Did you know?

Immunizations are highly recommended for any patient who wants to maintain optimal health while avoiding serious or potentially deadly diseases. Both children and adults need to have the recommended immunizations on a regular schedule, and Eastowne Family Physicians, PA in Charlotte, North Carolina is here to help. Dr. Tagbo J. Ekwonu provides immunizations for infants through adults in the NoDa, Eastway, and Plaza Midwood areas. Call our office, or use the convenient online scheduling tool to make an appointment for your immunizations.

When are immunizations given to children?

A child’s first immunizations are usually administered at the time of birth. After that, Dr. Ekwonu can provide regular immunizations for your child based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) This schedule includes immunizations at the following points in a child’s life:

• 1-2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 12-23 months old
• 4-6 years old
• 11-12 years old

Which immunizations are included in a children’s immunization schedule?

The children’s immunization schedule recommended by the CDC includes:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis
• Haemophilus influenzae, type B
• Pneumococcal Conjugate
• Inactivated Poliovirus
• Influenza
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Varicella
• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal
• Human Papillomavirus
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide

Which immunizations do adults need?

Patients of all ages need to have a yearly influenza immunization. Other necessary  immunizations can vary greatly depending upon what type of immunizations you had as a child and upon your risk factors. If you didn’t receive immunizations for the following diseases as a child, Dr. Ekwonu can administer them to you now as an adult.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
• Varicella
• Human Papillomavirus
• Zoster

If additional risk factors are present, certain other immunizations may be recommended for adults. These include:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide
• Meningococcal
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Haemophilus Influenzae type B

Dr. Ekwonu is happy to design a customized immunization schedule for you as an adult, based on your current health and your immunization history.

Do immunizations cause any side effects?

Side effects are typically quite minor and short-lived. Some patients do experience symptoms including the following:

• Reactions at the injection site, including pain or minor swelling
• Low grade fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Fatigue

If your side effects are severe or long-lasting, please contact Eastowne Family Physicians, PA for guidance right away. The bottom line regarding immunizations for both children and adults is that the benefits of disease prevention far outweigh the inconvenience of any minor side effects.

Use the easy online appointment maker or call the Eastowne Family Physicians, PA office to arrange immunizations for you or your child anytime.