VAX FOR YOU
Learn the science behind vaccines and some common misconceptions about them
What are vaccines and how do they work?
Vaccines are made from small amounts of weak or dead disease causing germs. These germs may come from viruses, bacteria, or toxins.
They introduce this incredibly weak or dead “strain” of the virus or bacteria into our bodies. This pathogen cannot harm us, because our immune cells are much stronger than it, but it does allow for our body to create antibodies against the pathogen if we are exposed to it in the future.
How are vaccines tested?
Vaccines are tested rigorously before use. The Food and Drug Administration requires all vaccinations administered in the US to undergo preliminary tests before the vaccines are available for widespread usage through hundreds of clinical trials. Then, once those trials have proved successful and safe, they approve it for widespread usage and monitor it’s administration carefully for expression of adverse effects in those who it is given to. Vaccines are constantly being watched by scientists and doctors who care about keeping you safe in order to offer you the best care possible.
Vaccinating
Your Children
If you are a parent, the process of vaccinating your children can be difficult. Luckily, the VaxFax team is here to help. Below, you will find information on six incredibly important vaccines for your children and when they should be receiving them.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease that can spread very quickly in schools. While modern medicine has made it less dangerous for adults, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are still at a high risk for complications if chickenpox is contracted. Therefore, it is incredibly important for children to get vaccinated against it.
The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the Chickenpox vaccine
One at 12-15 months
One at 4-6 years
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
This vaccination protects against three deadly diseases, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). These diseases are concerning at any age but are especially dangerous to children.
The CDC recommends children receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine:
One at two months
One at four months
One at six months
One at 15-18 months
One at 4-6 years
Children need so many doses of this vaccine in order to build up a high immunity (CDC)
Influenza (Flu)
The flu is a respiratory illness that is especially severe in young children. For this reason, it is recommended by the CDC that children get a flu vaccine every year starting at the age of six months. (source)
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
MMR consists of three viral respiratory illnesses that can cause high fevers, difficulty breathing, and painful rashes. All three of these diseases are serious in small children.
The CDC recommends that children get two doses of this vaccine:
One at 12-15 months
One at 4-6 years
Polio
Polio is a life threatening disease which can leave those who contracted it permanently disabled due to polio virus infecting the spinal cord. It is incredibly dangerous to people of all ages, hence why protecting against it begins so early.
Children are recommended by the CDC to receive four doses of the Polio vaccine:
One at 2 months
One at 4 months
One at 6-18 months
One at 4-6 years
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a viral disease similar to influenza but far more contagious. It caused a global pandemic in the early 2020’s and resulted in over six million fatalities. Luckily, with vaccination, COVID cases are decreasing, which is why it is incredibly important for your children to participate in reducing the spread and immunize them against COVID-19.
The CDC recommends three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for children, starting at 6 months of age
One at six months
One three to eight weeks after the first dose
One at least eight weeks after the second dose
For a full vaccination schedule for children from birth to 6 years old, based on current medical research on vaccinations, see the Center for Disease Control’s Vaccine Schedule for Children
