Your child's long term health deserves the best possible protection. That's why Dr. Kenneth Kim, your child doctor in Fairfax, VA, and his professional team urge parents to keep their children's immunizations current, avoiding the many harmful symptoms and complications of a variety of communicable diseases. Learn more here about the importance of vaccines.

Just what is an immunization?

Also called vaccines, inoculations or even "shots," childhood immunizations are medications introduced into the body to confer protection against communicable diseases. One of the most famous childhood immunizations is the polio vaccine which has all but eradicated infantile paralysis in the United States and other developed countries.

Vaccines contain live or weakened bacteria or viruses, and when placed under the skin or muscle via injections, they start the body's own defense systems against specific diseases. The body responds to the vaccine by producing antibodies, proteins which combat foreign invaders.

Your child doctor in Fairfax, VA, firmly believes in the routine administration of vaccines--according to specific schedules--to give as much protection as possible against diseases such as:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Influenza
• Hepatitis
• Rotavirus

In all, vaccines defend children against 18 diseases. Vaccines start at birth and go through age 18. Dr. Kim strictly adheres to the vaccination schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. These schedules include a "catch-up" schedule for youngsters who have not received all their shots on time for various reasons.

It's not just for your child
Childhood immunizations confer a community immunity, or herd immunity, that is very important. And, it's another reason why Dr. Kim urges you to keep current with immunizations. Widely distributed and on-time immunizations given to as many healthy kids as possible benefit us all, including those children and teens who cannot for medical reasons receive their shots.

A word about safety and practicality...
Vaccines are safe, and while your child may experience localized swelling, tenderness, redness, or even a low-grade fever after an inoculation, these concerns are miniscule compared to the serious complications illnesses may cause.
Plus, from the practical side of things, many organizations, most schools and day cares and other child-centered activities require shot records for admission. Your friends at Kenneth J. Kim Pediatrics will maintain these important records and distribute them as needed per your request.

Do you have questions?
Your child will receive his or her vaccines according to the age-appropriate schedule at his or her well-child visit from their child doctor at Kenneth J. Kim Pediatrics. We'd love to answer any questions you have so you feel assured of the safety and efficacy of these vital medications. Call us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment at our Fairfax, VA, office at (703) 246-0022.