Immunizations Specialist
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Rise & Shine Pediatrics
Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Care located in South Plainfield, NJ
Many parents wonder about how to handle childhood immunizations, and whether it’s the right thing to do. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunizations are one of the most effective tools available for protecting your child from 16 different serious and possibly fatal diseases. Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP, and the skilled and caring team of pediatric experts at Rise & Shine Pediatrics in South Plainfield, New Jersey, can guide you and your child through the immunization process smoothly and easily. You can even include immunizations in well visits or annual exams for added convenience. Book online or by phone today. The practice is conveniently located near Edison and Woodbridge.
Immunizations Q & A
When does my child need immunizations?
Immunizations usually start at birth, with the Hepatitis B vaccine. Your child will then receive other immunizations over the next several years:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Hepatitis A
Many immunizations have multiple doses that are spaced out over months or years. In addition to the above immunizations, all children need a flu vaccination once a year.
By the time that your child reaches age 7, they'll likely have most of their major vaccinations.
The next major point for immunizations is age 11-12, when the HPV vaccination is recommended for both boys and girls.
How often should my child have well-child visits?
During your child’s first years, they’ll see the pediatrician frequently and then transition into annual exams as they grow up. Rise & Shine Pediatrics recommends the following schedule of well-child visits.
- 2-5 days old
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 30 months
- 3 years
After age 3, your child should see their Rise & Shine Pediatrics care provider for an annual exam, and also for any as-needed appointments when they’re sick or have health concerns. Usually, it’s easy to plan immunizations as part of well-child visits or annual exams.
How can I prepare my child for immunizations?
Preparation depends on your child's age and maturity level. For babies and toddlers, bring a favorite comfort object like a blanket or soft toy to the appointment. You can hold your child on your lap for the vaccinations to help keep them still and calm. Your child’s Rise & Shine pediatrician will work with you to make the process fast and easy.
For older kids, you can talk about the shots ahead of time. Be honest, but not overly descriptive about needles and pain. The calmer and more matter-of-fact you are, the calmer your child will be. Explain that the shots might pinch for a moment, but that it's over very fast. Also, remind your child that immunizations are an essential part of growing up healthy.
Time for immunizations or an annual exam? Count on the Rise & Shine Pediatrics team for compassionate care, every time. Book online or by phone today.
