Vaccines & Immunizations

Understanding The Facts Behind Immunizing Your Keiki

At Keānuenue Pediatrics, we understand that keeping track of your child’s vaccines can feel overwhelming—especially in the early years when they seem to get a shot at almost every visit. But each vaccine plays a vital role in protecting your child—and your community—from serious illness.

Let’s break it all down in a clear and helpful way.

Why Are There So Many Vaccines in the First Two Years?

Your child’s immune system is rapidly developing during infancy and toddlerhood. The vaccine schedule is designed to provide protection at the times when keiki are most vulnerable. While it can feel like a lot in the first two years, the schedule spaces out significantly after age two.

We also use combination vaccines whenever possible—meaning fewer pokes at each visit while still providing full protection.

What Diseases Do Vaccines Protect Against?

Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses that used to be common in childhood. Here are the diseases we protect against with routine immunizations:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Polio
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Influenza (Flu)
• Meningococcal disease
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Thanks to vaccines, some of these illnesses—like smallpox—have been eradicated. Others are now rare, but only because we continue to vaccinate.

Why Do Some Vaccines Require Multiple Doses?

Building immunity isn’t always a one-and-done process. Some vaccines require booster shots to fully protect your child or to maintain protection over time. For example, the DTaP vaccine (for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) is given in a series of five doses in early childhood.

Each dose strengthens your child’s immune response and ensures long-lasting protection.

What Is Herd Immunity?

Herd immunity occurs when enough people in a community are immune to a disease—either through vaccination or past infection—so the disease has fewer opportunities to spread. This protects individuals who can’t be vaccinated, such as infants or those with certain medical conditions.

Vaccinating your child isn’t just about individual health—it’s a gift to your community. Learn more about herd immunity.

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight off viruses or bacteria. There are different types of vaccines:

• Inactivated vaccines use killed viruses (e.g., polio, hepatitis A, flu)

• Live attenuated vaccines use weakened viruses (e.g., MMR, varicella, rotavirus)

• Subunit, recombinant, conjugate, and toxoid vaccines use only parts of the virus or bacteria (e.g., pertussis, HPV, HiB, pneumococcal, meningococcal, tetanus)

These methods all stimulate your child’s immune system to develop protection—without causing the illness itself.

What About COVID-19 Vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines have been a major breakthrough in public health. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, designed to teach the immune system to recognize the virus safely. Clinical trials showed high efficacy in preventing severe disease.

While pediatric data took longer to develop, vaccines are now available for most age groups. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination for your keiki, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Still Have Questions? That’s What We’re Here For.

Every child is different, and we know that vaccine decisions are personal. We’re always happy to talk through:

• Which vaccines are due and when

• What to expect after vaccination

• What reactions are normal, and when to call us

• How vaccines work with your child’s overall health needs

Our goal is always the same: to keep your keiki safe, supported, and thriving.

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect your child’s health and future. They prevent illness, reduce complications, and even save lives. And when we vaccinate together, we strengthen the health of our entire community.

At Keānuenue Pediatrics, we’re here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to give your keiki a strong, healthy start.