Influenza — what most of us call “the flu” — is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Immunization Schedule Flu season runs from October to May. It’s best to get a flu vaccine as early in the season as possible, as it gives the body a chance …
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Your Child’s Immunizations: Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Immunization Schedule MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses: at age 12–15 months at age 4–6 years Children traveling outside the United States can get the vaccine as early as 6 months of age. These children should …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccines
The meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious infections. Two kinds of meningococcal vaccines are currently given to kids in the United States: The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (called types A, C, W, and …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV, PPSV)
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal infections, which are caused by bacteria. The bactera spread through person-to-person contact and can cause such serious infections as pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis. PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria (the types that cause …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Polio Vaccine (IPV)
Polio is a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis. Immunization Schedule The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Though the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) is still used in many parts of the world, it has not been …
Your Child’s Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus is a common virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks. Immunization Schedule The vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth, is recommended at ages 2 and 4 months, and again at 6 months, depending on …
Anesthesia – What to Expect
When your child is having any kind of procedure or surgery that requires anesthesia, it’s understandable to be a little uneasy. You probably have plenty of questions about everything — from how the anesthesia is given, to what your child will experience, to where you’re allowed to be. What happens …
Anesthesia Basics
No doubt about it, getting an operation can be stressful for kids and adults alike. If your child is scheduled for surgery, you may have questions or concerns about anesthesia. The thought of your child being unconscious or temporarily losing sensation can be downright unnerving, whether your child is 7 …
Appendectomy
Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix when an infection has made it inflamed and swollen. This infection, called appendicitis, is considered an emergency because it can be life threatening if untreated — occasionally, an inflamed appendix bursts after a day of symptoms. So it’s very important to have …
Blood Transfusions
A blood transfusion is a fairly simple medical procedure. In a transfusion, a patient receives whole blood or one of its parts through an intravenous line, or IV. This is a tiny tube that is inserted into a vein using a small needle. While patients are likely to feel a …