Pediatric Vaccinations in MA & RI
At Southcoast Health, we believe that all children should receive their approved vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On-time vaccinations throughout childhood are essential to building immunity before children are exposed to life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are thoroughly tested to ensure their safety and effectiveness for children at the recommended ages. Visit your nearest Southcoast Health hospital or primary care practice to meet with a highly skilled pediatrician in MA and the surrounding areas of RI.
Why Your Child Should Get Vaccinated
From the day a baby is born, their immune system is exposed to a wide variety of germs which can be viruses or bacteria. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react as if there were an actual infection present. They are especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to prevent further outbreaks. Side effects are a normal and expected part of how vaccines work. Sometimes, you may experience a low-grade fever or body aches that go away shortly after the shot is administered. In rare cases, reactions can occur from a vaccine, but the risk of the illness itself is far greater.
What Vaccines Do Children Need?
The following vaccinations are recommended by the AAP for children ages 18 years or younger. The AAP recommends that kids get combination vaccines, rather than single vaccines, whenever possible.
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
- Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine
- Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine
- Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Influenza (flu) vaccine
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Meningococcal (MenACWY, MenB) vaccines
- Pneumococcal (PCV13, PPSV23) vaccines
- Polio (IPV) vaccine
- Rotavirus (RV) vaccine
You can find the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedules for 2023 here. Recommendations may change as new vaccines are developed. Talk to your doctor about the right vaccines and schedule for your child.
Insurance and Payment Options
Southcoast Health accepts most major health insurance plans. With insurance, many preventative shots are covered, although you are still responsible for any copay or deductible associated with your health plan. Please contact your insurance provider directly with any questions related to coverage. You must present a valid form of identification and your insurance card upon arrival at our office. Payment is due at the time of service.
Visit Our Pediatricians for a Vaccination at Southcoast Health
Southcoast Health proudly offers comprehensive and compassionate pediatric care services from infancy to adolescence, including vaccinations. We work to ensure that your child stays healthy during their critical years of development. Our team of board-certified pediatricians has years of experience providing specialized care for children of all ages. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, please contact us today