This article is sponsored by Merck
Lately, we’ve been hearing about vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback, and it reminds us just how important vaccinations can be. With fewer people getting vaccinated contributing to recent outbreaks, it’s understandable that we’re all a bit concerned about keeping our kids protected. As moms, we know how important it is to make informed health decisions for our kids, but let’s face it, there’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there to sort through. Even with these challenges, one thing’s for sure, we all just want to make informed choices and keep our kids protected.
Dr. Anita Chandra-Puri, a pediatrician from Chicago and a mother of four, understands these challenges well. “As a mom, I get it. There are so many decisions to make when it comes to our children, and while there are many things I can’t control, knowing I can help to protect my kids against certain infectious diseases is comforting,” she says. “Being a mom has really helped me in my work with families and patients. I understand how hard it is to prepare for appointments, ask questions and make informed, thoughtful decisions.”
“These conversations are part of the relationship we build with families,” Dr. Chandra-Puri
When it comes to vaccinations, think of your pediatrician as your go-to trusted partner. “These conversations are part of the relationship we build with families,” Dr. Chandra-Puri says. “As a parent, you shouldn’t feel like you have to figure it all out alone.” Your child’s health care provider can help you understand timing for vaccines from birth to 18 years of age. They’re there to help break down the information and share what matters most for your child’s unique health needs to help you feel informed in your decisions.
Even though there are more vaccines available for our kids today than there were for us, it’s all due to scientific progress. It’s important to know that medical and public health experts regularly review the immunization schedule. “A lot of moms I talk with feel better knowing there’s a ton of research and safety checks behind vaccine approvals in the U.S.,” she explains. “And even if you’ve missed a dose, we can always chat about the recommended catch-up schedule to help get back on track.”
As a mom, having these conversations is about more than just checking off a list; it’s about feeling confident in the decisions you make for your child. Dr. Chandra-Puri encourages you to bring up any questions or concerns during pediatric visits. “We’re here to help you sort through the information and make informed choices,” she assures.
At WhyVaccines.com, moms can explore insights on vaccination timing, tips for discussing preventive options for your child with your pediatrician and stories from other moms about their own experiences. Recognizing that there can be factors outside of a person’s control that can affect their access to health care, the site also provides information on a vaccine program that offers moms the resources they need to support their families.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Team up with your pediatrician, prepare for your next visit, and explore the resources designed to help you make informed decisions for your family.
For more information, talk to your child’s health care provider and visit WhyVaccines.com.
WhyVaccines.com, provided by Merck, is a resource dedicated to providing information to help parents make informed vaccination decisions. With over 100 years of pioneering efforts in addressing vaccine-preventable diseases, Merck continues to support parents and caregivers by offering resources for informed decision-making about vaccination.
This article originally appeared in Motherly
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