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Vaccines Q & A

What vaccines does my child need? 

The Tots N Teens Pediatrics providers administer all of the immunizations recommended by major organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

These vaccines include:

  • DTaP(diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
  • IPV (polio)
  • HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • PCV-13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
  • Rotavirus
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis A
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Meningococcal
  • HPV (human papillomavirus)

When your child receives these depends on their age and health. 

The flu vaccine is also essential for children six months and older to get each year. Ideally, getting the vaccine before the end of October protects your child during the entire season, but getting it later also affords protection.

Are immunizations safe?

Vaccines are subject to intense review and research before being offered to children. They are incredibly safe and as important to your child’s preventive care as a baby gate or car seat. 

Please direct all your questions and concerns about vaccines to Dr. Kayass. He’ll help you separate facts from fiction regarding the necessity and safety of vaccines so you understand their true benefit for your child. 

Do vaccines cause side effects?

Vaccines contain some components of disease to train your immune system to build up defenses or antibodies so that when the actual illness is encountered, your body knows how to fight it off. Vaccines do not make you sick, and serious side effects are rare.

Vaccines can cause mild, short-term side effects, including fever, pain at the injection site, and fatigue. This slight discomfort far outweighs the risk of infection with devastating illnesses. 

Why should I vaccinate my child?

Vaccinations can save your child’s life. Vaccines have wiped out certain diseases, like smallpox, that once caused widespread disability and death. They have rendered other diseases virtually non-existent in the Western world. 

Vaccines also help keep the community at large healthy. They prevent diseases from running rampant and affecting those too young to receive the shot or compromised immunity. Preventing disease saves society stress, heartache, and unnecessary cost.

Schedule your child’s vaccines at Tots N Teens Pediatrics. Call today or use this website to set up an appointment online.