Immunization Schedule
Download Immunization Schedule for Children 0-6 years of age
Download Immunization Schedule for Children 7-18 years of age
Flu Vaccine
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend that all people 6 months of age and older receive an anuual flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza and their close contacts. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May. Influenza is caused by a virus and is spread through coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Anyone can get influenza but rates of infection are highest among children. Symptoms include: Fever, Chills, Sore Throat, Headache, Muscle Aches, Fatigue, Runny or Stuffy Nose. Symptoms can be moderate to severe. Each year thousands of people die from influenza and even more require hospitalization. By getting the flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading influenza to others. There are two types of influenza vaccine: Inactivated (“Flu Shot”) or Live, Attenuated (Intranasal – FluMist). Please speak to one of our providers to determine which vaccine is best for your child.
More information: Influenza Vaccine - Live, Intranasal, Influenza Vaccine -Inactivated
Gardisil/HPV Vaccine
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. There are many different types of HPV and millions are infected each year. Although most types of HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and will go away on their own, it is important to know that HPV can cause genital warts and cervical cancer in women. HPV is also associated with several less common cancers, such as vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and other types of cancer in both men and women. A breakthrough vaccine has been developed, known as Gardisil. This vaccine protects against 4 major types of HPV. This vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. This vaccine is recommended for all females and males between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age. It is important to get vaccinated well before their first sexual contact. This series consists of 3 doses. Ask one of our providers for more information about getting vaccinated.
More Information: HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccine
It is now recommended that all children 12 months of age receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A is a severe, viral illness that affects the liver and can cause a variety of symptoms. Hepatitis A is easily transmitted and is a preventable illness. The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of an initial dose with a booster in 6-12 months from the first. We will be discussing this vaccine with you at your child's well exam.
More information: Hepatitis A Vaccine
Rotavirus Vaccine
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that all infants receive the Rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq. This vaccine prevents a serious viral illness caused by rotavirus. This virus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. This virus can cause symptoms for several days resulting in dehydration and hospitalization. Almost all children in the U.S. are infected with Rotavirus by their fifth birthday. Infants should receive three doses of this vaccine: First dose at 2 months of age, second dose at 4 months of age, and third dose at 6 months of age. Ask one of our providers for more information at your baby's well exam.
More information: Rotavirus Vaccine
TDaP
We recommend that all patients 11-12 years of age and older receive the TDaP vaccine in place of the previously recommended Tetanus Diptheria (TD) Booster. This new vaccine contains Pertussis, which is still quite prevalent.
More information: TDaP
Menactra
This vaccine can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, which is a very serious disease caused by bacteria. Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Anyone can get meningitis. Approximately 2,600 people in the United States get meningococcal infections each year. 10-15% of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have nervous system problems, become mentally retarded or suffer seizures or strokes. It is recommended that all children 11 years of age and older be vaccinated to prevent this potentially fatal infection. Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this highly recommended vaccine.
More information: Menactra
DtaP
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles usually all over the body which can lead to inability to swallow. Tetanus can cause death in 2 out of 10 cases. Pertussis (also known as Whooping Cough) causes coughing spells that can be so severe that it becomes difficult for infants to eat, drink, and breathe. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. It is recommended that children receive 5 doses of this vaccine. Discuss schedule and further questions with your health care provider.
More information: DtaP
Polio
Polio is a disease caused by a virus. Sometimes Polio can cause paralysis. It can kill people who get this disease by paralyzing the muscles used to breathe. Polio used to be very common in the United States. This disease has been eliminated from the United States but still exists in other countries. Polio vaccine is a killed virus vaccine consisting of a 4 dose series. It is very safe and generally babies do not have any reaction.
More information: Polio
Hib
Haemophilus Influenza Type B is a serious disease caused by bacteria that strikes children less than 5 years of age. Before Hib Vaccine Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5. In addition to meningitis, Hib can cause pneumonia, severe swelling of the throat making it difficult to breathe, infections of the blood, joints, bones, and covering of the heart, and death. Hib Vaccination consists of 4 doses. Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this important vaccine.
More information: Hib
MMR
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella are serious viral diseases that can be prevented by receiving the MMR Vaccine. Measles virus causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. Mumps virus causes fever, headeache, and swollen glands. Mumps can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of testes or ovaries, and rarely even death. Rubella virus (also known as German Measles) causes rash, mild fever, and arthritis. If a woman gets Rubella while she is pregnant it can cause miscarriage or the baby could be born with serious birth defects. MMR is administered at 12-15 months and again at four to six years of age. Numerous studies show that there is no link between MMR Vaccine Administration and Autism. This vaccine is safe and mandatory. Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this important vaccine.
More information: MMR
Varicella
This common childhood illness is also known as Chicken Pox. This virus can cause more serious symptoms in infants and adults. Chicken Pox is highly contagious and causes rash, itching, fever, tiredness and may lead to severe skin infections, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, or death. 2 doses are required. Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this important vaccine.
More information: Varicella
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and affects the liver. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, tiredness, jaundice, pain in the muscles, joints, and stomach. Some people can develop chronic Hepatitis B infection which can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and death. Vaccination begins with an initial dose at birth and completion of the series by 6-18 months of age. Those who have not started the series as an infant can receive the vaccine series at any time. Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this important vaccine.
More information: Hepatitis B