Back-to-School Boosters: Immunize Children On Schedule.(Brief Article)

2001 SEP 12 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) --

Each year, children miss the first day of school because they do not have the immunizations needed to enter a particular grade. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) want to remind parents to immunize their children on schedule as the best protection against dangerous childhood diseases.

"One of the most important steps a parent can take to maintain their child's health is to immunize them on schedule against deadly, preventable diseases," says Steve Berman, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. "The success of immunizations can make parents think these diseases no longer exist. In reality it's because the vaccines are working that we rarely see a child with measles for example. Therefore, it's imperative that we never take the importance of proper immunizations for granted."

According to Dr. Berman there are three key points parents need to know about immunizing their children:

* By keeping your child up-to-date on recommended immunizations), you also protect your family and community against the spread of infectious diseases.

* Vaccines are extremely safe. Like any medicine, they can cause mild reactions, but they are by far the most effective way to keep children healthy.

* Immunizations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. But because the ...