Vaccinations

The goal of vaccination is to develop a strong immune system that will be able to defend against the most dangerous organisms known to man. At Valencia Health, we check your child's immunization status in the registry, and offer any missing vaccinations to ensure they are up-to-date.  

How does vaccination work?

Vaccination, also called immunization, is the process of strengthening your child’s natural immune response using vaccines. The best way to understand how vaccines work is to think about how your immune system functions naturally. 

When a child encounters a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite (antigens), their immune system launches into action to create antibodies that fight off that specific infection. Those specialized cells remain in your child’s body for the rest of their life, ready to spring into action if the same antigen is encountered in the future. 

This process occurs on its own, without the need for vaccines. The problem lies in the fact that some infections are so strong that they can overwhelm a child’s system before this natural immunity can develop. 

That’s where vaccines come in. They work to “train” your child’s body to develop that same immunity without exposing them to the full-strength version of antigens. 

How do I know if my child is up-to-date on their vaccinations?

Your child’s pediatrrician checks their immunization record during each routine newborn care or well-child exam. Vaccines are administered via injection at specific points. Many are given during infancy, although older kids still need specific vaccines. 

There is no need for you to worry about your child’s immunization progress. As long as you are bringing them in for professional pediatric care, they will remain on track for full vaccination.  As a Vaccine for Children Program site, we stock childhood immunizations to help ensure your child is up-to-date with their vaccines. 

If your family is planning international travel, call the office to see if there are any travel vaccines recommended for the area. You can bring your child in for a quick visit to make sure they are fully protected from known diseases in the region of your destination. 

Is vaccination safe?

A great deal of misinformation is in circulation about the safety of vaccines. In reality, a vast body of scientific evidence supports not only the safety of modern vaccines but also the importance of vaccination for both personal and public health. 

When the majority of a population is vaccinated against a specific disease, that illness cannot effectively take hold within that area. This is why America does not experience widespread outbreaks of diseases like rubella or polio. 

At Valencia Health , we are always happy to discuss the safety of vaccines with concerned parents. When you’re ready, we provide vaccine consultations , both in person and virtually.