Immunizations help children enjoy better health by enabling them to develop immunity against many serious diseases. The first immunization vaccines are administered between 1-2 months of age. Dr. Mary Ogunsanya, the board-certified pediatrician at Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD, follows the immunization schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

How Immunization Works

There are numerous benefits to immunizing children. Immunization is the process of helping the body develop immunity to various diseases and illnesses through the administration of vaccines, which contain inactive forms of certain diseases. Vaccines do not cause illness since the material they contain is inactive, but they still prompt the immune system to develop antibodies in response to the foreign material. The antibodies enable the body to develop immunity so those diseases pose no threat.

Tips to Prepare for Baby’s First Immunization

Parents and caregivers tend to be more nervous about their baby’s first immunization than their little ones. After all, most likely your baby does not realize they are about to receive their first immunizations. Many vaccines are administered by injection so your child will feel a slight prick, but it is over in a matter of seconds. It can also help to remember that you are doing what is best for your baby, which includes protecting against serious illness and disease and promoting better health.

Your baby might experience some mild discomfort for a day or so following immunization. You can prepare ahead of time by being ready to soothe and comfort your little one. Some things you can do to help your baby feel better after the first immunizations include:

• Swaddling or snuggling your baby
• Offering the breast or bottle
• Giving the baby a warm bath
• Gently rubbing or massing the injection site
• Giving baby infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pediatrician recommends it
• Reading or singing to take the baby’s mind off the discomfort

Immunization Schedules

At our pediatric offices in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD, we follow the immunization schedules developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recommended by the AAP. There are three immunization schedules. Each schedule outlines the specific ages at which each dose of a particular vaccine should be administered for maximum immunization.

The first immunization schedule provides guidelines for vaccines to be administered between the ages of birth to 6 years. The second schedule covers the vaccines that should be given between 7-18 years of age. Finally, the third schedule is a catch-up schedule that can be followed when a child starts the immunization process late or has fallen more than a month behind the regular schedule.

Preparing for a baby’s first immunization can be a little scary since it is new, but we are here to help ensure everything goes smoothly. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ogunsanya for your little one’s immunizations by calling Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale & Oxon Hill, MD, at (301) 218-0398 for our Glenn Dale office or (301) 567-1767 for the Oxon Hill location, so call today.