Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 3 | Winter 2018

winning health 4 member news Tots need their shots It’s summer! Now that kids are out of school, it is a good time to make an appointment for your child’s immunizations. Check with your doctor about the immunization schedule. It is important to stay on schedule. If your child is turning 2, be sure to schedule their well-child visit on or before the child’s second birthday . For questions about immunizations, call 1-805-437-5602. Why does the doctor want to vaccinate your child? D o you know why your doctor wants to give your child so many shots? It isn’t because they get paid by large groups to do so. It is because your doctor wants to become part of the team that protects your child. Years ago, illnesses like whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and chickenpox used to make children sick—very sick. Some children developed lifelong problems. They were left weak or with brain damage. Other children died. As scientists developed and improved vaccinations, those childhood illnesses had almost vanished in the U.S.! Unfortunately, more and more parents are going against the vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some parents are refusing vaccines because they are worried that they cause other health problems. Other parents want to spread out shots because they believe it is safer for their child. Just like with any other medication, vaccines can cause reactions. But they have not been proven to cause serious health problems. Spreading out shots may ease the crying at the doctor’s office one day. But it leaves your child unprotected from high fever, whooping cough and other serious illnesses. As more families spread out or refuse shots, the concern is that childhood illnesses will return. Only this time, doctors won’t be as prepared. Newer generations of doctors have never seen patients with some of these illnesses. All it takes is for about 5 out of 100 unvaccinated children to get sick in order for an illness to spread in our cities. Think about how many kids you see at school, your church or the mall. That sickness could spread quickly! Instead of saying ‘No’ to vaccinations, partner with your doctor and keep your child safe by asking: ■  ■ How you can keep your child most comfortable during the immunizations. ■  ■ If you can breastfeed while the shots are given to calm and soothe your baby. ■  ■ If you can bring a favorite toy to entertain your young toddler. Vaccinating your child is important. Make sure to ask questions if you have them.

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