INFANT IMMUNIZATIO N – CMC FRESNO
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UNDERSTANDING VACCINES
Smallpox and polio are just two of the diseases once common in the United States but are now
nearly unknown because of vaccines. Vaccinations offer protection against serious diseases that can cause serious complications, especially in infants. They function by triggering the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against certain germs (bacteria or viruses). Vaccines contain antigens, inactivated or weakened forms of a virus or bacteria. Antigens cause
the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies. These antigens stimulate an immune reaction in the body without causing illness. These antibodies stay in the body and protect us from getting sick if we are exposed to the
activated virus or bacteria later. The body’s immune system is highly adaptable, and vaccines help improve its ability to fight off certain infections.
WHY YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE VACCINATED
Caring for a baby involves many important choices. One of the most crucial is to protect your
child from disease through infant vaccination. It would be best if you immunize your child for the following reasons.
VACCINES PROTECT AGAINST 14 LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES
Immunizations have saved millions of lives and are still protecting people from diseases that once plagued the United States and other countries, such as •
Chickenpox (varicella)
•
Diphtheria
•
Hepatitis A
•
Hepatitis B
•
Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
•
Influenza (flu)
•
Measles
•
Mumps
•
Pertussis (whooping cough)
•
Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia)
•
Polio
•
Rotavirus
•
Rubella (German measles)
•
Tetanus
VACCINES HAVE BEEN TESTED AND PROVEN SAFE
Despite what you may hear or read, there’s no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism or
other developmental disorders. Vaccines are among the most carefully studied of all medical products. Before they are approved
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children, vaccines go through a long development and testing process to ensure they are safe and effective. Once a vaccine has been approved for use, several agencies like the CDC, FDA, National
Institutes of Health (NIH), and independent organizations such as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the shots.
MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR CHILD VACCINATED
The importance of getting your child vaccinated against preventable illnesses cannot be
understated. It is safe, effective, and recommended to guard against even the most dangerous diseases. CMCFresno offers immunization for newborn and older children. Book an appointment today to ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date. Call us at (559) 455-1500 or browse our website for more information.