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Immunization

Holly Springs Pediatrics follows the immunization guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children and adolescents from birth to 18 years old.

Why Immunization is Important

Infants and school-age children are more likely to be exposed to bacteria and viruses, and vaccines can help a child’s immune system fight them. In fact, the number of cases for many communicable diseases has dramatically decreased and some have even been eradicated thanks to immunization. Vaccinations are administered as one of the safest and best methods of disease prevention. This preventative approach to managing your child’s healthcare can help prevent expensive procedures or hospital visits in the future.

Types of Immunizations

The CDC publishes a schedule of recommended immunizations for children up to the age of 18, which is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some are dispensed orally and others injected as a shot. Here are some of the most common vaccines that your pediatrician will administer:

  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Measles (MMR)
  • Meningitis (MenACWY/MenB)
  • Hepatitis B (HepB)
  • Rotavirus (RV)
  • Tetanus (DTaP)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

How Often Are Vaccinations Recommended?

Per the CDC guidelines, children receive their first vaccine (HepB) at birth. From there, you’ll be asked to bring your child in at regular intervals (typically coinciding with well visits) up to age 18 for various vaccines. Some vaccines, like the flu shot, are recommended yearly. Holly Springs Pediatrics can provide you a detailed schedule to follow as well as specific vaccine information handouts.

Is Immunization Required?

The medical professionals and staff at Holly Springs Pediatrics believe immunizations are an essential part of well-child care. We also recognize and respect the parents’ role as the ultimate decision maker for their child’s healthcare. While we strongly encourage families to follow the recommended immunization schedule, it is not a requirement to be patient at our practice. However, patients who do not vaccinate are required to sign a Refusal to Vaccinate form.

Keep in mind, your child’s school or the organizations through which they participate in extracurricular activities will each have their own policy regarding immunization, whether refusal is permitted, and under what circumstances refusal to vaccinate is permissible.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Immunization

To discuss any concerns you may have about immunizations or to schedule your child’s well visit, please contact our office or request an appointment online. We look forward to your visit with us.