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| |    Immunizations: Four- to Six-Year Visits by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Since immunizations are such an important part of well-child visits, you may find it helpful to learn what vaccines to expect at each checkup. The timing of immunization doses has been very carefully worked out after many years of studying vacine safety and effectiveness. In part, the timing reflects the youngest age children can be protected. If you see that your child is immunized according to official recommendations, you can ensure that he benefits as soon as possible. Keeping your child up-to-date on his vaccines is vitally important since the vaccine-preventable diseases are most serious in children. Between the ages of four and six years, your child should receive three vaccines. The recommendations are flexible and permit immunization anytime in this time period. Factors that can influence when you have your child immunized include your provider's recommendations, the desire to "get it over with" as early as possible, and requirements for immunizations for school entry. Some parents prefer to have their children immunized early to avoid a negative association between having to get shots and first starting school-especially for a child who is already apprehensive about his new adventure. Your child should receive the following vaccines between four and six years:
Each of these diseases is capable of causing permanent damage or death, and is more serious in children than older individuals. If your child were to become infected, the results could be devastating. Benefits of these vaccines These vaccines are safe and highly effective. Most children respond well to these vaccines and are fully protected. Sometimes, however, the vaccines don't "take," but even in these cases, the child may be partially protected and get only mild disease. Risks of immunizing Some of these vaccines may cause mild temporary symptoms such as fever, soreness at the injection site, rash, or fussiness. Only in rare cases do these vaccines cause serious reactions. Summary Having your child immunized on time is one of the most important things you can do to ensure he stays healthy. His chances of getting these diseases and being permanently harmed are MUCH greater than his being harmed by the vaccines. For more information For more information about these vaccines, including who should and should not receive them, see our articles on Vaccine Information Statements, and other reliable immunization resources.
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