As a parent, ensuring the health and well-being of your children is typically a top priority. One crucial aspect of maintaining their health is staying up to date with their immunization schedule. Immunizations protect your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, providing them with a strong defense against infections. It’s important to understand when immunizations are needed and if your child is due for their next set. Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, can explain immunizations and the schedule that your child needs to follow to stay healthy. 

Following an Immunization Schedule 

Immunizations are vital for protecting children from a range of infectious diseases. By vaccinating your child according to the recommended schedule, you not only protect their health but also contribute to community immunity, reducing the spread of diseases within the population. It’s important to follow the schedule your pediatrician in Rockville, MD, recommends for immunizations because it corresponds with the stages of your child’s development. 

The immunization schedule outlines the recommended vaccines and the ages at which they should be administered. The schedule is designed to provide optimal protection at key stages of development, ensuring that children receive vaccines when their immune systems are most receptive to building immunity. It's essential to follow the schedule closely to ensure that your child receives all necessary vaccines on time. 

Immunizations start when your child is first born and will continue regularly for the first few years of your child’s life. As they grow up, they will need to maintain their tetanus shot every 10 years and their influenza vaccine annually. 

If your child has missed any vaccines or fallen behind schedule, catch-up vaccination is available. Your child's pediatrician can develop a catch-up schedule to ensure that they receive any missed vaccines and get back on track with their immunization schedule. 

Contact Our Pediatrician Today 

Make sure you follow the immunization schedule recommended by your pediatrician. Contact Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD, to learn about immunizations and why following a schedule is important. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (301) 517-9710.