Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.

At SouthCoast Health Pediatrics, we are committed to the health and well-being of every child. We believe in the vital role vaccines play in preventing serious diseases and safeguarding our community. Therefore, this practice adheres to the current guidelines to provide the best protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses.

While we firmly believe that this vaccine schedule safely protects our children from serious illnesses, we are aware that parents may have questions or concerns regarding vaccinations. We are willing to discuss these concerns; however, we require our patients to remain up-to-date on vaccines prior to their next well check. Feel free to request a copy of the vaccine schedule for your review.

Vaccines protect children from a wide range of preventable diseases that can cause serious health complications or even death. Vaccination not only protects the individual child but also the broader community by promoting herd immunity, preventing outbreaks, and ensuring that vulnerable individuals (such as infants, elderly, or immunocompromised people) are protected from dangerous diseases.

Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before they are approved for use. Extensive clinical trials, continuous monitoring, and research ensure that vaccines provide a high level of protection while being safe for children. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provide ongoing updates and guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. We encourage parents to use trusted resources such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center for further guidance on each vaccine.

Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about vaccines. We appreciate your trust in our office and look forward to supporting you and your family every step of the way in maintaining the health and safety of your child.

SouthCoast Health is committed to keeping your child healthy through complete, up-to-date immunization services. Vaccines play a vital role in safeguarding children against many preventable illnesses. See our guide below for the recommended vaccines by age group.

Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 2 Years)

During the first two years of life, your child will receive several essential vaccines to help build strong, early immunity. At our practice, we follow the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule for this important stage of development.

Birth

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): Protects against hepatitis B virus infection.

2 Months/4 Months

  • Pediatrix: A combination product containing DTaP, hepatitis B, and inactivated polio vaccines.
    • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Shields against these serious bacterial infections.
    • Hepatitis B (HepB): Protects against hepatitis B virus infection.
    • Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Prevents polio.
  • PedvaxHIB: Routine vaccination against invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which can lead to meningitis.
  • Prevnar 20, also known as PCV20 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): a pneumococcal vaccine that protects against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
  • Rotarix: Vaccine indicated for the prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis, which can cause severe diarrhea.

6 Months

  • Influenza: Annual flu shots to protect against seasonal flu.
  • Pediatrix:
    • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Shields against these serious bacterial infections.
    • Hepatitis B (HepB): Protects against hepatitis B virus infection.
    • Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Prevents polio.
  • Prevnar 20, also known as PCV20 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): a pneumococcal vaccine that protects against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
12 Months
  • PedvaxHIB: Routine vaccination against invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which can lead to meningitis.
  • Prevnar 20, also known as PCV20 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): a pneumococcal vaccine that protects against 20 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
  • Vaqta: Prevention of disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV)

15 Months

  • Priorix: a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in individuals 12 months of age and older.
  • Varivax: Protects against Varicella (chickenpox).
  • Infanrix: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Shields against these serious bacterial infections.

18 Months

  • Vaqta: Prevention of disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV)

Early Childhood (3 to 6 Years)

As your child grows, booster shots ensure continued protection:

  • Influenza: Starting at 6 months old, children should receive a flu shot every year to stay protected.

4 Year Old

  • Kinrix: an immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis
  • ProQuad: a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).

5–6 Years Old

  • DTaP Booster: Continued protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
  • IPV Booster: Maintains immunity against polio.

School-Age Children (7 to 12 Years)

Before starting school, additional vaccines and boosters are crucial:

  • DTaP Booster: Another booster to extend protection.
  • HPV Vaccine: Protects against human papillomavirus, recommended starting at age 11.
  • Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal disease.

Adolescents (13 to 18 Years)

As your child approaches adulthood, maintaining vaccinations is essential:

  • Tdap Booster: A booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
  • HPV Series Completion: Ensures full protection against HPV.
  • Meningococcal Booster: Further protection against meningococcal disease.

Immunizations are vital to protect your child from serious illnesses. Vaccines are safe, thoroughly tested, and monitored for side effects. Keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule ensures your child remains healthy and contributes to community immunity.

For more information or to schedule your child’s immunization appointments, please contact the SouthCoast Health Pediatrics department.