Immunizations are most often discussed and offered during health supervision visits. Immunizations are given during the health supervision visits. You will be asked to read and sign a consent form for the acellular diptheria-pertussis-tetanus (Dtap), poliovirus (IPV), hemophilus influenza (Hib), measles-mups-rubella (MMR), hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), varicella (chickenpox, VZV), pneumococcal vaccine (PCV), hepatitis A vaccine (HAV), human papilloma vaccine (HPV) and rotavirus (RV) before they are given. Most children and adolescents have little difficulty with reactions to immunizations. Occasionally, recipients of the DtaP will have a slight fever for 24-48 hours after it is given. There may be tenderness or a small bump at the site of the injection. Acetaminophen (Tempra, Tylenol, Panadol, Liquiprin) or an ibuprofen preparation (Children’s Advil or Children’s Motrin) may be used minimize fever and/or discomfort.

The measles immunization may also cause a fever and occasionally a rash. Unlike the DTaP this usually occurs 5-14 days after the injection, but most children have no reaction.
The hemophilus influenza type B immunization may also cause a slight fever and tenderness at the site within 24-48 hours of injection, but most children have no reaction.

This office also encourages the use of the Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV). The Hepatitis B virus is on of the several types of viruses that can cause hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver. There are a number of different schedules available to administer the HBV. The vaccination series includes 3 injections, beginning in infancy/childhood; the second dose is administered 1/3 months after the first dose, with the third dose administered 6 to 18 months after the initial dose.

Susceptible children may receive the Varicella zoster vaccine (VZV) at any visit after their first birthday. A second chickenpox vaccine (booster)should be administered after 4-6 years old of age. A second MMR will be offered at this time.

The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV), a four vaccine sequence, was developed to protect children against streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of meningitis in small children and a common cause of bacterial infection in the blood (bacteremia) in older children.

A three vaccine sequence is available as the Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV); this vaccine provides good protection against the four most common virus subtypes known to increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.