immunization vaccinesChoosing whether or not to vaccinate your child is a contentious issue these days, but the caring and trusted professionals at Carolina Kids Pediatrics encourage you to protect both your child’s and their peer’s health by vaccinating them this August for National Immunization Awareness Month.
 
 
 

Why should I vaccinate?

 
 
Vaccinations stave off diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, which have crept back into our society, especially in areas where immunization rates are low –  they also lower the chance that your child’s friends and classmates will be infected. By vaccinating your child, you could be protecting all those with whom your child has contact from great risk.
 
 
Though certain celebrities and talking heads have spoken out against vaccinations, the fact is that there is no significant scientific data to support claims that they cause developmental problems, other health problems or that they don’t work. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccines.
 
 
“have kept children healthy and have saved millions of lives for more than 50 years. Most childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% effective in preventing disease. And if a vaccinated child does get the disease, the symptoms are usually less serious than in a child who hasn’t been vaccinated. There may be mild side effects, like swelling where the shot was given, but they do not last long. And it is rare for side effects to be serious.”
 
 
 

What sort of vaccinations should my child be receiving?

 
 
In the first six years of life, your child should receive vaccinations for the following illnesses:
 
  • Hepatitis B (HepB)
  • Rotavirus (RV)
  • Diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTap)
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
  • Inactivated poliovirus (polio; IPV)
  • Influenza (IIV; LAIV)
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (VAR)
  • Hepatitis A (HepA)

 
It is important to remember that your adolescent, too, requires several vaccines (and, in fact, may be more likely to be behind on their shots than a younger child): These include:
 
  • Meningococcal (MCV)
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Influenza (IIV; LAIV)
 
 
Nobody likes to see their child cry from a shot, but a little pain from a pinprick now is worth it in the long run.
 
 
 

How can I vaccinate my children?

 
 
 
Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians at Carolina Kids Pediatrics today. This August, arm yourself with the scientific data behind vaccinations. Carolina Kids Pediatrics of Raleigh encourages you to make the right decision and vaccinate your children. For more information, please review the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Parent Handout collection on vaccinations.

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Hours of Operation

Weekend hours are same day appointment only for urgent matters and newborn hospital follow up.

Monday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment

Tuesday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment

Wednesday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment

Thursday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment

Friday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: after hours, same day by appointment

Saturday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Limited availability. Call when we open to schedule.

Sunday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Limited availability. Call when we open to schedule.

Monday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment
Tuesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment
Wednesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: after hours, same day by appointment
Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: after hours, same day by appointment
Saturday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm Limited availability. Call when we open to schedule.
Sunday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm Limited availability. Call when we open to schedule.