Why Are Immunizations Important?

Immunizations play an essential role in helping your child and community stay healthy. But what does an immunization actually do, and how does it do it? At Tri-Valley Pediatrics, serving Pleasanton, CA, and San Ramon, CA, we are committed to ensuring you have the information you need to protect your children.

What Are Immunizations?

Immunizations are shots designed to prevent illness or disease from affecting your child. Immunizations help your child build immunity to avoid serious illness or life-long consequences – vaccines save lives. Immunizations are safe and effective and undergo a rigorous testing process before approval.

Vaccines work by introducing either a weakened or dead version of a virus into your child’s system so that they can develop antibodies. Antibodies are what help us fight off disease. As the virus is weakened, it is much easier for your child to develop the tools they need to fight off that type of disease in the future. The vaccine teaches the immune system to produce antibodies. 

Why Are Immunizations Important?

Immunizations against smallpox and polio have nearly eradicated these illnesses, saving countless lives by preventing these infectious diseases from spreading—contagious diseases spread by being transmitted from person to person. If a community does not have sufficient immunity, sometimes called herd immunity, it is more likely to infect more people. Vaccinations help protect your child and all the children in your community and San Ramon and Pleasanton, CA.

What Should I Expect From Immunizations?

Your child will require immunizations for various diseases on a schedule from birth up until adulthood. This vaccination schedule is important; you will work with your pediatrician to protect your child from disease. You can review the CDC’s immunization schedule here to know what to expect.

At Tri-Valley Pediatrics, we are here to guide you along the way. We are invested in keeping your child happy and healthy. You can schedule regular check-ups with our clinic by calling (925) 460-8444 for our Pleasanton, CA, location or (925) 380-6230 for our San Ramon office.