NEWS

Before vaccines were available, childhood diseases affected or killed far too many children. Even after recovering from an illness, some children experienced complications that made their lives much harder. Fortunately, kids today don't have to face the health consequences of polio, diphtheria, measles, and other diseases thanks to immunizations available from the pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of Wellesley in Medfield, and Weston, MA.

How immunizations protect your child

Immunizations prompt your child's body to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and attack specific bacteria or viruses. If your child is ever exposed to the bacteria or virus, the antibodies will prevent your child from getting sick or reduce the severity of the symptoms.

The more children are immunized, the better. When most of the people in your area are immunized, diseases can't spread to babies who are too young to receive vaccines or children and adults who can't get immunizations because of health conditions.

Immunizations your child needs

When you visit the Medfield and Weston, MA, pediatric offices, your child's doctor will share the recommended immunization schedule with you. Many vaccines require additional booster dosages that help make the immunizations more effective. During the first few years of your child's life, you'll be visiting the office regularly for immunizations and well-child checkups.

Immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics include:

  • HepB (Birth, 1 - 2 months, and 6 - 18 months)
  • Rotavirus (2 months and 4 months)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 - 18 months, and 4 to 6 years)
  • Polio (2 months, 4 months, 6 - 18 months, and 4 - 6 years)
  • HiB (2 months, 4 months, and 12 - 15 months)
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (12 - 15 months and 4 - 6 years)
  • Varicella (12 - 15 months and 4 - 6 years)
  • Pneumoccocal conjugate (2 months, 4 months, 6 - 18 months, and 4 - 6 years)
  • Meningococcal b (16 - 18 years)
  • Influenza (Yearly)
  • Human papillomavirus (11-12 years, plus a second dose 6 to 12 months later)

Is your child due for an immunization? Get in touch with your Weston, and Medfield, MA, pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of Wellesley to schedule your child's visit. Call (781) 736-0040 for the Weston, MA, office, or (508) 359-9200 for the Medfield, MA, office.