Immunizations stimulate your child’s body to produce antibodies and teach their immune system to recognize and respond to bacterial and viral infections. If your child becomes exposed to these pathogens after immunization, their body will be ready to protect them. This reduces the risk of becoming infected and developing severe symptoms.
At Robertson Pediatrics, we believe that the benefits of vaccines go far beyond individual benefits; they help nurture the health of our communities and future generations.
From childhood through early adulthood, our immunization care program will help safeguard your child’s health at every stage. If you have any concerns regarding immunization, we will be more than happy to discuss them at your child’s next visit.
Immunization Safety
Vaccines and immunizations undergo rigorous surveillance from the medical community. This testing process begins in its development and continues even after it is authorized for use. At Robertson Pediatrics, we trust that pediatric immunizations are safe, effective, and necessary to protect our children’s well-being.
Benefits of Immunizations
All children have the right to enjoy life to their fullest potential, and we are committed to taking all measures available to safeguard their physical and mental health.
Here’s how the benefits of vaccines play a fundamental role in achieving this goal:
Preventing Serious Illness
Vaccines prepare your child’s body to fight off harmful pathogens and invasions. By introducing a harmless version of the disease into the body, vaccines enable the immune system to develop defenses against it.
If your child has contact with these pathogens, their body will be well-equipped to fight them off, preventing severe illnesses and complications.
Collective Immunity
Not all children can be vaccinated due to certain health conditions. When a significant proportion of a population is vaccinated, it reduces the overall occurrence of the disease, protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine. This collective immunity is crucial in protecting the health of entire communities.
Eradication of Diseases
Historically, vaccines have played a significant role in the elimination of disease. By encouraging vaccination as a primary healthcare principle, we work together towards the eradication of more diseases, creating a safer world for everyone.
What to Expect During Your Immunization Appointment
Here’s what you can expect from visiting us for an immunization administration:
1. Medical History Review
Dr. Sammy and his colleagues will let you know which immunizations are most suitable for your child after thoroughly reviewing their medical history, lifestyle habits, and vaccination history.
In some cases, it may be necessary to complete a physical exam and diagnostic testing before customizing your child’s immunization schedule.
2. Immunization Administration
We will first ask your child to rest comfortably on an exam table and to clear the arm or leg where the vaccine will be applied. After your doctor cleans the injection site, they will gently insert a very tiny needle into their arm or leg to inject antibody-stimulating substances.
3. Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Needles
We understand that fear of needles and injections can make immunizations a challenging quest for children. Our healthcare providers have extensive experience helping children overcome these fears by encouraging effective relaxation techniques and distraction methods.
Although we have mastered administering injections with little to no pain, topical anesthetics will also be available in case your child needs additional support.
4. After Immunization
After receiving immunizations, your child can continue with their daily routine without disruption. It is expected to notice mild side effects such as low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue.
These usually disappear on their own within a day without medical supervision. However, if your child develops signs of an allergic reaction or severe symptoms, call us immediately.
If the immunization applied requires more than one dose, we will let you know when to schedule your next appointment.
CDC Recommended Immunization Schedule
At Robertson Pediatrics, we firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing illness and saving lives. Our pediatricians adhere to the vaccine and immunization recommendations created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Hepatitis B
- First Dose: Birth
- Second Dose: 1 to 2 months
- Third Dose: 6 to 18 months
Rotavirus
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
Third Dose: 6 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Acellular Pertussis
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6 months
- Fourth Dose: 15 to 18 months
- Fifth Dose: 4 to 6 years
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6 months
- Fourth Dose: 15 to 18 months
Pneumococcal Conjugate
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6 months
- Fourth Dose: 15 to 18 months
Inactivated Poliovirus
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6 to 18 months
- Fourth Dose: 4 to 6 years
COVID-19
- Two or three primary series and boosters from 6 months of age until 18 years
Influenza (LAIV4)
- Annual vaccination: 6 months to 18 years
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- First Dose: 12 to 15 months
- Second Dose: 4 to 6 years
Varicella
- First Dose: 12 to 15 months
- Second Dose: 4 to 6 years
Hepatitis A
- Two Dose Series: 12 to 23 months
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Acellular Pertussis
- Single Dose: 11 to 12 years
Human Papillomavirus
- Two or Three-dose series starting at age 11 to 12 years
Meningococcal
- First Dose: 11 to 12 years
- Second Dose: 16 years
Meningococcal B
- Two Dose Series: 16 to 23 years
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide
- First Dose: 2 months
- Second Dose: 4 months
- Third Dose: 6 months
- Fourth Dose: 12 to 15 months
Immunizations for Children and Teenagers in Beverly Hills
Vaccinations play a critical role in optimizing your child’s health and communities alike. At Robertson Pediatrics, we encourage parents to stay up-to-date with their children's immunization schedules.
If you have any immunization-related concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us at 310-659-8687. We offer same-day visits in our clinic located in the heart of Beverly Hills and at-home care for your comfort.
If you need additional help, our Pediatric concierge services offer 24/7 virtual and in-person specialized support right at your doorstep.