Immunizations can be a scary thing for parents to navigate, especially if you have just had your first child. Knowing the schedule and side effects can help eliminate any fears about your child receiving the required childhood vaccinations and answer your questions. Dr. Gwendolyn McDeigan of The Paediatric Centre located in Nassau, New Providence, and her highly trained staff are there to answer any questions you have regarding immunizations.

Why Immunizations?

When your child is a newborn, they do not have all the necessary immunity to fight off serious childhood diseases. Vaccines help give your child's immunity a boost to fight off disease. Listed below are the five most essential vaccines required for immunity protection.

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)—This combination vaccine protects against several life-threatening childhood illnesses. Pertussis is a highly contagious whopping cough that sets off continuous deep coughing. Tetanus is a bacteria that can be transmitted through a cut on the body, causing a locked jaw that cannot open. Diphtheria can cause long-term heart, kidney, and nerve damage in children.
• (HepA) or Hepatitis A—Spread through fecal matter, this disease can run rampant in daycare centers and crowded public places. It is a virus that can cause liver pain with flu-like symptoms. Hepatitis A can cause blockages in the liver, causing bile to leak into the blood.
• (PCV13) Pneumococcal—According to Dr. Gwendolyn McDeigan of The Paediatric Centre, located in Nassau, New Providence, the streptococcal virus causes many different issues, such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, or meningitis. It is spread airborne by coughs and sneezes. Illness can lead to hospitalizations.
• (MMR) Measles, Mumps, Rubella—Mumps and rubella can cause the same symptoms: tender enlarged nodes, fever, and discomfort. Measles can cause a severe full-body rash, progressing to respiratory illness and hospitalization.
• (HepB) Hepatitis B - A virus that can cause severe liver damage with kidney involvement, liver failure, and blood cell issues. No cure is available for Hep B, so when you have your newborn, we highly recommend that your baby receive this vaccine before leaving the hospital.
• These are just a few of the recommended vaccines for your child. Vaccine schedules are available from our doctor or from the Centers for Disease Control website, keeping you organized for your child's vaccines. Our doctor and highly skilled staff are an excellent resource if you have questions about certain vaccinations.

Leading Nassau Pediatric Doctor Recommends Childhood Vaccinations

Vaccines have been proven safe and are the best preventative care for your child's health. Dr. Gwendolyn McDeigan of The Paediatric Centre, located in Nassau, New Providence, looks forward to your child's immunization appointment. Call us today at 242-322-5025 to schedule your child's appointment.