Below you will find information about well child checks and what vaccines are given. The vaccine schedule below is a general guideline. If your child is behind on the schedule we may have to change what vaccines are given.  We have also provided information about each vaccine and why it is important for your child to receive the vaccine.  There are also additional links to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) that has more detailed information about each vaccine.  We hope this helps you and your child prepare for your child's well child exam and answer any questions you may have.   Of course, if you have any questions not answered here, please discuss this with us at the exam. 

Immunization Policy:

Catawba Pediatrics participates in the Universal Childhood Vaccine Distribution Program so that all children may receive all needed vaccines. Participation in this program requires that we administer all recommended vaccines simultaneously (at one time), at the appropriate age. We as a practice agree that this requirement is in the best interest of your child’s health. Splitting or delaying certain vaccines may actually put your child at risk for developing many serious, even deadly illnesses. Giving all needed vaccines has been widely researched and has been found to be both safe and effective. Therefore, it is the policy of Catawba Pediatrics to administer all recommended vaccines simultaneously according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule.

Immunizations:

2 weeks:  No vaccines are given at this visit, unless your child did not receive Hepatitis B Vaccine in the hospital.

2 months:
DTaP: This is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP.  It protects against  Diphtheria, Tetanus (Lockjaw), and Pertussis (Whooping Cough).  Your child should receive a total of  five doses of this vaccine by five years of age.

IPV:  Inactivated Polio Vaccine protects against a virus than can cause paralysis or death.  Your child should receive a total of four doses of this vaccine by five years of age.

Hib:  Haemophilus Influenzae Type b Vaccine protects against a bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings), pneumonia, severe swelling in the throat, and death. This disease usually occurs in children under five years of age. Your child should receive a total of 4 doese by age fifteen months.

(Pentacel) is a combination vaccine that includes DTaP, IPV, and Hib.It is given at two, four and six months of age.)

HBV: Hepatitis B Vaccine protects against a virus that can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and sometimes death. Your child should receive a total of 3 doese by age six months.

PCV-13:  Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine protects against illness caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.  This bacteria causes meningitis, blood infections and some ear infections and can lead to pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage.  Children under two years of age are at highest risk for serious illness.  Your child should receive four doses by twelve months of age. If your child is under five years of age and has never received a dose of PCV-13 (a newer formulation of PCV-7 that provides more protection) one dose is needed.

Rotavirus Vaccine:  This vaccine protects against a virus that causes severe diarrhea, accompanied sometimes by vomiting and fever.  Your child should receive three doses of this vaccine by six months of age.

4 months:
Pentacel #2
PCV #2
Rotavirus #2

6 months:
Pentacel #3
PCV #3
Rotavirus #3
HBV #3

9 months:  No vaccines are scheduled to be given at this visit. unless your child is behind schedule. During Flu session, a Flu Vaccine is available at this visit.