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Immunizations and Vaccinations

In pediatrics, vaccines and immunizations are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different things:

Vaccines are the actual substances or medications that are given to protect against diseases. They contain small, safe parts of germs or inactivated germs that teach the immune system to recognize and fight the real disease if it comes along.
Immunization is the process that happens after a child gets a vaccine. It’s the body’s response—developing immunity (protection) against that disease. So, when a child is vaccinated, they go through immunization as their body builds up that defense.

In simple terms: a vaccine is what’s given to protect against disease, and immunization is the protective effect that builds in the child’s body after getting the vaccine. Both are key in keeping kids healthy by helping their immune systems get strong against certain illnesses before they’re ever exposed.

How do immunizations work?

Immunizations create resistance to diseases. Your child is injected with the smallest trace of a virus – a much-weakened fragment or a lab-made protein that imitates it – fooling their body into producing antibodies, making them immune to infection should they come into contact with that disease again. They’re extremely safe and highly effective and are only ever administered in a controlled environment.

Once immunized against a disease, your child is either fully protected from catching it or will only experience a much milder version of it.

Some vaccinations require boosters because antibodies deplete over time, whereas others – like the flu vaccination – are given every year because the strain of flu changes, so your previous immunization is useless against it.

Your pediatrician will explain what each vaccination does and any expected side effects you may experience in the next 48 hours.

Why should you get your child immunized?

Immunizations protect your child from potentially life-threatening viruses and diseases. Vaccinations have stopped epidemics of what were once highly contagious diseases, such as whooping cough, mumps, and measles.

Many schools make immunizations mandatory for the safety of their students and won’t allow pupils to attend unless they have an up-to-date vaccination record. Children receive most of their vaccinations between birth and six years old, with the majority given within the first three years.

If your child is behind on their immunizations, call your pediatrician. They will get them back on track by creating a new vaccination schedule for them.

What should my child be immunized against?

You can get immunized against diseases that range from those globally recognized to those that affect specific regions. Schools insist on their pupils having immunity against any diseases with which children are most likely to come into contact and which would cause the most widespread epidemic if contracted. These include

No child enjoys getting their shots, but Kids Central Pediatrics provides a calm and fun environment in which even the most nervous child feels at ease. Dr. James thoroughly explains to every parent what the vaccine is for and why they give them, and he’s happy to answer any questions. Keep your child up-to-date with their immunization schedule. Call Kids Central Pediatrics today, or book an appointment online.

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