Immunizations are safe and effective
Vaccines play a vital role in protecting you and your child from numerous serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. By getting vaccinated, you also help safeguard others in your family and community, especially individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants who are too young or those with medical conditions that compromise their immune systems.
All vaccines undergo extensive safety testing before being approved for use and are continually monitored to ensure their safety. While you may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling unwell for a few days, these are temporary and far outweighed by the protection vaccines provide. Widespread vaccination can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—certain infectious diseases.
Why choose SIU Medicine for your family’s vaccines?
At SIU Medicine, we’re more than just providers—we’re partners in your child’s well-being. Our pediatric team is trained in the latest vaccine science and child health practices, and we take the time to answer your questions, listen to your concerns and support your decisions.
Vaccines are one of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to protect your child and the people around them. When you choose SIU Medicine, you’re choosing trusted, compassionate care from experts who are here for your family every step of the way.
Vaccines SIU Medicine Pediatrics provides
Protecting your child against preventable diseases is a key part of well-child care. We follow the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule, and our staff is fully equipped to administer these vaccines right here in the office, which means fewer trips and more peace of mind for you and your family. Below you will find our comprehensive exam and vaccine schedule to keep your child on track.
Babies and toddlers
Newborns at SIU Medicine will receive an exam with their provider.
Exam, Pediarix, HiB , PCV, Rotavirus VIS.
Exam, Pediarix, HiB , PCV, Rotavirus VIS.
Exam, Pediarix, HiB , PCV, Rotavirus VIS.
Exam, Hepatitis A Vaccine, Varicella (Chickenpox), PCV, hemoglobin and lead levels
Exam, Autism Screening, hemoglobin and lead levels
Exam
Young children
Exam, Vision and Hearing check, psychosocial/behavioral screening
Exam, Vision and Hearing check, Tdap, MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), psychosocial/behavioral screening
Yearly exam, vision and hearing screens every other year, psychosocial/behavioral screening
Exam, Tdap, HPV 9 (will need to complete a second dose of HPV 9 in a nurse visit), Meningococcal, psychosocial/behavioral screening, lipid panel
Preteens and teens
Yearly exam, psychosocial/behavioral screening, vision and hearing screen (age 14)
Exam, Meningococcal, psychosocial/behavioral screening
Exam, psychosocial/behavioral screening, lipid panel, vision and hearing screen
Exam, psychosocial/behavioral screening
Vaccine questions & answers
Q: Are vaccines safe for kids?
A: Yes. Vaccines go through rigorous testing and ongoing monitoring to make sure they’re safe for all age groups, including infants and children.
Q: Do vaccines cause autism?
A: No. This claim has been thoroughly disproven. Multiple studies show no link between vaccines and autism.
Q: Can my child get sick from a vaccine?
A: It’s rare. Some children may have mild side effects like soreness or a low fever, but serious reactions are extremely rare.
Q: Why are there so many vaccines?
A: Each vaccine protects against a specific disease. The recommended schedule is designed to protect children when they are most at risk.
Q: What if I’m behind on my child’s vaccines?
A: That’s okay! Your provider can help you create a catch-up schedule to get back on track.
Q: Do vaccinated kids still get sick?
A: Sometimes, but it’s usually much milder. Vaccines help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or complications.
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