Immunizations for Children (Flu Shots) in Plano, TX

Both of our Plano, TX medical facilities offer immunization services for children and adults. The experienced practitioners at Village Health Partners believe that a planned and recorded immunization schedule is essential for a healthy life, which includes disease and illness prevention.

A large part of keeping children well and healthy is through a variety of regularly scheduled immunizations. These immunizations are essential in the prevention of serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps, Influenza (Flu), and Whooping Cough. While there has been an ongoing dialogue about the safety of immunizations, these medications have proven to be safe and effective for the majority of children. Immunizations are set on a schedule, where certain ones are given based on a child’s age and in some cases, they are required by school districts for enrollment purposes.

Beginning at birth, children are immunized. From birth, each year over the course of many years, additional immunizations are scheduled. An example of a routine immunization schedule is shown below:

Birth to age 18

• Hepatits B
• Diphtheria, Tetanus & Acellular Pertussis
• Tetanus, diphtheria & Acellular Pertussis
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella

College & Young Adults (19-24)

Most of these immunizations/vaccines are given early in childhood, but college students and young adults need certain immunizations as well.

• Seasonal flu immunization
• Tdap immunization protects against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and whooping cough
• HPV protects against the human papillomavirus, which in most cases causes cervical and anal cancers, as well as genital warts
• Meningococcal conjugate immunization protects against bacterial meningitis and may be required for some college freshman before living in a dorm

Seniors (over 65)

You may need one or more vaccines/immunizations even if you already received them as a child or young adult. Ask your doctor which ones are right for you.

• Influenza
• Pertussis (Whooping cough)
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
• Shingles (Herpes zoster)
• Diphtheria/Tetanus
• Tdap immunization protects against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and whooping cough

Schools require different vaccinations depending on the age and grade level of the student. Schools are a highly contagious environment, and it is important to stay up to date on vaccinations. Some of the most common required vaccinations are:

• Polio (all grades)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (KG-12th grade)
• Hepatitis B (all grades)
• Hepatitis A (KG-4th grade)
• Meningococcal (7th-11th grade)

Even though the flu infects millions each year with most recovering, the flu can cause serious complications and death, especially in children. For younger children under 5 with underdeveloped immune systems, the flu can especially be devastating and can lead to hospitalization. Children with chronic diseases are especially at risk, so it’s recommended that children receive a flu shot every year. Traditional flu vaccines are designed to protect children against the three most common flu viruses: H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. Since there’s also a vaccine that fights against 4 strains, a healthcare provider will decide which type is right for a child.

Getting a child immunized regularly is part of keeping him or her healthy and safe to protect against preventable diseases. At our practice, we want children to start life off well and stay well throughout their lifetimes, so we offer all needed immunizations. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for your child’s immunizations.