that pathogen is dangerous. 

Does my child really need vaccines?

Vaccines can protect your child and keep preventable diseases from spreading.

In the past, babies, children, and adults died from exposure to diseases that their bodies didn’t know how to fight. Today, thanks to the power of vaccines, many serious illnesses we worried about in the past no longer pose such a severe threat.

All children must get vaccinated to promote “herd immunity.” When a large enough portion of the population receives vaccinations, it helps provide immunity for those who are ill or too weak to be vaccinated.

Are vaccines safe?

The risk of your child reacting to a vaccine is tiny compared to the risk of getting sick. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that the odds that your child will have a severe reaction after vaccination are one in a million.

In some cases, vaccinations do cause minor side effects, such as:

• Pain
• Redness or swelling at the vaccination site
• Mild flu-like symptoms

These discomforts may come a few hours after the vaccine is administered and usually don’t last more than a day or two.

What vaccines does my child need?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC provide guidelines for which vaccines your baby or young child needs and at what age. Most vaccines are administered during your child’s wellness or milestone visits, starting at birth and continuing to adulthood. Recommended vaccines include:

• Hepatitis B (Hep B)
• Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Mumps/Measles/Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria/Pertussis (DTaP)
• Tetanus (Tdap)
• Polio (IPV)
• Meningitis A Strain (Menactra)
• Meningitis B Strain (Trumenba)
• Influenza (the flu)
  

Call Romit Kar, MD, at Kar's Pediatric, or schedule an appointment online today to ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations.