Immunizations, or childhood vaccines, are foundational to your family's health and well-being. Here at Pediatric Associates of Davidson County's Nashville office, your team of five pediatricians and their support staff recommend the vaccine schedule published by the 
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Safe and proven to limit the devastating effects of a wide range of communicable diseases, immunizations arm your child's body to fight infection and to keep the world around them healthy, too!
How immunizations work
Most childhood and adult "shots" contain a small amount of disease-carrying micro-organisms that have been severely weakened and purified into an injectable form. Post-administration, this medication stimulates the body's own defenses to produce antibodies which protect against active infection and the dangerous symptoms of diseases such as tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and chicken pox.
Additionally, childhood vaccines benefit the community at large with something called "herd immunity." When as many people as possible are vaccinated against a communicable disease, fewer people get sick overall, and therefore those who cannot receive shots due to ongoing cancer treatment or other serious reason, are protected.
While some parents worry about the possible side effects of childhood immunizations, your pediatricians wish to assure you that vaccines are safe and effective. Localized reactions, such as fever, site soreness, and tenderness, are minor, limited, and far outweighed by the benefits of these easily accessible and effective protections.
Other important information
Immunizations are required for many childhood activities such as school, sports, and participation in community organizations. Pediatric Associates of Davidson County will keep accurate records of your child's shots and give appropriate documentation to school, camp, daycare, and more as warranted.
The doctors follow the immunization schedules as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (Birth through age 6), (Ages 7 through 18) and a catch-up schedule for children who have gotten behind in receiving their vaccines due to illness or other circumstance. Vaccines are administered during well-visits.
Questions?
At Pediatric Associates of Davidson County, we welcome questions about immunizations or any other aspect of your child's healthcare. Good health begins right away, and the doctors wish to help parents in maintaining it for each and every child. Call us for your next well-child visit: (615) 329-3595.
