WCHD offers vaccinations for infants and children through age 18. Immunizations required for routine infant vaccination, daycare or school attendance, work or foreign travel are available. WCHD follows vaccination guidelines (en Espanol) recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP) and North Carolina's Immunization Laws & Rules. A good place to find information about the vaccines, their safety and the diseases they prevent can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/Parents-Guide/default.htm#chapters.
Childhood vaccinations include:
- Hepatitis B
- DTaP (for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
- Hib (for Haemophilus influenza type b)
- IPV (for Polio)
- PCV13 ["Prevnar"] (for Streptococcus pneumoniae)
- MMR (for Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- Varicella (for Chickenpox)
- Influenza (for Flu)
Required childhood vaccinations are paid for by federal and state governments to encourage parents to protect their children against vaccine-preventable disease. Children may receive required vaccinesat no charge if they fall under state guidelines of age 0-18 years with Medicaid, no insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. The same services are available for children who have insurance coverage for vaccines, but a fee may be charged.
For more information about vaccination requirements or to request an appointment, please call WCHD at 651-7450.