Child Flu and Immunization Services

Childhood immunizations are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control,the American Academy of Pediatrics, and The American Academy of Family Physicians. Immunizations protect your child from deadly diseases such as polio. At Nebraska Home Pediatrics, we work with you to ensure your child doesn’t miss any routine immunizations or flu shots.

The flu season runs for five months, typically from January to April. The CDC recommends everyone above 6 months get a yearly flu vaccine. At NHP, we recommend getting the pertussis, also known as whooping cough, vaccine if you’re an adult around young children.

The Importance of Tracking Your Health and Development

As your child grows, we expect them to reach certain developmental milestones. These expectations prepare healthcare professionals to ensure the child gets proper growth and development. As a childcare provider in Nebraska, NHP aims to ensure that your child receives the care, attention, and support as they grow and develop into adulthood.

Since each child develops at their own pace or reaches various milestones at different rates, it’s essential to schedule regular well visits, which help detect delays and any potential causes.

How Many Shots Do Children Need?

Most vaccines are combined to reduce the number of shots. Here is the standard immunization schedule recommended by age 2:

Three to four polio vaccinations (IPV)
One measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination (MMR)
Four vaccinations for Haemophilus influenza
Four vaccinations for Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT)
Three vaccinations for hepatitis B
Vaccination for chickenpox for children above 12 months
Four vaccinations for pneumococcal disease, a common cause of pneumonia and ear infections
Three vaccinations for Rotavirus

From ages 4 to 6 years, your child may need booster shots for MMR, DPT, IPV, and Chickenpox. You should also schedule them for yearly flu shots after 6 months. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all children beginning at age 1 year old.

Importance of Immunization in Children

Immunizations have many benefits for children, parents, and the community. Here are the most common benefits of immunizations:

They help save lives
They’re safe, efficient, and effective
They protect other people you care about
They save you money and time you would have used to treat diseases like polio
They protect future generations
They promote a healthier community

How to Prepare Your Child for Vaccinations

Immunizations sometimes mean getting shots, something many children don’t like. Preparing them in advance helps them relax, which makes the process smooth and fast. At NHP, we recommend talking to your child about vaccines. Listen to their thoughts and be ready to answer their questions. Remember, your child will look up to you for an appropriate emotional reaction. Let your child know why they’re getting vaccinated and create a comfortable distraction. Soothe them after the shots and speak to their doctor about possible side effects. You can also let them take their favorite stuffed animal or toy during the visit.

At Nebraska Home Pediatrics, we always allow breastfeeding mothers to breastfeed their child during their immunizations and we always allow children to sit in their parent’s lap during their immunizations, if they so choose.

Request an Immunization or Flu Shot in Omaha, Nebraska

At Nebraska Home Pediatrics, we help track your child’s immunization schedule and provide further guidance on the vaccine your child is receiving. To learn more about your child’s shots or to book an immunization appointment contact us today.