Childhood Vaccinations
Dr. John Vann and Dr. Tricia Schmit direct the Omaha Children's Clinic in Omaha, NE, and advocate immunizations. Our experienced, skilled, licensed, and board-certified pediatric medical doctors are well-versed in healthcare for children and the required and recommended childhood immunization guidelines as set by the CDC.
The Importance of Childhood Vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations are the best way to prevent disease and illness in your children. Children who are not vaccinated stand a greater risk of developing a life-changing disease.
Omaha Children's Clinic in Omaha, NE, meets many parents who believe that their child should not be vaccinated because it has been a long time since children have become ill from some of the diseases so prevalent in years past. They think their child is no longer at risk because of this.
However, it is because of our vaccination programs that these diseases are kept at bay. If all parents take this stand and refuse to immunize their children, these diseases will return and run rampant again.
While vaccinations pose a risk for mild side effects for a day or two, this is a small price to pay for life-long severe side effects from a once rare disease. We want our children to remain protected and healthy for the rest of their lives.
Vaccines protect a baby and a young child's immune system by boosting their body to fight germs. Some vaccinations last a lifetime, such as the smallpox vaccination, which is given only once and provides a lifetime of protection. Babies and young children lack fully developed immune systems and need help building their body's defenses through vaccinations.
Other vaccinations, such as flu or COVID shots, are given every few years or yearly. We must administer yearly vaccinations because the germs in influenza and COVID mutate and are different the following year, so the vaccination must be developed to keep up, and some vaccinations require a boost shot to maintain the body's defenses.
Reasons to Vaccinate Children
- Exposure to germs every day at school and events
- Poor hygiene in children
- Lower immunity when young
- To train the immune system to recognize virus antigens
- To protect family members and friends
- Increased risk of death without vaccinations
Not all vaccine information found on the internet is correct. Ensure you get accurate information through reputable sources such as the CDC, FDA, NIH, and Cleveland Clinic, to name a few sites.
Contrary to some beliefs, vaccines are rigorously tested and safe for children and adults. For more information on immunizations, please call Dr. Vann or Dr. Schmit at the Omaha Children's Clinic in Omaha, NE, at 402-330-5690.