Immunizations
Make sure your kid gets all the needed shots for the safety of their health. Immunizations help protect against life-threatening diseases and help keep everyone from getting sick in big outbreaks.
Sticking to a schedule of shots for kids makes sure they get their vaccines on time, which means less chance they will catch some disease. If you are a fresh parent digging for a chart of baby shots or just wanna know about the shots you have to get, this guide’s got all the info you need.
Why Are Immunizations Important for Children?
Vaccines have played a critical role in reducing and even eliminating many dangerous diseases that were once common. Diseases like smallpox and polio, which once caused severe illness and death, have been largely eradicated thanks to widespread immunization efforts.
Why Vaccines Matter
- Protect Against Common Illnesses: Vaccines help protect kids from diseases like measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, and more.
- Boost the Immune System: Vaccines help the body learn how to fight germs before they cause illness.
- Required for School & Daycare: Most schools, daycares, sports teams, and summer camps require certain vaccines to keep all kids safe.
- Help the Whole Community: Vaccinated children also help protect infants, grandparents, and people with special health conditions.
Vaccines keep kids safe from diseases that used to be common and dangerous. Because of these shots, the cases of smallpox and polio have been reduced and eradicated on some levels. To get more details about the immunization importance for children, check the link.
Childhood Vaccine Schedule: When Should Your Child Get Vaccinated?
The list of vaccines for children by age for kids makes sure they get their shots when it’s best for them. The schedule is carefully designed by the experts so the young ones have protection when they need it the most.
List of Vaccines for Children by Age
Doctors give each shot to kids when it’s best for them, to ensure maximum protection. According to the guidelines shared by the government, here’s a quick look at the routine for vaccines for children:
Birth to 6 Months:
- Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose at birth, with follow-ups at 1-2 months and 6-18 months.
- Rotavirus (RV): Protects against severe diarrhea; administered in two or three doses.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): First three doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Prevents bacterial meningitis.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): Protects against pneumonia and ear infections.
- Polio (IPV): Given at 2, 4, and 6-18 months.
6 Months to 18 Months:
- Influenza (Flu Vaccine): Annual flu shot begins at six months.
- DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV: Additional booster doses.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): First dose given after the first birthday.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Typically administered along with MMR.
- Hepatitis A (HepA): Two-dose series starting at 12 months.
4 to 6 Years:
- DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella: Booster shots given before starting school.
9 to 16 Years (Adolescents):
- HPV Vaccine: Recommended for protection against human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause certain cancers.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningitis.
- Tdap Booster: A booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for ongoing protection.
In addition to the child vaccination chart, the yearly influenza vaccine is recommended starting at age 6 months. And the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended starting at age 6 months.
Flu Shots
- We offer seasonal flu shots for children 6 months and older.
- Flu vaccines are especially important for kids with asthma, heart conditions, or weakened immune systems.
- Our flu clinics are offered on weekdays and weekends to fit your family’s schedule.
Travel Vaccines
- Planning a trip? Some destinations may require or recommend additional vaccines (like typhoid or hepatitis A).
- Let us know in advance — we’ll help you plan based on your travel dates and location.
For Foster Families and Caseworkers
We understand the unique needs of foster children and are here to help:
- Please bring the child’s immunization record or medical history to the appointment. If unavailable, we may need to reschedule.
- If the child needs updated immunizations, allergy or asthma action plans, we recommend the child be seen in person with the foster parent or caseworker.
- A telemedicine visit can also be arranged if needed. These plans are important and need time — please allow enough notice before appointments.
For Children with Medicaid or State Insurance
- Please check your child’s insurance card before the visit — especially the PCP (Primary Care Provider) listed.
- If our office is not listed as the PCP, please contact your insurance plan or social worker to update it before the visit.
- Vaccine coverage is included in Medicaid plans, and we report all vaccines to the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) for easy tracking.
Tips for Parents Before Children’s Vaccination
Keeping your kids’ health first means vaccinations are a must, though they might stress out both kids and parents. Knowing what’s gonna happen and getting ready beforehand can smooth things out and tone down the anxiety.
Vaccinations are a vital part of your child’s healthcare, but they can sometimes be stressful for both children and parents. Preparing in advance can help make the experience smoother and more comfortable.
- First up Get the Facts Straight: Always have your child's vaccination tracker handy so you know what shot comes next.
- Comfort Your Child: Break out a toy or chat in a calm voice while they get their shot.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule vaccinations around your child's routine to reduce stress.
- Be Aware of Mild Side Effects: Don’t sweat it if they get a mini fever or a spot of red where the needle went in; it's all good and won't last long.
By ensuring your child stays up to date on vaccinations, you are taking an important step in protecting their health and the well-being of the community.
Get the care you deserve
Contact Kids Care Pediatrics For Healthcare Support.
At Kids Care Pediatrics, we encourage you to contact us whenever you have a concern or question related to your care. You can reach us at:
Colonia, NJ
Plainfield, NJ