Heather Way

Contributor

Have you heard of parents choosing to 鈥渄esign鈥� their child鈥檚 immunization schedule? This may include waiting until their child is older before getting their immunizations (shots) and/or choosing some of the recommended vaccines but not all of them.

These parents may believe that by designing a different immunization schedule, they are doing what is best for their child. However, these decisions are not supported by research and are not recommended by health-care immunizers. They may put your child at risk.

It is very important that children receive all recommended shots on time.

The B.C. Immunization Schedule is based on scientific research. It is designed to protect children from getting diseases when they are most vulnerable.

If we delay giving children their shots on time, we leave them exposed longer to illnesses which can make them very sick.

Timing is important.

Following the recommended schedule gives the right protection at the right time.

Some vaccines should be given starting at two months of age because that is when babies are most at risk.

Some vaccines, such as whooping cough (pertussis), are given as a series over time in order to build the best protection.

Why do some parents choose to delay or alter immunization schedules? They may worry their baby鈥檚 immune system cannot handle more than one shot at a time. Fortunately, there is no need to worry. Babies are exposed to many germs in the environment and their bodies are able to handle this exposure. The same happens with vaccines. A baby can receive many vaccines at the same time without any problems.

Baby鈥檚 immune system

Some parents may wonder if a baby鈥檚 body can handle all those vaccines without 鈥渦sing up鈥� their immune system.

You bet they can. More immune cells are being made all the time. When you give your baby their shots on time, the immune system gets primed to fight off those diseases which might come along.

And remember, it鈥檚 perfectly OK for your child to receive several shots at the same appointment. Getting all vaccines for which your child is eligible, both in their combination form and at the same appointment is just as effective as giving separate shots over more appointments.

Plus, it means fewer needles for your child and that鈥檚 always a good thing.

Do the right thing: Immunize on schedule

Every parent wants to do what鈥檚 best for their child. So save designers for your wardrobe and not your child鈥檚 immunization schedule. Get all your child鈥檚 shots on time. If you have any questions about the B.C. Immunization Schedule or your child鈥檚 shots, speak with a public health nurse, your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Heather Way is a knowledge coordinator with Interior Health鈥檚 immunization and communicable disease program.