Vaccines strengthen the immune system. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) state, “The diseases vaccines prevent can be dangerous, or even deadly.”
Dr. Lauri Blesch, a pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic (UPC) in Owasso, added, "If we postpone those immunizations, we're not only going to be facing the pandemic of COVID-19 but also the outbreak of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as measles or pertussis (whooping cough)."
Keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date is always important, even during a pandemic. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Oklahoma State Department of Health recommend staying current with routine vaccinations.
Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. They are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored after they are licensed to ensure their safety.
To keep your child protected, UPC pediatricians and family medicine physicians agree with the CDC and recommend various vaccines at the following ages:
- Birth
- One month
- Two months
- Four months
- Six months
- Nine months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 19-23 months
- Two to three years
- Four to six years
- Seven to 10 years
- 11-12 years
- 13-15 years
- 16 years
- 17-18 years
More details are available here. For clarification on the various vaccines and to make sure your kids stay up-to-date, call your Utica Park Clinic pediatrician or family medicine physician. If you don't have one, call 918-579-DOCS (3627). You can also request an appointment online or schedule an appointment through MyChart.
To help keep you safe, all Utica Park Clinic facilities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected several times per day. Other safety measures include:
• Temperature checks at the front door
• Masks provided
• Seating spaced to allow for social distancing
• Virtual care, including online video visits. While this option is viable for most medical needs, it is not feasible for vaccinations.