Immunizations are important protection against contagious, serious, and even deadly diseases. They are safe and effective for healthy children, but what happens if your child has a chronic medical condition? Your pediatrician knows the answer. The pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, offer a full range of pediatric medical services, including immunizations.
What You Need To Know About Childhood Immunizations
If your child has special needs, you need to know how immunizations might affect your child. Immunizations are safe for most children, even those with special needs. It’s a good idea to always ask your pediatrician if immunizations are right for your child. Be sure to share your child’s health information.
Some medical conditions and neurological disorders may require caution before administering vaccines. Always talk with your child’s pediatrician if your child has:
- Asthma - caution needs to be taken with the intranasal flu vaccine
- Blood disorders - caution needs to be taken with all vaccines
- Immunosuppression conditions - caution needs to be taken with chickenpox, MMR, flu, and rotavirus vaccines
- Heart conditions - caution needs to be taken with the intranasal spray for flu
- Cerebral palsy - caution needs to be taken with the Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine
- Developmental delays - caution needs to be taken with the Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine
You also need to let your pediatrician know if your child is undergoing a medical procedure because these medical procedures can change the effectiveness of vaccines:
- Blood transfusion
- Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressive therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stem-cell transplant
Lastly, if your child is taking certain medications, it can affect the way a vaccine works. Tell your child’s pediatrician if your child is taking:
- Antibiotics
- Flu (intranasal spray)
- Long-term aspirin therapy
- Steroids
Want To Know More About Childhood Immunizations and Chronic Conditions?
To find out more about immunizations and special considerations for children with chronic conditions, call the pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (972) 569-9904, so call today.