Keeping your child safe and healthy through vaccination
Immunizing your child is one of the most important things you can do as a parent to keep them safe and healthy. Immunizations are an important part of routine check-ups, and the recommended vaccination schedule is coordinated with these visits.
The vaccination schedule is based on recommendations from the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Priyanka Kawali, MD may consider adjustments based on best clinical judgment for individual patients as needed.
📋 For the most current vaccination guidelines and updates:
Please refer to the CDC Vaccines by Age for the latest updates and detailed information. The schedule below is based on CDC recommendations as of October 2025.
The following schedule follows current CDC guidelines (updated October 2025)
📌 Important Note: This schedule represents the standard CDC recommendations as of October 2025. Some vaccines may require multiple doses or have specific timing requirements. Dr. Priyanka Kawali, MD will work with your family to ensure your child receives all necessary vaccinations at the appropriate times based on their individual needs.
Click on any vaccine below to learn what diseases it prevents and why it's important
Protects Against:
Why It's Important: All three diseases can be deadly for people of any age. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants and can cause lifelong complications.
Schedule: 5 doses total - at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. Booster (Tdap) at 11-12 years.
Protects Against: Hepatitis B virus, which causes liver infection that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and death.
Why It's Important: If babies are infected at birth, hepatitis B can become a lifelong chronic infection. There is no cure, but the vaccine provides excellent prevention.
Schedule: 3 doses - at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.
Protects Against: Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria, which causes serious infections including meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis.
Why It's Important: Babies and children under 5 are most at risk. Hib disease can cause lifelong disability and be deadly.
Schedule: 3 or 4 doses (depending on brand) - at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
Protects Against: Poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
Why It's Important: Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease that most often affects children under 5. Vaccination eliminated polio in the United States, and continued use keeps the country polio-free.
Schedule: 4 doses - at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Protects Against: Pneumococcal bacteria that cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Why It's Important: Pneumococcal disease can cause potentially serious and even deadly infections, especially in young children.
Schedule: 4 doses - at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.
Protects Against: Rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration.
Why It's Important: Rotavirus can be very dangerous, even deadly for babies and young children. It's the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.
Schedule: 2 or 3 doses (depending on brand) - at 2, 4, and 6 months (if 3-dose series).
Protects Against:
Why It's Important: These diseases are highly contagious and can cause serious complications. Vaccination has dramatically reduced cases in the United States.
Schedule: 2 doses - at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Protects Against: Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox - a very contagious disease with itchy, blister-like rash and fever.
Why It's Important: While chickenpox is mild for many, it can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. It can also lead to shingles later in life.
Schedule: 2 doses - at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Protects Against: Hepatitis A virus, which causes liver disease.
Why It's Important: Hepatitis A can be serious and even fatal. Children with the virus often don't have symptoms but can pass the disease to others, including unvaccinated parents or caregivers.
Schedule: 2 doses - starting at 12-23 months, with doses 6-18 months apart.
Protects Against: Human papillomavirus, which causes cervical, throat, and other cancers, as well as genital warts.
Why It's Important: HPV is very common and can cause several types of cancer. Vaccination before exposure provides the best protection.
Schedule: 2-dose series starting at 11-12 years (doses given 6-12 months apart).
Protects Against: Meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord lining) and bloodstream infections.
Why It's Important: Meningococcal disease can be deadly and cause serious long-term disabilities. Teens and young adults are at increased risk.
Schedule:
The flu vaccine is available during flu season to patients 6 months and older. Patients can receive their annual flu shot at any scheduled Well Child or follow-up appointment, or by scheduling an immunization-only appointment.
Depending on their age, some children may need 2 doses:
All children 6 months and older are eligible to receive COVID vaccines. We support your family's decision regarding COVID vaccination.
Dosing Information: Children aged 6-23 months receiving the COVID vaccine for the first time should receive two doses, administered at least four weeks apart.
COVID vaccines are available at scheduled Well Child appointments and follow-up visits.
Dr. Priyanka Kawali, MD knows that vaccines save lives. Immunizations prevent complications, disability, hospitalization, and death from disease. The most common side effects include low-grade fever and soreness at the injection site. We use combination vaccines whenever possible to deliver vaccines safely with fewer overall injections.
Scientific research consistently supports vaccine safety and effectiveness. This research has repeatedly shown there is no established link between vaccines and chronic health issues. Due to immunization success, there are significantly fewer cases of deadly diseases than ever before.
Dr. Priyanka Kawali, MD is committed to discussing vaccinations and preserving relationships with families who have questions about the recommended vaccine schedule.
We understand that vaccine visits can be stressful. Here are proven strategies to help comfort your child:
For children 2 years or younger, ask about a sweet solution of sucrose or glucose given 1-2 minutes before the shot. Even a small amount can help reduce pain.
Breastfeeding can calm and relax your baby, providing comforting close contact and distraction. The slight sweetness of breastmilk can also help reduce pain.
Ask about pain-relieving ointments (applied before your visit) or cooling sprays (applied right before the shot) that can help reduce discomfort.
Explain what to expect in simple terms. Use words like "pressure" or "poke" rather than "pain" or "shot." Your calm voice will be reassuring.
Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or book to help your child focus on something pleasant and comforting during the visit.
Call your child's name, sing a favorite song, tell a story, or act silly to pull attention away from the shot. Keep the distraction going after the vaccine.
Take deep breaths together to help "blow out" the pain. Tell stories or point out interesting things in the room to create distractions.
Calm young infants by swaddling. Hugs, cuddles, and soft whispers help soothe older babies. Mild reactions like soreness or low fever are common and will soon go away.
💡 Tip: Contact our office if you have any concerns after your child's vaccination. We're here to help make every vaccine visit as comfortable as possible for your family.
Based on CDC recommendations. Learn more at CDC: Make Shots Less Stressful
Most schools and daycares in Washington State require a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form for enrollment.
MyIR Mobile, in partnership with Washington State Department of Health, allows you to gain secure anytime access to your child's immunization records. Visit the MyIR Mobile website to sign up and link your child's information to view and print their CIS report.
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