Childhood immunizations are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and The American Academy of Family Physicians. Immunizations protect your child from deadly diseases such as polio. At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we work with you to ensure your child doesn’t miss any routine immunizations or flu shots.
The flu season runs for five months, typically from January to April. The CDC recommends everyone above 6 months get a yearly flu vaccine. At NHP, we recommend getting the pertussis, (also known as whooping cough), vaccine if you’re an adult around young children.
Keeping Track of Immunizations
As a parent, it’s crucial that you bring your child for immunization at their scheduled dates without fail. Most immunizations will be completed between birth and 6 years, and they reduce as the child grows older. Most crucial vaccines are given more than once at different ages and in combinations. That means keeping track of your child’s records carefully to ensure none is missed.
Here at Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we keep records of the vaccinations through our Electronic Medical Record software and we share them with you on the Patient Portal for easy access. Some schools won’t admit children without complete immunization records. If your child is sick during their immunization date, consider booking another at a later date when the child feels better to make up for the missed one.
Importance of Immunization in Children
Immunizations have many benefits for children, parents, and the community. Here are the most common benefits of immunizations:
- They help save lives
- They’re safe, efficient, and effective
- They protect other people you care about
- They save you money you would have used to treat diseases like polio
- They protect future generations
- They promote a healthier community
How to Prepare Your Child for Vaccinations
Immunizations sometimes mean getting shots, something many children don’t like. Preparing them in advance helps them relax, which makes the process smooth and fast. At NHP, we recommend talking to your child about vaccines. Listen to their thoughts and be ready to answer their questions. Remember, your child will look up to you for an appropriate emotional reaction. Let your child know why they’re getting vaccinated and create a comfortable distraction. Soothe them after the shots and speak to their doctor about possible side effects. You can also let them take their favorite stuffed animal or toy during the visit.
At Nebraska Home Pediatrics, we always allow breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their child during their immunizations and we always allow children to sit in their parent’s lap during their immunizations, if they so choose.
Request an Immunization or Flu Shot in Omaha, Nebraska
At Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, we help track your child’s immunization schedule and provide further guidance on the vaccine your child is receiving. To learn more about your child’s shots or to book an immunization appointment contact us today.