Immunizations
HEPATITIS B (HEP B)
This vaccine provides protection against the Hepatitis B virus which can be transmitted across the placenta at birth or later in life via blood or sexual contact. It is given at birth only if the mother has Hepatitis B and it is strongly recommended for adolescents. Side effects are minimal, with usually just some tenderness at the injection site. The Hepatitis B series is now a required immunization for all children entering public schools for the first time.
POLIO VACCINE (IPV)
Polio is a disease that can paralyze. The vaccine is now injectable and is given in four doses. There are very few side effects.
HEMOGLOBIN/LEAD SCREEN
These tests may be indicated at around 9-12 months to screen for anemia or exposure to lead in the environment. We will discuss at the well child visit whether these are indicated for your particular child.
PPD
A TB skin test is recommended in the event of a TB exposure. If any family member is diagnosed with TB or develops a positive skin test or any immune deficiency, it is important to let us know as this will change the schedule for your child's testing.
VARIVAX
At 12 months or older, this vaccine is nearly 95% effective in preventing severe chicken pox. Side effects include some fever and pain at the injection site. Also, 2-4 weeks after receiving the vaccine a child may actually develop 4-5 spots like the chickenpox. No special precautions are needed in a child who develops these spots, as the odds of passing the virus on to otherwise healthy people are very slim. However, they should avoid people with known immune deficiencies or who are on chemotherapy.
MMR
The measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) vaccine is given in two doses. Reactions to this don't occur until 1-2 weeks after the vaccine is given. There may be fever, rash and aching joints. During this time, your child is NOT contagious to others at all. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help make your child more comfortable. Getting the MMR vaccine is much safer than getting any of these three diseases.
DPT
This vaccine protects your child against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Each child receives five doses. A tetanus booster is given every 10 years after entrance into school. Your child may experience fever, irritability and pain or swelling at the injection site in the 24-48 hours following this vaccine. Acetaminophen and cool compresses usually help any discomfort. There have also been rare reports of cases of encephalopathy (nerve and brain damage), usually temporary, in one of every 100,000 - 300,000 children following DPT immunization. With the newer generation of acellular vaccine (DaPT) we rarely see any side effects at all.
HIB
Each child receives three-four doses. This vaccine protects your child from infection with the bacteria Haemophilus Influenza type B, which causes epiglotitis and meningitis in childhood. Side effects are rare and include fever and redness at the injection site.
PREVNAR
This vaccine helps protect infants and toddlers from diseases caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These include meningitis, bacteremia, pneumonia and ear infections. Prevnar is given in a series of four doses and has side effects similar to those seen with other childhood vaccines.
FLU VACCINE
Any child over 6 months of age may receive the influenza vaccine and it is now recommended not only for high risk children, such as children with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions, but also for all healthy children who will be 6 months through 23 months of age during the influenza season. There is an intranasal influenza vaccine now available for healthy children 2 years and older. This protects against infection with the influenza virus, which causes a week long illness of headache, sore throat, fever, muscle aches and dry cough. Epidemics of influenza occur each winter and each year a flu vaccine is "custom made," based on a prediction of which strains of virus will be predominant in the coming winter months. The vaccine is best given in the fall months to allow time for immunity to develop before "flu season" hits.
We attempt to call in children who are considered at "high risk" for complications from influenza, including our asthmatics, diabetics, children with heart disease or other chronic lung diseases and children on aspirin therapy for medical problems. If your child has a medical history making him/her high risk and you haven't heard from our office by mid-October, call us!
We give immunizations according to the current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. These may change as new vaccines become available or depending on when immunizations are started.
TRAVEL VACCINES
For those patients traveling out of the country, we do offer immunizations for plague, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, etc. Dr. McDaniel is registered with the CDC as a "Yellow Fever Center, the only such center in southern Indiana providing Yellow Fever vaccine for young children. We also have available computer software to help provide information on health conditions in the country you will be visiting along with general information. Our software is updated monthly so you can take advantage of the latest information regarding epidemics, etc. in the country you will be visiting. Be sure to contact us as early as possible if you are planning a trip! It sometimes takes several weeks to complete a course of recommended immunizations prior to leaving the country.
If your child has upper respiratory symptoms (i.e., common cold) without a high fever (104), he or she may still receive immunizations without rescheduling for a later time.
