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.
• 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.

COVID Vaccine Information

Raleigh Pediatrics physicians recommends the COVID vaccine for all eligible age groups.  The vaccine is available in both of our offices as well as many locations throughout our communities.  RPA is administering the Pfizer COVID vaccine to all ages at previously scheduled appointments as well as COVID vaccine clinics as staffing/scheduling permits.

For more information about the current 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 60% effective in preventing illness and has minimal side effects. Children under the age of 9 years who are getting the vaccine for the first time should receive two doses a 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.