Which Vaccines Are Important for My Child?

As a caregiver, you might wonder about the importance of vaccines or if they’re necessary. We answer these common questions about childhood immunizations here.

A significant part of caring for a child is setting them up for a healthy future. Keeping up-to-date on their vaccines is a great step to ensure health. While babies are born with some antibodies passed down from their mothers, children have weak and developing immune systems that need assistance.

Vaccines create immunity to certain diseases, such as diphtheria, rotavirus, polio, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Vaccines work by placing a small part of a germ or a weakened germ into your child’s body. It triggers a reaction from their immune system as if it were fighting the real thing. Then, their body creates antibodies to defend your child should the actual germs ever enter.

Because vaccines play a significant role in protecting your child, family, and community, our team, led by Min Jung, MD, at Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas, wants you to understand the importance of vaccines so you can keep your child up-to-date.

Understanding the importance of vaccines

Preventing illnesses is greatly preferred over letting your child develop an infection.

While it's true that getting infected with certain germs can provide longer-lasting immunity, it comes with a high risk. For example, developing the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can lead to permanent deafness or severe brain damage.

Therefore, because so many diseases have risks of dangerous complications, it’s better to vaccinate your child to protect them.

Which vaccines does your child need?

Your child will need several vaccines over the years, starting at birth until they’re 18 years old. Many also require boosters after a few years. Here are the recommended vaccines:

Hepatitis B (HepB)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Poliovirus (IPV)
Pneumococcal (PCV13, PPSV23)
Rotavirus (RV)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Hepatitis A (HepA)
Chickenpox (varicella)
Meningococcal (MenACWY, MenB)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Influenza (flu shot)
COVID-19

It’s essential you don’t skip any of these vaccines. Not only can vaccinating your child protect them, but it also keeps the rest of your family and other children in the community safe from dangerous diseases.

If you’re worried about the safety of the vaccines, our team can discuss each immunization and address any concerns. While some vaccines may cause mild soreness at the vaccine site or a low-grade fever, serious side effects are very rare.

To get your child up-to-date on their vaccines, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. You can do this by calling 469-530-9860 or by booking online.