Are your children up to date with their vaccinations? As the new school year is about to begin, it is critical for us as parents to make sure that our children have the required vaccinations. We should prepare them for that day as well.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has established five important reasons for children to be vaccinated as follows:
1. Immunizations can save your child’s life;
2. Vaccinations are very safe and effective;
3. Immunizations protect others whom you care about;
4. Immunizations can save your family time and money; and
5. Immunization protects future generations.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also has a website page with information that will assist parents with preparing their children for vaccination day. It suggests to pack a book or a toy for a young child to comfort him. With older children, speak to them about the importance of vaccinations and be honest with them, letting them know that shots do sting a bit, but only for a while.
Please do prepare your children for that visit. I remember one visit with my youngest son James when he was about 5 years old. My late husband and I took him to the pediatrician for his usual annual checkup before school started but unfortunately, we did not prepare him for the visit. Unbeknownst to any of us, he had to get not just one, but several shots during that visit. After the first shot, James jumped off the examination table and ran and hid under the doctor’s desk, crying. We all finally made it through the rest of the shots, but it was truly an ordeal. Needless to say, that was the most memorable visit to the doctor that we ever had with him!
The bottom line is that vaccinations are crucial for your children’s good health and must not be overlooked. Planning and preparing for that day will help everyone to get through it.
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