Immunizations Specialist

Immunizations protect your child from a variety of serious or potentially life-threatening diseases. They are the first step in ensuring your child’s good health and follow a timetable that keeps your child safe from birth through adulthood.

In addition to personal safety, immunizations also help protect the community at large, including children who aren’t able to receive vaccinations due to certain health conditions or allergies.

Additionally, immunizations are often a requirement for children attending school or participating in a variety of social organizations, including sports and extracurricular activities.

If you have any questions about the safety or effectiveness of immunizations for your child, contact Dr. Shenouda’s office to schedule a consultation.

From birth to age 18, your child follows a schedule of immunizations to protect him or her from a variety of conditions, including:

• Polio
• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Rotavirus
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Diphtheria
• Chickenpox
• Meningitis
• Pneumococcal
• Hepatitis A and B

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) designs this immunization schedule to ensure infants and young children are protected from serious diseases at a time when they are most vulnerable. Dr. Shenouda follows the CDC’s recommended schedule based on your child’s age and medical history.

If your child has missed any immunizations, Dr. Shenouda creates a customized treatment plan for catch-up vaccinations. In many cases, Dr. Shenouda administers immunizations in groups, with some vaccines requiring a second series of shots several months after the initial immunization.

You and your child can also receive annual flu shots to reduce the severity of seasonal influenza viruses.

In each vaccination is a weakened or dead portion of the virus or bacteria. The immunization triggers the body’s natural immune system response and helps your child develop an immunity to the specific disease.

The vaccination shot contains a very small fraction of what their environment exposes them to daily, and in most cases, side effects of the immunization are minor.

Minor side effects associated with immunizations may include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Soreness at the injection site

Babies may also exhibit a general fussiness after their injections. Dr. Shenouda can recommend post-care treatment, including over-the-counter pain relievers to keep your child comfortable.

To schedule an immunization consultation with Dr. Shenouda, book an appointment online or call the office.