Why Immunizations Are Important

Clearwater Pediatric Care and Westchase Pediatric Care is your expert pediatrician in Clearwater, FL, and Westchase, FL. Our skilled team of dedicated pediatricians is here for you and your child when you have any health concerns, and we recommend keeping up with regular annual physicals and all the recommended immunizations.

What is a vaccine?

Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses by an injection of a dead or weakened form of the infection. The injection is just enough to trigger the immune system to start producing antibodies without causing an infection. The shot is administered in your pediatrician’s office and you can stay with your child. Once your child builds up their immunity (within a few weeks of the shot) the body can maintain its defense and prevent future infections.

Why are immunizations important?

Some parents have concerns about vaccines, but vaccines are thoroughly tested and must pass very rigorous testing and approval by the FDA before they are administered to the public. It’s normal to worry about your child having to get a shot but vaccines are entirely safe, and often required for school enrollment. Children have a higher chance of being exposed to viruses when they're at school around other kids who aren't always hygienic, but immunizations are a safe and effective way to help stop the spread of disease. 

When a majority of the population is vaccinated we achieve what's called herd immunity and there's less chance of disease being spread. Immunizations help protect others, like those with weakened immune systems or new babies who can’t be vaccinated.

Clearwater Pediatric Care and Westchase Pediatric Care is here for you with a team of expert pediatricians in Clearwater, FL, and Westchase, FL. If your child needs to be vaccinated, contact us for an appointment in Clearwater, FL, at (727) 461-1543, and in Westchase, FL, at (813) 818-1543.