From Sandy Springs Pediatrics – Your Trusted Pediatrician in Atlanta, GA
At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we believe one of the best ways to keep your child healthy is to follow the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. Vaccines protect your child from serious illnesses—some of which can be life-threatening—and also help protect your family, school, and community.
National Immunization Awareness Month
Every August, the U.S. recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) to highlight the importance of staying up to date on vaccines for all ages.
For children, NIAM is the perfect time for parents to:
- Review their child’s immunization record.
- Schedule any missed vaccines before the new school year.
- Learn about upcoming boosters and annual shots, like the flu vaccine.
For adults, NIAM is equally important. While Sandy Springs Pediatrics focuses on pediatric care, we work closely with families to remind parents and caregivers that they should also stay current with recommended vaccines like the annual flu shot, shingles vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 boosters. Healthy parents mean healthy families.
Sandy Springs Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule & What Each Protects Against
We follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines to keep children safe from preventable diseases. Here’s a quick look at the vaccines your child will receive from birth through their teenage years:
Birth to 6 Months
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – Prevents liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer caused by the hepatitis B virus.
- Rotavirus (RV) – Protects against severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in infants.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) – Diphtheria causes breathing problems; tetanus (“lockjaw”) causes muscle stiffness; pertussis (“whooping cough”) causes dangerous coughing fits in babies.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – Prevents meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV15 or PCV20) – Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
- Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) – Prevents polio, which can cause paralysis.
6 Months to 15 Months
- Influenza (Flu Shot) – Annual protection against the flu.
- Hepatitis B – Final dose for lifelong protection.
- DTaP – Booster dose to keep immunity strong.
- Hib & PCV – Boosters to maintain long-term protection.
- IPV – Additional protection against polio.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – Protects against measles (highly contagious), mumps (can cause meningitis), and rubella (dangerous in pregnancy).
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – Prevents itchy rash and serious complications like pneumonia.
- Hepatitis A (HepA) – Protects against liver infection spread through contaminated food and water.
4 to 6 Years
- DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella – Final childhood boosters before starting school.
11 to 12 Years
- Tdap – Extends protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) – Prevents bacterial meningitis; booster at 16.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Protects against HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
16 to 18 Years
- MenACWY booster – Ensures strong protection during higher-risk years.
- Meningococcal B (MenB) – Optional but recommended for certain teens based on risk factors.
Why Staying on Schedule Matters
Following the recommended vaccine schedule:
- Protects your child before they are exposed to serious diseases.
- Keeps your child’s immune system strong.
- Helps prevent outbreaks in schools and the community.
At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, we also offer catch-up vaccines if your child has missed doses, so it’s never too late to get protected.
Schedule Your Child’s Vaccinations in Atlanta, GA
If your child is due for a vaccine, Sandy Springs Pediatrics is here to help. Our caring pediatricians ensure each visit is comfortable, educational, and tailored to your child’s needs. We proudly serve families in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.
📞To schedule an appointment with one of our Board-Certified pediatricians, call our office at (404) 252-4611 or conveniently request a visit via our ‘Contact Us’ form at the bottom of our homepage.