East Suburban Pediatrics strongly believes that proper immunization is essential to the well being of our children. We follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. We strive to provide the best possible care for all of our patients and ask that those parents who do no wish to follow the AAP recommendations contact us in advance of their visit to discuss their concerns. Below is some helpful information about the vaccines we use in our office as well as a frequently asked questions about immunizations.
Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
2, 4, 6, 18 months and 4 years
Polio (IPV)
2, 4, 18 months and 4 years
Pneumococcus (Prevnar)
2, 4, 6, 15 months
Rotavirus (Rotateq, oral vaccine)
2, 4, 6 months
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
2, 4, 6, 15 months
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Birth, 2, 6 months
Hepatitis A (Hep A)
2 doses 6 months apart
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
12 months and 5 years
Varicella (Chickenpox)
12 months and 5 years
Meningococcus (Menactra)
11 years
Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (Adacel)
11 years
Human Papillomavirus (Gardasil)
Girls over 11 years (3 doses)
Influenza
Annually (starting at 6 months)
Diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory disease that can cause serious complications such as heart failure, respiratory distress and paralysis.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) is a bacteria that enters the skin usually through puncture wounds and causes muscle spasms in the legs, arms, stomach, and especially the jaw.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a disease that causes severe coughing and respiratory distress.
Polio is a virus that causes muscle spasm and can lead to paralysis.
Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can cause meningitis and severe blood infections.
Rotavirus is one of the most serious causes of diarrhea in babies and young children and can lead to severe dehydration.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia or severe swelling of the throat.
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that can cause liver failure and death.
Hepatitis A is is a food-borne viral illness that causes fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice.
Measles is a virus which causes a rash and cold symptoms but can lead to encephalitis, deafness, and mental retardation.
Mumps is a virus that causes swelling of the cheeks and can lead to meningitis or encephalitits.
Rubella (German Measles) is a virus that causes a benign rash but can cause severe birth defects in affected pregnant women.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) is a virus which causes an itchy rash and led to over 100 deaths annually prior to the vaccination.
Meningococcus is a rapidly spreading bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia, blood infections and death.
Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. and is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.
Influenza is a respiratory virus causing fever, muscles aches, and headaches. It can lead to pneumonia and dehydration.
How do vaccines work? Vaccines are a small purified fragment taken from killed or inactivated bacteria or viruses. They stimulate the body's immune system to develop resistance to the disease without actually getting the disease.
Are vaccines safe? Although no medication is 100% safe, vaccines are thoroughly tested and regulated by the FDA. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Meanwhile the benefits of vaccines are tremendous. Before vaccine polio paralyzed up to 20,000 people, rubella caused 20,000 birth defects and pertussis killed 9,000 children annually.
Do combination vaccines overload the immune system? No. Combinations allow children to be vaccinated with fewer injections.
Can vaccinations cause autism? Several published studies have shown no relationship between vaccinations and autism.
What about Mercury in vaccines? East Suburban Pediatrics uses vaccines that contain no mercury or thimerisol (a mercury based preservative.)
