Childhood Immunizations
Childhood immunizations help protect children from serious diseases at every stage of growth. Following an age-appropriate vaccine schedule also helps protect classmates, family members, and others in the community.
Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides routine childhood and adolescent immunizations at our Pineville and Gastonia pediatric offices. Our providers review each child’s vaccination history, explain the recommended vaccines, and answer parents’ questions before vaccines are given.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Ages & Stages Pediatric Group to request an appointment.
What Are Childhood Immunizations?
Immunizations help your child’s immune system recognize and defend against certain diseases before exposure occurs.
Some vaccines require several doses to build protection. Others require boosters to maintain that protection as a child grows. The timing of each dose is based on the age when children are most likely to need protection and when their immune systems are expected to respond effectively.
At Ages & Stages Pediatric Group, vaccine recommendations are based on current pediatric guidance, your child’s age, immunization history, health conditions, and individual risk factors.
Why Are Childhood Vaccines Important?
Many vaccine-preventable illnesses can cause serious complications, hospitalization, long-term disability, or death. Even diseases that are uncommon in the United States can return when community vaccination levels decline or be brought into the country through international travel.
Keeping your child’s immunizations current can:
- Reduce the risk of serious infectious diseases
- Lower the likelihood of severe illness or hospitalization
- Help prevent diseases from spreading to others
- Protect infants and medically vulnerable people
- Support school, daycare, camp, and activity requirements
- Provide protection before travel or possible exposure
- Reduce disruptions caused by preventable illness
Vaccination is an important part of preventive pediatric care from infancy through adolescence.
What Happens During an Immunization Appointment?
Vaccines are frequently given during scheduled well-child visits. Your child’s provider may:
Review the Immunization Record
We review available records to determine which vaccines your child has already received and whether any recommended doses are due.
Consider Your Child’s Health
The provider may ask about current symptoms, allergies, previous vaccine reactions, medications, and medical conditions that could affect vaccine recommendations.
Explain the Recommended Vaccines
Parents should understand which vaccines are being recommended, the diseases they help prevent, and the common reactions that may occur afterward.
Answer Questions
We encourage parents and adolescents to ask questions. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate information so families can make informed healthcare decisions.
Update Your Child’s Records
Vaccines administered by the practice are documented in your child’s medical record. Families may request updated immunization information for school, daycare, camp, sports, travel, or personal records.
Vaccines Through Every Stage of Childhood
The vaccines recommended for your child depend on age, previous doses, health history, and individual circumstances.
Infants and Young Children
Babies and young children receive vaccines that help protect against illnesses such as:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Pneumococcal disease
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
Because several vaccines require multiple doses, routine well-child appointments are important for keeping the series on schedule.
School-Age Children
Children may receive booster doses before entering school and catch-up vaccines when previous doses were missed or records are incomplete. Annual preventive visits allow the provider to review the immunization record and identify any vaccines that may be due.
Preteens and Teenagers
Recommended adolescent immunizations may help protect against: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Other illnesses based on age, health, risk factors, or shared clinical decision-making Immunization review remains an important part of annual adolescent well visits, school physicals, sports physicals, and preparation for college.
Seasonal and Risk-Based
Immunizations
Some immunizations may be recommended seasonally or based on age, medical conditions, travel, exposure risk, or other individual circumstances. Your child’s provider will explain which recommendations apply to your family.
What If My Child Is Behind on Vaccines?
If your child has missed one or more vaccines, contact Ages & Stages Pediatric Group. A delayed vaccine series generally does not need to be restarted.
Your child’s provider can review all available records and develop an appropriate catch-up plan based on:
- Your child’s current age
- Vaccines already received
- Time since the previous dose
- Medical history
- School or daycare requirements
- Travel plans
- Individual health risks
If records are missing, bring any information you have from previous pediatricians, health departments, pharmacies, schools, or other healthcare facilities.
What to Expect After Vaccination
Many children experience no significant problems after vaccination. When reactions occur, they are commonly mild and temporary.
Possible reactions may include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Headache or muscle aches
- A mild fever
The reactions that may occur depend on the specific vaccine. Your child’s provider will explain what to expect, appropriate comfort measures, and when to contact the office.
Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.
When Should I Call the Pediatrician?
Contact Ages & Stages Pediatric Group if:
- You are unsure whether your child is current on vaccines
- Your child has missed recommended doses
- Previous immunization records are unavailable
- Your child had a reaction to an earlier vaccine
- Your child has significant allergies or a complex medical condition
- Your child takes medication that affects the immune system
- You are planning international travel
- Your child develops a reaction that concerns you
- You have questions about a vaccine recommendation
Call 911 immediately if your child develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, blue or gray lips, loss of consciousness, or another sign of a severe allergic reaction.
How to Prepare for an Immunization Appointment
Bring any available immunization records, especially if your child received vaccines from another pediatric practice, pharmacy, hospital, school clinic, or health department.
Before the appointment, make a note of:
- Previous vaccine reactions
- Medication and food allergies
- Current medications
- Recent illnesses
- New medical diagnoses
- Questions you want to discuss
- Upcoming school, camp, or travel deadlines
Childhood Immunizations at Our Pineville and Gastonia Offices
Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides childhood and adolescent immunizations for families in Pineville, South Charlotte, Gastonia, and surrounding communities.
Contact the office to schedule an appointment or ask which records should be provided before your visit.
Pineville Pediatric Office
Our Pineville office provides routine immunization review and pediatric preventive care for families throughout Pineville, Ballantyne, South Charlotte, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Matthews, and nearby communities.
Select Saturday appointments are available through the Pineville office based on scheduling.
Gastonia Pediatric Office
Our Gastonia office provides routine immunization review and pediatric preventive care for families throughout Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton, Dallas, Bessemer City, Kings Mountain, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which vaccines my child needs?
Your child’s provider will review their age, immunization history, medical conditions, and individual risk factors. The recommended vaccines and timing may differ for children who are behind on vaccines or have certain health conditions.
Can my child receive more than one vaccine during a visit?
Yes. Children commonly receive more than one recommended vaccine at the same appointment. Your provider can explain which vaccines may be administered together and answer questions about each one.
Does my child need to restart a vaccine series if a dose was missed?
Usually not. Most delayed vaccine series can continue without restarting. The provider will determine which doses are needed and the appropriate intervals between them.
Can my child be vaccinated with a cold or mild illness?
A mild illness does not always require vaccination to be postponed. However, the decision depends on your child’s symptoms, temperature, health history, and the vaccine being considered. Tell the provider about any illness before vaccination.
What side effects are normal after a vaccine?
Soreness at the injection site, tiredness, irritability, decreased appetite, or a mild fever can occur after some vaccines. Reactions vary by vaccine. Contact the office if symptoms are severe, worsening, or concerning.
What should I do if my child had a previous vaccine reaction?
Tell the provider what happened, when the reaction occurred, and which vaccine was involved. Bring any available medical records. A previous reaction does not automatically mean that all future vaccines must be avoided, but it should be evaluated before another dose is given.
Can you help if my child’s immunization records are incomplete?
Yes. Bring every record you can locate. Our team can review the available information and help determine whether additional documentation or a catch-up plan is needed.
Does my child need vaccines for school or daycare?
North Carolina schools and childcare facilities have immunization requirements that vary by age and grade. Your child’s provider can review the medical record and provide available immunization documentation. Families should confirm current enrollment requirements with the school or childcare program.
Are vaccines only given during well-child visits?
Vaccines are commonly provided during well-child visits. Contact the office if your child is due for a vaccine but is not scheduled for a checkup so our team can explain the available appointment options.
Should my child receive vaccines before international travel?
Some destinations require or recommend additional vaccines or an adjusted schedule. Contact the practice well before departure so your child’s provider can review the destination, travel dates, age, and immunization history.
Schedule an Immunization Appointment
Keeping immunizations current is an important part of protecting your child throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides childhood immunizations and vaccine guidance at our Pineville and Gastonia pediatric offices. Contact us to schedule an appointment or request an immunization-record review.
This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Vaccine recommendations can vary based on age, health history, previous doses, risk factors, and evolving medical guidance. Speak with your child’s healthcare provider about the recommendations appropriate for your child. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.