Immunizations

General Information on Immunizations

Reliable information on immunizations available on the internet:

• AAP Immunization Information Resources: A comprehensive immunization information site for parents and clinicians sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• HealthyChildren.org Immunization Articles
• Conversations about Vaccines:  Parent FAQs
• CDC Homepage for Vaccines and Immunizations: The CDC website for information on childhood and adult vaccines and immunizations.
• Immunization Action Coalition: An excellent source of childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information for healthcare professionals and the public.
• Vaccination Information Statements (English and other languages): A Language Index for Vaccine Information Statements in many other languages.
• Vaccine Education Center at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia: An educational resource about childhood vaccines for parents and healthcare professionals.
• Vaccine Recommendations for Travel for Children and Infants: CDC Yellow Book recommendations for immunizing children and infants before international travel.

COVID Vaccine Information

Raleigh Pediatrics physicians are reviewing the recommendations for this season’s COVID vaccine for all eligible age groups.  We are transitioning to the Moderna vaccine and expect to have it available in both of our offices in early October.   Click here to review the current COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet

For more information about the current North Carolina resources and recommendations, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine Information | NC COVID-19 (ncdhhs.gov)

Flu Vaccine Information

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children starting at the age of six months. It is especially important to vaccinate children with asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, certain blood disorders, diabetes, and any child with a weakness of the immune system.

Influenza is a viral illness, most common in the winter months, in which patients develop high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and nausea, often with a sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. It is caused by the influenza virus, which changes slightly with each annual season. High attack rates occur among school-aged children and their family contacts. A nasal swab done in the office can detect the influenza virus.

Prevention of influenza is best accomplished by good hygiene, including regular hand-washing and avoidance of those with symptoms of influenza.

The influenza vaccine is about 50% effective in preventing illness and has minimal side effects. People who receive the flu vaccine each flu season may still contract the flu but they typically have a much less severe and shorter case than those who are unvaccinated.  Children under the age of 9 years who are getting the vaccine for the first time should receive two doses one month apart.

In the event of developing symptoms of influenza, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible since antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can be very effective in lessening the duration of the influenza symptoms if taken in the first 48 hours of symptoms.

The American Academy of Pediatrics as well as Raleigh Pediatric Associates continues to recommend a seasonal flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Preventive Antibody

Raleigh Pediatrics will offer the RSV Preventive Antibody, nirsevimab (Beyfortus) to all eligible patients beginning October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can also affect the lungs. Anyone can become infected by RSV, and almost all children get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old.  While most children recover from an RSV infection in a week or two, RSV infection can be dangerous for infants and some young children, causing difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and dehydration.  In the United States, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age. Children who get sick from RSV may need to be hospitalized.

RECCOMENDATIONS:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the RSV Preventive Antibody, nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) or clesrovimab (brand name Enflonsia), be given to all infants, who are not protected by maternal vaccination, aged <8 months born during or entering their first RSV season.  The RSV season is typically October through March.

Additionally, the AAP recommends that nirsevimab (Beyfortus) be given to some children (ages 8–19 months) who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.

A different RSV vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy and for some adults aged 60 – 74 and for all adults 75 years and older.

Please see the RSV Preventive Antibody Immunization Information Statement (CDC) for what you need to know about the RSV preventive antibody for infants.