Immunizations ages 0-18 in Plano, TX

At Village Pediatrics, we strongly believe in the safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccinations. Vaccines have been one of the most important means of reducing serious diseases in children and reducing the complications of those diseases, including blood infections, meningitis, brain injury, and even death. We recommend that all children receive the recommended childhood vaccines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

At times, parents might find confusing and frightening information about vaccinations in the media and on the internet. Our board-certified pediatricians are committed to educating parents about the safety and benefits of immunizations, and they welcome any questions regarding this matter. We do advocate that all patients receive the required vaccines. However, in an effort to minimize exposure to other patients, Village Pediatrics does not see children who are not immunized solely for belief reasons. If you are strongly opposed to immunizations, this may not be the best pediatric practice fit for you, and we wish you well in your continued search.

Below is a list of each well-visit by age and the vaccinations recommended, as well as any special testing that should be done. Our well-visit schedule and vaccination schedule are in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Your physician may also recommend any catch-up vaccinations as needed.

• 2 weeks: Newborn screen
• 1 month: Hepatitis B vaccine (if not given in hospital)
• 2 months: Hepatitis B vaccine, Pentacel (HiB, DtaP, IPV), PCV, Rota
• 4 months: Pentacel (HiB, DtaP, IPV), PCV, Rota
• 6 months: Pentacel (HiB, DtaP, IPV), PCV, Rota
• 9 months: Hepatitis B vaccine, hemoglobin measurement
• 12 months: MMR, VZV, PCV, Hepatitis A vaccine, lead and TB screening questionnaire
• 15 months: HiB, DtaP
• 18 months: Hepatitis A vaccine, autism screening questionnaire
• 24 months: Autism screening questionnaire
• 30 months: Behavior review, speech evaluation
• 3 years: Focused nutritional assessment
• 4 years: MMR, VZV, IPV, DtaP, hearing and vision screenings
• 5 – 10 years: A yearly visit is recommended; no scheduled vaccines for these visits if all prior vaccinations have been completed
• 11 years: MCV4, Tdap
• 12 – 18 years: A yearly visit is recommended, HPV (series of 3 doses)
• 16 – 18 years: MCV4 (if the first dose was on or after age 16 years, no booster is needed)

DTap: Diptheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine
Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine
HPV: Human papilloma virus vaccine (3 series: 2^nd dose 2 months after 1^st dose, 3^rd dose 6 months after 1st dose)
IPV: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
MCV4 - Meningococcal vaccine
MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine
Rota: Rotavirus vaccine
Tdap: Tetanus and diptheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (adolescent preparation)
VZV: Varicella (Chickenpox) virus vaccine

From the first day of kindergarten to the last day of senior year, our public schools require different vaccinations depending on the age and grade level of the student to keep everyone safe and healthy. Schools are a highly contagious environment, and it is important to stay up-to-date on vaccinations to maintain your child’s health. Common required vaccinations are:

• Polio vaccine (all grades)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines (kindergarten – 12th grade)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (all grades)
• Hepatitis A vaccine (kindergarten – 4th grade)
• Meningococcal vaccine (7th – 11th grade)

Flu shots are equally important for our children in the germ-filled environments of the classroom and other common areas at school. Older siblings can contract the flu and bring it home to younger siblings with under-developed immune systems. The flu generally strikes at the most inopportune time, and can make the entire household sick. With flu shots, you are providing a protection against the flu and its uncomfortable symptoms. In severe cases of the flu, many children have been hospitalized for extreme cases. Ask your child's physician if getting the annual flu shot is right for your family as there are different vaccinations available, such as H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. Your healthcare provider will decide which type is right for your child(ren). 

Safeguard your children from preventable diseases by getting your child immunized regularly. Each child we treat at our practice will be offered the needed immunizations so that they can live a healthy and safe life at home, in public, and in the classroom. If you need a pediatrician to manage your child’s immunization schedule, give us a call, and make an appointment today.