Vaccines
Your doctors at Pedi-Care Pediatrics strongly believe in the benefits of childhood vaccination. You will find some helpful links at the end of this page regarding immunizations.
Vaccine Updates:
1) Flu vaccine- This vaccine is now recommended for all children 6 months and up. It is especially important for those with any chronic medical disorders (Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.). We are offering a nasal vaccine for children 2 and up who qualify (no history of asthma or immune deficiency). Note that if this is the first year one is being vaccinated, those under 9 years of age need two doses of vaccine. (We no longer are offering flu vaccine for the 2008-2009 due to many successful vaccinations!)
2) Hepatitis A Vaccine- It is most likely that your child has been vaccinated against Hepatitis B, which is transmitted through blood or body fluids. Hepatitis A is a food-borne illness. There are outbreaks reported every year throughout the United States. Hepatitis A vaccine has been available for many years, but has been primarily given to those travelling abroad. Recently it has been recommended for all children from 18 months old and up. It is a two dose series, the second dose given at least six months after the first dose. If applicable, this vaccine should be discussed at your child's well visit.
3) Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine- This vaccine is against one of the most serious forms of meningitis. It has been required for many group living situations, including most colleges and many sleep-away camps. It has recently been recommended for all children 11 years old and up. If applicable, this vaccine shouLd be discussed at your child's well visit. This vaccine should be discussed at your high schooler's physical exam.
4) Rotavirus vaccine- This vaccine is recommended for infants at two months of age. It protects against a diarrhea causing virus which most severely affects infants. It is an oral, live attenuated vaccine. It is given in 3 doses, at 2, 4, and 6 months. This vaccine should be discussed at your child's well visit. Note: if initial dose is not given at 2 months, vaccine may not be started later.
5) Chickenpox Vaccine- which is currently being given at the one year visit, has now been recommended as a booster for those four years of age and up.
6) Human Papilloma Virus vaccine- this vaccine is now recommended for girls 9to 26 years of age. This vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. It is a three dose series. It should be discussed at physical exams, when appropriate.
Please visit the websites below for more information regarding these vaccines: