Immunizations are critical to keeping a young child healthy. They teach a child’s immune system to recognize and fight off dangerous diseases. Because of immunizations, diseases such as polio, meningitis and measles are rare today.
However, if we stop immunizing our children, some contagious diseases could return. August is National Immunization Awareness Month and First 5 San Benito reminds parents and caregivers of the importance of staying on schedule when it comes to vaccinations.
Just as babies rely on their parents for feeding, bathing and sleeping routines, health officials rely on parents to begin an immunization schedule when their babies are two months old to protect them from disease.
Unfortunately, many parents do not follow that advice, putting their children and others at risk. That’s why First 5 San Benito and the California Department of Health Services recommend immunizations be given to children according to the following schedule:
Immunization Timetable
Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP/DtaP) Immunize between 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 15-18 months and prior to entering kindergarten
Hepatitis B Immunize at birth & between 1-2, 6-12+ months and prior to entering kindergarten
Polio Immunize between 2-3, 4-5, 6-12 months and prior to entering kindergarten
Influenza Type B (Hib) Immunize between 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 and at 12-15+ months
Pneumococcal Conjugate Immunize between 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 and at 12-15+ months
Rotavirus (oral) Immunize at 2, 4, and 6 mos. The first dose must be administered before 12 weeks of age and all 3 doses must be administered before 32 weeks of age.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunize between 12 months and prior to entering kindergarten
Varicella (chicken pox) Immunize at 12 months, and prior to entering kindergarten, unless the child has previously had chicken pox
To ensure that your child receives the maximum benefit from immunizations, be sure to:
· Start your baby’s shots at two months
· Join the Immunization Registry in your region and this will insure that:
1. Your child receives the right shots at the right time
2. You have a record of your child’s shots every time you visit your doctor or clinic
· Ask your doctor when your child’s next shots are due
· Read the information you receive about the shots carefully, and observe your child for any signs he or she is not feeling well
· Immunization schedules do change, so it is important to check with your doctor to be sure your child is receiving his or her shots on time
For more information regarding immunizations please call the Public Health Department at 637-5367, Hazel Hawkins Community Health Center in San Juan Bautista at 623-4615, Hazel Hawkins Community Clinic in Hollister at 636-2664, or the San Benito Health Foundation at 637-5306.
Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life.
Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5. First 5 San Benito distributes approximately $700,000 a year in Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs.
