Celebrating World Immunization Week: Learn More About Childhood Immunization

In April, we celebrate World Immunization Week. Globally immunization prevents 2 to 3 million deaths per year. Yet 1 in 7 children, still are under immunized.

Vaccines are essential for protecting children against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Many of these diseases have been forgotten in our country. Before vaccines were available, these diseases took a terrible toll. For example, before the measles vaccine was licensed in 1963, the virus infected at least 2 million Americans a year, causing 500 deaths and 48,000 hospitalizations.

Public health benefits of vaccination far outweigh possible side effects. Vaccinations typically cause only mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are very rare.

When children are vaccinated, their immune systems develop infection-fighting antibodies to protect them from contracting the targeted disease if they are exposed to it later in life. The full course of recommended childhood vaccinations, largely completed for most children by age 6, not only protects the vaccinated child but also contributes to a larger umbrella of protection known as “herd immunity.” By doing so, it helps prevent the spread of disease to those who cannot be vaccinated, including newborns who are too young to be vaccinated, and people with compromised immune systems, who cannot effectively develop antibodies to fend off disease.

Many diseases against which children in the United States are immunized are rare in this country because of our mass vaccination programs. However, these diseases are still found in other parts of the world and can be reintroduced into the United States by travelers, and then spread within our communities among people who have not been vaccinated. The current resurgence of measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is a painful reminder of the need for vaccination.
We know it might upset you to see your children receive several vaccinations during a medical visit. However, these shots are necessary for protection from multiple dangerous—and sometimes deadly—diseases. The medical professionals at Everest Urgent Care in Upper Darby and Chester, Pa. are experienced at providing you and your children with needed vaccinations. We do everything in our power to put you at ease throughout the medical visit.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION

What are Types of Vaccines?

Walk-In Appointments Available at Everest Urgent Care

Parents and caregivers, please vaccinate your children to protect them, as well as friends, family, and community members who cannot be vaccinated. Many people incorrectly assume that a choice not to get a vaccine is a risk-free choice. But it is not. The choice not to get a vaccine is a choice to risk the disease that the vaccine prevents. Studies show that unimmunized children are more likely to get vaccine-preventable diseases if there is an outbreak than those who have been immunized.
Well-check and vaccination exams with experienced medical providers are available with no appointment necessary at both of our Everest Urgent Care locations in Upper Darby and Chester, PA. Learn more about hours and locations HERE.