If you’d like to reduce your child’s risk of contracting a communicable disease, the expert team at Bright Futures Pediatrics in Las Vegas, Nevada, has solutions. They offer immunizations for babies, children of all ages, and teenagers to help keep your entire family healthy. Schedule a wellness exam over the phone or book a visit online at the Southwest or Centennial Hills office to find out which immunizations might be right for your child.

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What are immunizations?

Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, are shots that contain weak or dead germs. When your pediatrician gives a healthy child an immunization, it triggers an immune system response to help them build immunity by producing disease-specific antibodies. Numerous immunizations are available at Bright Futures Pediatrics.

Are immunizations safe?

While your child might experience minor side effects after an immunization, the benefits often greatly outweigh any potential risks, as certain communicable diseases can cause severe or life-threatening symptoms. Your pediatric specialist can review the risks and benefits with you prior to vaccine administration.

Which immunizations are right for my child?

The immunizations that best match your child needs vary based on their age, health, and medical history. Examples of commonly administered vaccines include:

  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Chickenpox
  • Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
  • Rotavirus
  • Varicella
  • Polio
  • Meningococcal and pneumococcal
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) establishes guidelines for immunizations in children, the decision to vaccinate, and when to do so, is entirely up to you and your pediatrician.

You can opt to follow the CDC vaccination schedule or work with your child’s pediatrician to develop a personalized vaccine plan you feel comfortable with. Certain vaccines are most effective when given in multiple dosages spaced apart over time.

What happens during an immunization visit?

If you and your Bright Futures Pediatrics provider determine that immunizations are right for your child, they prepare the vaccines. While your child sits on your lap or on a comfortable exam table, their provider carefully injects the vaccine into their arm or leg. Though vaccine injections feel like a tiny pinch, they last just a second.

What should I expect after immunizations?

After your child receives an immunization, their risk of contracting certain diseases greatly decreases. They might experience temporary side effects for a day or two, such as:

  • Swelling or redness at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches

These possible immunization side effects are temporary, and are a sign that your child’s body is building immunity against diseases.

To learn more about immunizations and find out if they’re right for your child, schedule an appointment with Bright Futures Pediatrics by phone or book online today.