Childhood Vaccines & Immunizations at People's Community Clinic

Recent news has focused on childhood vaccines and immunizations. People’s providers want to clarify vaccines and the immunization process for children and teens at People’s Community Clinic (Peoples).

What is the difference between vaccines and immunization?

According to Kaiser Permanente, vaccines are the treatment you receive to build immunity. Some vaccines are given as a mist you can inhale or a medicine you can drink. But the most common way to get a vaccine is with a shot, also called an injection.

Immunization is the process of becoming protected from, or immune to, a disease or illness.

Why Vaccines and Immunizations Matter

Vaccines and immunizations keep children healthy and protect them from preventable serious diseases.

They also help protect:

• Family members and community members
• Babies who are too young to be vaccinated
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment
• Older adults, who may be more vulnerable to infections
We know that immunizations:
• Prevent hospitalizations
• Reduce long-term health problems.
• Save lives

When vaccination and immunization rates decline, diseases such as measles and whooping cough can return. This is happening now.

According to the CDC, measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and, in some cases, death.

Whooping cough is most dangerous for babies and young children. In fact, babies younger than 1 year old who have whooping cough may be hospitalized, develop pneumonia (a serious lung infection), have seizures, and/or suffer from brain damage.

People’s Approach

At People’s Community Clinic, your child’s health and well-being are our top priorities.

Providers follow vaccination and immunization guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading health organizations.

These recommendations are based on:

Extensive vaccine and immunization safety data
Current information about disease risks in the U.S.
The seriousness of these diseases
How well the vaccines prevent illness and complications

Your role as a parent and People’s role supporting you

As a parent or caregiver, you make decisions about your child’s health, including vaccines and immunizations.

People’s supports you by providing:

Clear and accurate information
Providers’ best medical recommendations
Time and space to ask questions

During your child’s visit, we will:

Let you know which vaccines and immunizations are recommended.
Provide you with information about the vaccines and immunizations.
Allow time for you to ask any questions you may have about vaccines and immunizations.

We welcome open and respectful conversations about vaccines and immunizations, as well as any other topics. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to helping you make the best choices for your family.

Childhood Vaccines & Immunizations at People’s Community Clinic