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Vaccines & Immunization
At Mackoul Pediatrics, we strongly believe that immunization and vaccines play a very important role in protecting children from preventable diseases.
We follow the immunization schedule that is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our office offers all recommended vaccines, in a caring and supportive environment.
What Each Childhood Vaccine Does:
Hepatitis B:Â Helps protect against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that can become chronic and lead to long-term liver disease.
Rotavirus: Helps protect infants and young children from rotavirus, a common cause of severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and hospitalization.
DTaP:Â Helps protect young children against diphtheria, tetanus, & pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
Tdap:Â Booster vaccine for older children and teens that helps continue protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Hib:Â Helps protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause serious infections such as meningitis.
Pneumococcal:Â Helps protect against pneumococcal disease, which can cause bacterial meningitis, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and ear infections.
Polio/IPV: Helps protect against polio, a serious viral illness that can cause paralysis.
Influenza (Flu):Â Helps protect against seasonal influenza, which can cause serious illness in children, especially babies & children with chronic conditions.
MMR: Â Helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can cause serious complications and are all highly contagious.
Varicella: Helps protect against chickenpox and its possible complications, including skin infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain.
Hepatitis A: Â Helps protect against hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection that can spread through close contact, food, or water.
HPV: Helps protect against human papillomavirus, which can cause several types of cancer later in life.
Meningococcal: Helps protect against meningococcal disease, a rare but serious bacterial infection that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream.
RSV: Helps protect infants and some high-risk young children from respiratory syncytial virus, a common virus that can cause serious breathing illness.
COVID-19: Â Helps protect against COVID-19 and can reduce the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization.
It is normal for some children to feel a little uncomfortable after receiving vaccines. Mild side effects are usually a sign that your child’s immune system is responding and building protection.
Common symptoms may include:
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Soreness, redness, mild swelling where the shot was given
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Fussiness or irritability
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Feeling tired or sleepy
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Low-grade fever
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Mild rash after certain vaccines
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Decreased appetite for a short time
Most mild reactions go away within a few days. You can help your child feel better sooner by allowing them to rest, offering extra fluids, and using a cool, damp cloth on the injection site if there is any soreness or swelling. Please consult our office before giving any not previously discussed pain or fever-reducing medication.
Call our office at  (239) 573-2001 if your child has a high fever, symptoms that are not improving with time, unusual behavior, signs of dehydration, or if you have other concerns about how your child is acting after getting the vaccines.
Seek emergency care right away if your child exhibits signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and throat, trouble breathing, hives, extreme weakness, or loss of consciousness.
What to Expect After Vaccines
Downloadable Resources for Parents:
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