Immunizations in Westfield, MA

There are a number of vaccinations that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for newborns and young children. All of these immunizations are administered by the doctor in order to protect the child from preventable illnesses like polio, measles, and more.

Stay proactive and aware of which vaccinations your little ones will need throughout their lifetime by referring to Family Medicine Associates’s immunization schedule, or by calling to schedule a one-on-one consultation with your pediatrician.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B vaccine is typically administered immediately after birth to protect individuals from all three forms of Hepatitis B, which are each a serious type of liver infection that can lead to permanent scarring.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious illness that leads to over 215,000 deaths annually, primarily in young children. Adults can also be affected by rotavirus, though they are less likely to experience severe complications.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that can lead to many kinds of serious infections throughout the body, including those in the bloodstream and spinal fluid. This invasive disease commonly results in emergency intervention at a hospital facility, and can result in death if it progresses beyond the point of treatment.

Inactivated Poliovirus

The inactivated poliovirus is an immunization used to eradicate polio, which is a viral disease that can be easily spread from one person to another, causing paralysis and even death. Inactivated poliovirus is usually injected when the child is approximately 2 months old, but can also be administered via an oral version to achieve the same protective effect.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

This particular vaccine helps to protect young children from a combination of preventable diseases; measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is often a requirement at educational institutions, meaning that students must receive necessary doses before they will be allowed to enroll in classes.

Hepatitis A

Like hepatitis B, hepatitis A is an infectious disease that affects liver function. The primary difference between these two types of hepatitis is that hepatitis B is typically spread through blood-to-blood contact while hepatitis A is most often encountered due to consumption of contaminated food or water.

Meningococcal & Meningococcal B

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare yet serious bacterial infection that can be difficult to treat once contracted. Many of those who survive this infection will suffer permanent disabilities like deafness, brain damage, and assorted neurological problems. All of these unfortunate outcomes can be avoided using the meningococcal vaccine to prevent both types of meningococcal disease.

Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). This disease consists of three different types, some of which can lead to cancer if not properly prevented, diagnosed, or treated. It is recommended that individuals age 11 to 12 receive the two doses of the HPV vaccine in order to drastically reduce their risk for developing cancer. Persons over the age of 12 are still eligible for this vaccine.

Varicella

Many parents are aware of a condition called chickenpox, which is medically known as varicella. For years it was assumed that all individuals would encounter and contract this highly contagious infection at some point in their lifetime, but with the help of vaccinations it is entirely possible to avoid getting the chickenpox. This vaccine has been proven effective in 98 percent of people, and has significantly reduced the severity of symptoms associated with chickenpox for the remaining percentage of people who were not totally immune to the disease.

Influenza

Another common condition, the flu can affect anyone but is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and adults over the age of 65. While receiving a seasonal flu shot will not guarantee immunization from every strain of the flu, it will protect you against common strains like influenza A and influenza B.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Acellular Pertussis

Another combined immunization, the diphtheria, tetanus, & acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination is able to protect individuals from all three diseases stated in its name. DTaP is specially designed to be given to children under the age of 7. For individuals age 11 and up, there is another common vaccination called Tdap may be used to treat tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. The DTaP vaccine may also be administered as a booster for a previous DTaP injection.

Both diphtheria and acellular pertussis can lead to severe infection and complications of a patient’s respiratory system, making it difficult for them to breathe. Tetanus causes the muscles of the jaw to tighten uncontrollably and lock into place, resulting in the inability to open one’s mouth of even swallow.

The Importance of Immunizations

All of the diseases mentioned above can cause serious side effects, which may even result in death. Make sure to protect yourself and your kids by referring to our immunization schedule to know which vaccinations you need and when you need them.

If you notice that you or your child has lapsed in a particular immunization, or would like more information on these various diseases and preventative measures, please contact Family Medicine Associates today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. New patients may contact our office in Westfield, MA by calling 413-562-5173.