Pediatric Immunizations in Plano, TX

Immunizations are an important part of your child's well visit and these important immunizations will help your child stay healthy. It is important to keep up with the recommended immunization schedule provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), we can help you keep track of your child's vaccines. Our pediatric teams in Denton and Wylie Children's Medical Clinic in Wylie, TX can provide you with the required shots and an immunization tracking card to keep for your own records. At HSNT, our caring pediatricians, practitioners, nurses, and medical team members want you and your child to feel supported. While your child (or children) receiving the immunization may not like "getting shots," our pediatric team does their best to administer the immunization quickly and carefully, to minimize discomfort. 

During well-child visits and other appointments, we will review the immunization record we have on file to make recommendations on what is needed to keep your child up to date. If you have questions about the vaccines given to your child, please do not hesitate to ask. You can make an appointment at our Plano facility by calling us or requesting it online.

Unless prevented by a medical condition, almost every child is a candidate for pediatric immunizations. Starting at two months, children begin to get their immunizations for hepatitis, Diptheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and more. At Health Services of North Texas, our experienced team members will help you start your child's immunization schedule to ensure they achieve a healthy immune system with the strength to fight off the most serious childhood diseases.

Immunizations are crucial to preventing dangerous illnesses and chronic diseases from entering both your child's and other children's lives. Many of the research-backed benefits for immunizations at an early age include, but are not limited to:

• Prevention of serious and potentially life-threatening disease
• Minimal risk of any side effects
• Eradication of cyclical diseases and viruses
• Allow your child to participate in vaccine-required activities
• Protection of your child both now and into adulthood from infectious disease

When you come in for your child's vaccinations for immunization, please bring in any records you have for the shots your child has received. If your child is new to our Plano center or our Wylie Children's Medical Clinic, you may need to request additional information from a previous provider in order for your child to get their next round of immunizations.

If your child wants to bring in an item for comforting, such as a favorite toy or blanket, we highly recommend bringing it along. Older children may also have some shot anxiety. We do our best to talk an anxious child through the shot process. Our team may try many ways to keep a child's mind occupied during a shot through deep breathing, telling them interesting stories, or ask questions as a distraction. Again, our pediatric team does their best to administer the immunization carefully and quickly, to minimize discomfort. 

Once the vaccinations are administered at our Plano facility, you and your family will be free to return home after the visit. We recommend watching your child for side effects afterward. It is very common for a child to have a fever, swelling, and soreness after an injection or injections. We can give you more information on what side effects may be expressed for a specific type of vaccine. You may need to give your child a little extra comfort after his or her shots appointment, such as:

• Keep a cold cloth or ice pack on the injection area to limit the pain, swelling, and "heat" that your child may feel in that spot
• Make sure to keep your child hydrated with lots of liquids
• If your child doesn't feel well, he or she may refuse to eat or eat less during the next 24-hour period

Overall, it is important to be aware of how your child is feeling over the next few days. We are here for you if conditions are concerning to you.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are extremely safe. The reality is that vaccines have saved countless lives and continue to protect children and families from a wide range of preventable diseases every year. All vaccines offered by Health Services of North Texas are tested extensively before being approved for use in children and adults.

Does my child need vaccines for school?

Certain vaccines are mandated by school districts all across the U.S., including Tetanus and Chickenpox. If you aren't sure which vaccines your child needs, your child's school may provide this information. Our goal is to make sure your children have a happy and healthy school year in Plano, TX.

Why is it important for kids to get vaccinated?

Some diseases like measles and Chickenpox spread rapidly among unvaccinated people in closed spaces like schools or daycare centers. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your child. If you have questions about vaccinations for school, contact your school or a member of our trained team.

At what age should my child begin receiving vaccines?

Vaccinations typically begin at birth, with the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Following that, infants and young children receive vaccines at various stages, including two months, four months, six months, and then between 12 – 18 months. Booster shots and additional vaccines are administered during childhood and adolescence to ensure continued protection. Our team at Health Services of North Texas will provide you with a detailed immunization schedule for your child.

Can my child receive multiple vaccines at once?

Yes, it is common for children to receive multiple vaccines during a single doctor’s visit. This approach is safe and helps ensure that your child stays on track with their immunization schedule. Administering vaccines together reduces the number of visits and provides timely protection against multiple diseases.

What happens if my child misses a scheduled vaccine?

If your child misses a scheduled vaccine, it is important to catch up as soon as possible. Our staff will work with you to create a catch-up immunization plan to ensure your child remains protected against preventable diseases. Missing a vaccine does not mean your child has lost protection, but timely vaccinations are essential to maintaining full immunity.

Our pediatric care teams in Denton and at Wylie Children's Medical Clinic are here to safeguard your child(ren) from preventable diseases through immunizations. If you have a newborn baby who needs a pediatrician or need to update an immunization record for an older child, you can reach out to us for an appointment. At our Plano facility, we offer immunizations for children for patients with or without insurance. Request your appointment today.

Also, travel immunizations are available through the Denton County Health Department.