At Raleigh Pediatrics, we believe in the effectiveness of vaccines in order to prevent serious illness and save lives. To learn more, please read our Immunization Policy.
Click here to learn more about Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
Click here to learn more about this season’s flu vaccine.
Click here to see the Well Child Check-up and Immunization Schedule.
General Information on Immunizations
Reliable information on immunizations available on the internet:
- AAP Immunization Information Resources: A comprehensive immunization information site for parents and clinicians sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- CDC Home Page for Vaccines and Immunizations: The CDC website for information on childhood and adult vaccines and immunizations.
- Immunization Action Coalition: An excellent source of childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information for healthcare professionals and the public.
- Vaccination Information Statements (English and other languages): A Language Index for Vaccine Information Statements in many other languages.
- Vaccine Education Center at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia: An educational resource about childhood vaccines for parents and healthcare professionals.
- CDC website on Autism: The CDC Autism Information Center, with information on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Addresses concerns about vaccines and autism.
Flu Vaccine Information
The flu vaccine is recommended for all children starting at the age of six months. It is especially important to vaccinate children with asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, certain blood disorders, diabetes, and any child with a weakness of the immune system.
Influenza is a viral illness, most common in the winter months, in which patients develop high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and nausea, often with sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. It is caused by the influenza virus, which changes slightly with each annual season. High attack rates occur among school aged children and their family contacts. A nasal swab done in the office can detect the influenza virus.
Prevention of influenza is best accomplished by good hygiene, including regular hand-washing and avoidance of those with symptoms of influenza. The influenza vaccine is about 80% effective in preventing illness and has minimal side effects. Children under the age of 9 years who are getting the vaccine for the first time should receive two doses a month apart. In the event of developing symptoms of influenza, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible since antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can be very effective in lessening the duration of the influenza symptoms if taken in the first 48 hours of symptoms.
For the 2016-2017 Flu Season: The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted that Flumist™ (live attenuated influenza vaccine), also known as the “nasal spray” flu vaccine, will NOT be used during the 2016-2017 flu season. This ACIP vote is based on data showing poor or relatively lower effectiveness of LAIV from 2013 through 2016.
The American Academy of Pediatrics as well as Raleigh Pediatrics continues to recommend an injectable flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
Click on the link below to see the Vaccine Information Statement for the injectable flu vaccine.
