YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

Why it’s important to get your children vaccinated

Apr 27, 2023, 4:52 PM | Updated: 5:54 pm

LEHI, Utah — As part of  World Infant Immunization Week, Intermountain Health doctors have highlighted the importance of getting your children under two vaccinated.

Dr. Neal Davis, a pediatrician and medical director for Pediatric Community Care at Intermountain Health said getting your young children vaccinated is crucial.

“That’s one of the main things we do to protect children is vaccines,” Davis said.

According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationally kindergarten vaccination rates dropped from 95% in previous years to 93% in the 2021-2022 school year.

That means about 250,000 kindergartners who are not vaccinated could cause potential outbreaks.

“They need it for themselves to help be protected by these things and also collectively we need them as society so daycares and schools can be safe for all children,” Dr. Davis said.

He said if you have any concerns about the recommended childhood vaccines, you should talk to your doctor.

“Bring those concerns and questions to your pediatrician so we can do our best to understand and support you,” Dr. Davis said.

Laura Bushman and her husband raised their two girls, Payton and Rylee, around farm animals.

She said growing up around animals helped her realize the importance of vaccines.

“I see the importance of getting our animals protected from various diseases, through our cattle, horses, pets, so why not continue that through our children,” she said.

Bushman said it was an easy decision to get her family vaccinated.

“Anything I can do as a parent to keep my children safe; you can bet I am going to do it,” she said.

The CDC has a recommended vaccine timeline for children.

Click here to get more information on vaccines.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

Talk to Tweens...

Ayanna Likens

A resource to help connect with your tween

Navigating the transition from childhood to teen years can be difficult as kids experience new emotions for the first time.

6 days ago

Chef Alex Govern...

Ayanna Likens

‘Food is Medicine’: New thinking about hospital food

When you think of a hospital, 5-star dining doesn't come to mind. Intermountain Health chefs are working to change that.

12 days ago

Hyrum Black's helmet...

Ayanna Likens

Why it’s important to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle

As we approach the 100 Deadliest Days on the road, Intermountain Health doctors said this is the time of year we see more motorcycle drivers on the road and less helmets, but it's crucial to wear one.

20 days ago

4-year-old Alden...

Ayanna Likens

Why asthma symptoms can increase in the spring

Spring is known for allergies, but it can also increase asthma symptoms.

27 days ago

B3 Kids, brain body boost...

Ayanna Likens

Online resource helps students learn about physical and mental health

Teaching kids how to keep their bodies healthy is important, a program through SelectHealth now offers a fun way to learn about physical and mental health inside the classroom.

1 month ago

FILE: Megan Hansen crosses over a stream while hiking Lake Mary up Big Cottonwood Canyon....

Ayanna Likens

Staying safe during spring activities

After months of snow, most of us are ready to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Whether you're playing a sport or hitting the trails - Intermountain Health says it's important to ease into it.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Brunette guy in headphones playing games on his desktop computer...

PC Laptops

Looking For a New Computer? Use This Desktop Buying Guide

Choosing a new desktop computer can come with a lot of questions, so we created this desktop buying guide.

Portrait of happy boy playing and splashing water in the swimming pool...

Get Out Pass

Family Fun Activities in Utah You Have to Try This Summer

These family fun activities will entertain you all summer, so if you ever feel stuck in a rut wondering what to do, refer to this guide!

Woman IT specialist in elegant suit working on notebook computer in data center next to server rack...

Les Olson

Your Complete Guide to Outsourcing IT Services

This guide covers everything you need to know about the different benefits of outsourcing IT services to meet your small business needs.

diverse group of friends dance outside under string lights...

Lighting Design

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting

Read for the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting to help narrow the search for your home.

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Why it’s important to get your children vaccinated