March 23, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Kaiser Permanente Pediatrician Explains Importance of Immunizations as Kids Head Back to School

As the new school year approaches, pediatricians are reminding parents of the crucial role immunizations play in keeping kids healthy. “Immunizations can help your body develop resistance to specific diseases and increase your immunity to them,” said Dr. Karina Maher, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Monica Medical Offices. “It’s very important for the whole family to be up to date on vaccines to protect themselves, their children and the community.”

August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, and Maher says following the recommended immunization schedule is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their child’s health.

Disease can quickly spread among groups of children who are unvaccinated, and the child’s body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio.  

In fact, the flu causes more deaths each year than any other vaccine-preventable disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).


Some parents are concerned about the impact of vaccines, and are fearful that certain vaccines play a role in children developing autism.

“There have been a lot of false claims in the news but thorough studies have found no link between vaccines and autism,” Maher said.Immunizations are very safe, even if your child has or is recovering from a minor illness such as a cold or ear infection or even if they have a slight fever.”

Why are vaccines important?

They protect your child, family, and community from preventable diseases. Without vaccinations, serious illnesses return. Children and adults who are not protected can become very sick and spread illness throughout your community. We have seen this happen recently, with outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) and measles in California.

 

What should we expect after an immunization?

Most children feel fine and go right back to their usual routine. Others have mild reactions, such as a sore arm, swelling at the site of the shot, or a low fever. Some babies may be fussy or sleepy afterward.

 

Serious side effects are very rare. Keep in mind that the risks of having mild side effects from the shots are minimal compared to the risk of getting seriously ill from diseases we can prevent.

 

Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles has a pediatrician available for interview on this topic. Please take a look at this video on immunizations, featuring Dr. Maher. Please contact us if you would like to speak to a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician regarding immunizations.

Related Posts

Survey: Should Officials Remove Barriers to Outdoor Dining?

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the way we live our lives, and one of the most significant impacts has been...

Gasolina Cafe Owner, Sandra Cordero, to Open New Tapas Bar in Santa Monica

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Tapas bar expected to open late spring in former Heroic Italian space at 516 Santa Monica Boulevard  Sandra Cordero, the...

California’s AB 1217 Could Supersede Costly Outdoor Dining Permits Proposed by Municipalities

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Legislation would preempt local ordinances and preserve regulatory flexibility for struggling neighborhood restaurants By Sam Catanzaro A new bill proposed...

Emerging Artist Jesse Liu Opens First-Ever Exhibition in Venice Gallery

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

“Spring Fever” currently on display at Yiwei Gallery By Keemia Zhang Local artist Jesse Liu has opened her first solo...

Santa Monica Place Invites LGBTQIA+ Artisans to Apply for Made With PRIDE Marketplace

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Partnering with Streetlet, the marketplace will take place each weekend in June and showcase local goods made in Southern California....

Santa Monica Councilmember Phil Brock Appointed to National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Brock to collaborate with group of local leaders to develop and guide programs for communities across the country Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Receives $70,000 Donation From Kiwanis Charities for Scoreboards in Two Parks

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Donation will fund the installation of new scoreboards at Historic Belmar Park and Los Amigos Park The Santa Monica City...

Should Santa Monica Close the Airport?

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Santa Monica City Council recently voted to begin the process of closing Santa Monica Municipal Airport. The decision was kick-started...

City Council Puts Plan for Use of Parking Lots for Affordable Housing in Motion

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

Sites are located at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 14th Street and 1146 16th Street By Dolores Quintana ​​During the Santa...

Santa Monica Warns Residents of Crypto Ponzi Scheme

March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

City says 30 + households in Santa Monica have reported being victimized by CryptoFX, LLC Over 30 households in Santa...

Man Arrested for Sexual Assaults Targeting Homeless Victims

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Anthony Pittman faces rape charges in connection to series of sexual assaults A West Hollywood man has been arrested in...

SMa.r.t. Column: Going Bare

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

(part 3 of 3 articles) Every City faces periodic interruptions to its normal life. Some interruptions in our City are...

Santa Monica Mall Owner, Macerich, Finds Way Out of Retail Property Crisis

March 19, 2023

March 19, 2023

Move comes amidst a crisis for retail property owners, with loans coming due for refinancing with much higher interest rates...

Historic Santa Monica Property “The Witbeck House” Listed for Sale at $22.5M

March 19, 2023

March 19, 2023

Greene & Greene-designed home features 26,000+ square foot lot with five bedroom home A historic property known as The Witbeck...

New Affordable Housing Complex Completed in Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood

March 18, 2023

March 18, 2023

Las Flores offers 73 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at 1834-1848 14th Street By Sam Catanzaro Community Corp. of Santa...