Immunizations up to date? That's great!

By: Jodie Garcia - Vista Community Clinic | Saturday, May 12, 2007 7:14 PM PDT ∞

Congratulations to all the parents who have taken the steps to ensure that their children are up to date with their immunizations. Just by getting a simple vaccine, children, teens and adults lower their risk of exposure to dangerous diseases.

There are many reasons people don't get vaccinations. Lack of time, fear of needles, rumors, myths, religion and/or philosophical beliefs are just a few. Recent news reports stated that some immunizations may be linked to autism. Parents need to weigh the full benefits of childhood immunizations against the small risks. Remember always to consult your pediatrician to make the best choices to keep your children healthy.

Many vaccines are available for children. Combination vaccines are now available, designed to reduce the number of separate shots your child receives. Combination shots can include varicella for the prevention of chickenpox, hepatitis A & B, and Menactra for the prevention of bacterial meningitis, a disease that can be fatal if not treated. Newly available to females 9 years and older is Gardasil. This immunization helps to protect against cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus.

Immunization guidelines encourage parents to start their children's immunizations in the hospital at birth and to follow at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months. Also, before kindergarten, and before seventh grade.

Adult immunizations include: Pneumovax for seniors to help prevent pneumonia; tetanus (every 10 years) to help your immune system fight diseases you can be exposed to when you are injured; and influenza (flu) shots, available from October through early spring.

Please don't put off your family's immunizations if you have no insurance. The Vista Community Clinic Nurses Clinic offers a walk-in service for immunizations. The clinic is open 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (760) 631-5000, Ext. 1114, to see whether your child qualifies for no-cost or low-cost immunizations. Also, ask about programs that help cover the cost of some adult immunizations.

-- Jodie Garcia is the Pediatrics Department manager at Vista Community Clinic. This article was written with Veronica Paz, Nikki Washington, and Beatriz Zepeda, department staff. To make an appointment at any of five Vista Community Clinic locations, call (760) 631-5000.

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