Vaccines are an important part of your child's healthcare and, in addition to checking growth and development, will comprise a large portion of your child's early pediatrician visits.

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccines help protect your child from disease.

Vaccines work by stimulating your child's immune system, so that if they are exposed to a certain virus or bacteria, their body is already prepared to fight the disease.

While many of the diseases we vaccinate against have become very rare, and while vaccination does not always guarantee your child will never get the disease, vaccination goes a long way in protecting your child from some of these devastating illnesses.

So, you went to the hospital and have now returned with a brand new addition to your family! Congratulations! Very soon you will need to go visit the pediatrician - below is important information as well as some tips that can help with your first visit.

When should the first pediatrician visit occur?

Most parents pick a pediatrician before they have their baby. This may be the physician for older children in your family, or you may find this person through family or friend referral, or even the Pediatrician you were “assigned” and grew to love in the hospital. Even if you’ve met and “interviewed” this person, the first visit can be a little nerve-wracking.