Being a parent is a full-time job with so much to think about, from feeding times to doctor’s appointments, so there will be times when it may feel overwhelming. One of the things that require particular attention is your child’s schedule of immunizations, as they help your little one develop immunity against a whole host of diseases.
The problem is that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of all the shots, especially if your family moves around a lot or you have a large family. However, there are some simple steps that you can follow to stay on top of your child’s immunizations.
Why Does My Child Need Immunizations?
In the case of babies, they are vulnerable to various bacteria and viruses because their immune system has not yet fully developed. The immunizations give them a helping hand by exposing them to a small amount of a virus, so they can produce the necessary antibodies to fight the virus if they are exposed to it later on in life.
As your kid gets older, vaccination against infectious diseases helps to protect your child and the community as a whole. In fact, failure to stay up to date with the shots might lead to your child being refused entry into kindergarten or school.
It can be challenging to stay up to date with the immunization schedule, but there is help on hand.
Keeping on Schedule
The CDC has produced a thorough immunization schedule that should be followed throughout your little one’s childhood. When you initially see the schedule, it may appear daunting, but your local pediatric clinic will be on hand to help you manage it.
Before the birth of your child, the clinic will provide you with a schedule of the first shots your baby will need. These will play a part in the initial newborn checkups, so they are one less thing to worry about.
After your baby has her first shots, the doctor will provide you with a vaccination card that will detail the shots they have had and when the next ones are due. When you register with your clinic, see what help they have in place to help you meet the schedule. Some clinics will provide regular notifications by phone or email, while others may have online trackers.
Keep Your Own Records
Having the card is useful, but it can get misplaced, which can be a problem if you change clinics or move, as the new clinic might not have access to your old records. Some parents have their own files on their computer or record the details on a calendar which is in a prominent position. If you spend a lot of time online, a useful tool is the CDC’s Immunization Tracker, which can give you an up-to-date schedule from birth to six years old.
The old cliché, “two heads are better than one” helps in this situation, so if your partner is good at organizing and remembering things, ask them to take charge of the immunization schedule.