Nowadays, parents are doing extensive research regarding childhood vaccinations. Here at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX, Drs. Heena Thakkar and Shilpa Pankaj can be your Houston resource for child immunization questions and needs. Below, you will find a list of frequently asked questions related to immunization.

Are vaccinations and immunizations safe for children?

Yes, vaccinating your child is an incredibly safe process.

In the United States, vaccinations undergo strict testing and approvals before they are licensed for use. The monitoring of these vaccines continues even once they are approved and licensed.

The American Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both advocate for and adhere to strict immunization schedules for children to protect the safety of those children, and others around them.

Are there side effects from child immunizations?

Like any medication, immunizations may have side effects; however, the side effects from any vaccination are quite mild. For instance, the patient may experience soreness at the vaccination site, a low-grade fever, or general body aches. Most of these side effects subside in a day or two.

Which immunizations are recommended for children?

According to the AAP and CDC, your child should receive various immunizations at different stages of childhood. Your Houston pediatrician can provide specific immunization information for your child. In general, these recommended vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus (gastrointestinal disease)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia vaccine)
• Inactivated Poliovirus (polio vaccine)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox vaccine)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)
• Meningococcal (meningitis vaccine)

For more information about specific child immunizations, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Interested? Give us a call!

If your child is in need of updated immunizations, call (713) 861-4800 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Thakkar or Dr. Pankaj at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX today!