Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system as if there were a real infection. This creates antibodies that will remember and fight off the germ if it enters the body later.

From birth to adolescence, children should receive a range of vaccinations as part of a comprehensive health plan. New parents can oftentimes feel overwhelmed by the number of vaccinations recommended for their newborn. We are here to answer your questions and are focused on making your child as comfortable as possible during the process.

Types of Pediatric Immunizations

Many dangerous diseases are preventable. Vaccines don’t just keep your child healthy, but they also protect other children by eliminating or greatly decreasing diseases that used to be common among kids. This is why the state of Missouri requires that all children who will be attending school be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Influenza
• Poliovirus
• Diphtheria
• Measles
• Varicella
• Rotavirus
• Hepatitis A and B
• Human papillomavirus
• Meningococcal
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Pertussis

Child Vaccine Schedule

The type of immunization that your child receives will depend on the child’s age. At CareSTL Health, we follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure your child is safe and protected.

Newborns typically receive their first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine while in the hospital, or shortly thereafter. They will then continue to receive most of their vaccinations in doses at scheduled visits throughout their first two years of life. After that, additional shots are generally spread out over longer periods of time. The exception is the flu shot, which is recommended yearly.

To see the full vaccine schedule visit the CDC’s website.

Pediatric Immunization Safety 

Vaccines are safe and extremely effective. In fact, vaccines can prevent the spreading of diseases by as much as 90-99%.

All are put through rigorous testing before being approved by the FDA, and most have even been around for decades!

As with any medical treatment, there is always the possibility of a reaction. Most common side effects of vaccines include swelling at the site of the injection, soreness, and fever. In all cases, it’s important to remember that the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the possible side effects.

CareSTL Health Provides Pediatric Immunizations in St. Louis

We recognize the importance of adolescent health and wellness, which is why we treat children of various age ranges — from newborns to 19-year-olds. Through this treatment we also provide school-based services for children so parents don’t have to take a vacation day to take their child to an appointment.

We partner with a variety of St. Louis school districts including:

• Jennings
• Hazelwood
• Riverview Gardens
• Ritenour
• Louis Public Schools

For more information on our school-based services contact Jasmine Burris, Director of School Based Services and Partnerships at 314.367.5820.

At CareSTL Health we continue to serve underserved communities in the St. Louis area and strive to provide quality healthcare to children of all families regardless of their socioeconomic status or income. In doing so, we believe that we create a healthier and happier St. Louis community.

Make your child’s first pediatric appointment today and receive a free box of pampers. Or, check out one of our following St. Louis locations nearest you: