childhood vaccines answering the questions

Childhood Vaccinations: What Every Parent in Kansas City Should Know

May 28, 20254 min read

As a parent, protecting your child’s health is one of your greatest responsibilities—and one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is vaccination. Childhood immunizations don’t just protect individual children—they help create healthier schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

At Trinity Woundcare & Wellness Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, Dr. Judy works closely with families to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on vaccines, timing, safety, and what to expect. In this article, we break down the essentials every parent should know about keeping your child protected through childhood vaccinations.


Why Vaccinations Matter

Vaccines prepare your child’s immune system to recognize and fight dangerous diseases before they can cause serious harm. Immunizations help prevent:

  • Measles

  • Mumps

  • Rubella

  • Polio

  • Whooping cough (pertussis)

  • Tetanus

  • Hepatitis A and B

  • Chickenpox

  • Influenza

  • Meningitis

  • COVID-19 (where appropriate)

“Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in history, preventing an estimated 4 to 5 million deaths annually worldwide.”
World Health Organization, 2023


The Recommended Vaccine Schedule

Vaccines are administered according to a schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This schedule is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable.

Here’s a simplified version of the vaccine timeline:

  • At birth: Hepatitis B

  • 2, 4, 6 months: DTaP, IPV (polio), Hib, Hepatitis B, PCV, Rotavirus

  • 12–15 months: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, PCV booster

  • 4–6 years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella

  • 11–12 years: Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal

  • Yearly: Influenza vaccine

  • 16–18 years: Meningococcal booster

View the full CDC schedule here »

Dr. Judy will help ensure your child stays on track, even if they’ve missed a few shots or need to catch up.


Are Vaccines Safe?

Yes. Childhood vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and monitored continuously by public health agencies. Side effects, when they occur, are usually mild—such as low-grade fever or soreness at the injection site.

Serious reactions are extremely rare, and Dr. Judy is trained to recognize and manage any concerns. The benefits of immunization far outweigh the minimal risk.

“The U.S. vaccine safety system is one of the most rigorous in the world, and vaccines are safer now than they have ever been.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023


Common Questions from Kansas City Parents

Q: Can my child receive multiple vaccines at once?
Yes. Combination vaccines are safe and help reduce the number of shots your child receives. The immune system is strong enough to handle multiple vaccines in a single visit.

Q: What if my child has allergies or medical conditions?
Dr. Judy will review your child’s full medical history and adjust the vaccination schedule if needed. In some cases, specific precautions or timing modifications may apply.

Q: What if we’re behind on vaccines?
It’s never too late to catch up. Trinity offers custom catch-up schedules to bring your child’s immunizations up to date.


The Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Confidence

Your child’s primary care provider plays a central role in vaccination. At Trinity Woundcare & Wellness, Dr. Judy:

  • Provides trusted, up-to-date information

  • Answers your questions in a supportive, judgment-free environment

  • Keeps records current and sends reminders for upcoming shots

  • Offers well-child visits that include developmental milestones, growth tracking, and vaccine planning

Vaccination isn’t just a medical task—it’s part of your child’s journey toward lifelong health.


Schedule Your Child’s Vaccine Visit Today

Whether your child needs their first vaccines, a flu shot, or a catch-up schedule before school or sports, Dr. Judy and the team at Trinity Woundcare & Wellness are here to help. We make the process simple, supportive, and safe for Kansas City families.

Call 913-285-5553 or visit us at 8043 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112 to schedule your child’s next vaccination appointment.


About the Author

Dr. Judy holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Kansas and has over 24 years of experience in healthcare. Her compassionate and educational approach helps families make informed decisions about their children’s health. Dr. Judy believes in empowering Kansas City parents through accessible, high-quality primary care and preventative medicine.


Keywords

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Dr. Judy Kimatu, DNP owns the Trinity Woundcare & Wellness Center in Kansas City and serves patient with wound care, primary care services, physicals, regenerative medicine, and medical IVs.

Dr. Judy Kimatu

Dr. Judy Kimatu, DNP owns the Trinity Woundcare & Wellness Center in Kansas City and serves patient with wound care, primary care services, physicals, regenerative medicine, and medical IVs.

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