Pediatric Vaccinations in MA & RI

At Southcoast Health, we believe that all children should receive their approved vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On-time vaccinations throughout childhood are essential to building immunity before children are exposed to life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are thoroughly tested to ensure their safety and effectiveness for children at the recommended ages. Visit your nearest Southcoast Health hospital or primary care practice to meet with a highly skilled pediatrician in MA and the surrounding areas of RI.

Why Your Child Should Get Vaccinated

From the day a baby is born, their immune system is exposed to a wide variety of germs which can be viruses or bacteria. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react as if there were an actual infection present. They are especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to prevent further outbreaks. Side effects are a normal and expected part of how vaccines work. Sometimes, you may experience a low-grade fever or body aches that go away shortly after the shot is administered. In rare cases, reactions can occur from a vaccine, but the risk of the illness itself is far greater. You can learn more about childhood immunizations here.

What Vaccines Do Children Need?

The following vaccinations are recommended by the AAP for children ages 18 years or younger. The AAP recommends that kids get combination vaccines, rather than single vaccines, whenever possible.

You can find the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedules for 2023 here. Recommendations may change as new vaccines are developed. Talk to your doctor about the right vaccines and schedule for your child.

Helping Prevent RSV in Infants

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a viral illness that causes symptoms such as trouble breathing. It is the most common cause of inflammation of the small airways in the lungs and pneumonia in babies. A single RSV antibody shot for all babies under 8 months and some older babies at risk for severe RSV has been approved by the FDA and CDC.

There are two available options to help protect your babies from severe RSV. In most cases, babies will only need one, not both.

RSV Vaccine

Given during pregnancy
Protection is passed to baby from mother
Recommended for women who are 32-36 weeks
pregnant
Usually provided between September – January

RSV Antibody

Given to the baby
Provides direct protection to the baby
Recommended for babies younger than 8 months
Usually provided between October – March

It is also recommended that a dose of RSV antibody is provided to children between the ages of 8 and 19 months entering their second RSV season with the following conditions:

Children who were born prematurely and have
chronic lung disease
Children who are severely immunocompromised
Children with cystic fibrosis who have severe
disease
Children of American Indian and Native Alaskan
descent

Insurance and Payment Options

Southcoast Health accepts most major health insurance plans. With insurance, many preventative shots are covered, although you are still responsible for any copay or deductible associated with your health plan. Please contact your insurance provider directly with any questions related to coverage. You must present a valid form of identification and your insurance card upon arrival at our office. Payment is due at the time of service.

Visit Our Pediatricians for a Vaccination at Southcoast Health

Southcoast Health proudly offers comprehensive and compassionate pediatric care services from infancy to adolescence, including vaccinations. We work to ensure that your child stays healthy during their critical years of development. Our team of board-certified pediatricians has years of experience providing specialized care for children of all ages. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, please contact us today