Immunizations are crucial for protecting children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. At AFC Urgent Care Louisville, we emphasize the importance of ensuring your child receives all recommended vaccinations according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines.

Here’s a guide to the essential immunizations every child should have:

Importance of Childhood Immunizations

Childhood immunizations are essential for several reasons:

• Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect children from diseases that can cause severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death.

• Community Protection: Immunizations help establish herd immunity, reducing the spread of diseases within communities.

• School Requirements: Many schools and childcare facilities require proof of immunization for enrollment to protect all students.

Recommended Childhood Immunizations

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis):

• Protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
• Given in a series of five doses starting at 2 months old.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):

• Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
• Given in two doses, usually at 12-15 months and 4-6 years old.

Polio Vaccine:

• Protects against poliovirus, which can cause polio (paralysis).
• Given in a series of four doses, starting at 2 months old.

Varicella (Chickenpox):

• Protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection.
• Given in two doses, typically at 12-15 months and 4-6 years old.

Hepatitis B Vaccine:

• Protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.
• Given in a series of three doses, starting at birth.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine:

• Protects against HPV, a virus that can cause cancers including cervical cancer.
• Recommended for adolescents aged 11-12 years, given in a series of two or three doses.

Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot): Protects against seasonal influenza viruses. Recommended annually for all children aged 6 months and older.

Ensuring Your Child’s Health with AFC Urgent Care Louisville

At AFC Urgent Care Louisville, we provide comprehensive pediatric immunization services to protect your child’s health and well-being. Our experienced healthcare professionals are dedicated to ensuring that your child receives vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.

Whether you need to catch up on missed vaccinations or have questions about immunization requirements, our team is here to assist you.