The Importance of Immunizations

Immunizations help kids stay healthy by protecting them from various illnesses and diseases, some of which are potentially life threatening. Our board certified pediatricians, Dr. Art Quintanilla and Dr. Leon Mizrahi, can help your children stay up to date with their immunizations at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA. 

Vaccinations & Immunization 

Vaccinations protect kids by helping them build up immunity to different diseases and infections. Diseases like polio and smallpox caused severe health problems in the past and could be potentially deadly. Today, vaccinations ensure these types of diseases no longer pose a serious threat to children. 

When the body is exposed to infectious bacteria or a virus for the first time, the immune system begins producing antibodies as it works to fight the infection. Those antibodies can remain in the body even after the infection is gone. If the body is exposed to the same type of infection again in the future, the antibodies that were already produced can help lessen the severity of the illness and its symptoms. Vaccinations do even more by providing immunity against certain illnesses and diseases. 

Vaccinations help kids develop immunization by prompting the body to produce antibodies. Vaccines expose the body to inoculated forms of bacteria or viruses. Since the inoculated substances are inactive, kids do not get sick but the body still responds to the presence of these substances by making antibodies. The antibodies provide immunization so children do not contract certain types of diseases or illnesses. 

Immunization Schedules

Many vaccinations are administered in multiple doses at different ages from birth through 18 years of age. At our pediatric office in Rancho Mirage, CA, we follow the immunizations schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The schedules outline the specific ages when the different doses of each vaccine should be administered. There is also a schedule for kids who either started vaccinations late or have fallen behind schedule. 

The immunity provided by vaccinations keeps children healthy and safe from numerous diseases. All vaccines on the schedules recommended by the AAP have undergone decades of rigorous testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. Our experienced pediatric team can help keep your kids up to date with their immunizations.

Immunizations play an important role in keeping all children healthy and safe. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Quintanilla and Dr. Mizrahi to learn more about pediatric immunizations by calling Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, at (760) 770-0000.