Immunizations Specialist

Immunizations protect your child from diseases that cause serious illness, devastating complications, and even death. Board-certified pediatricians Karen Prentice, DO, FAAP, Kristin Shepherd, MD, FAAP, and their compassionate team at Great Destinations Pediatrics in Peoria, Arizona, provide vaccines needed during childhood, the teen years, and in college. Call today or use the online tool to schedule your child’s immunizations to make sure they’re up to date.

Immunizations Q & A
  • Why does my child need immunizations?

    Immunizations are essential because they can save your child’s life. Diseases that were once rampant and caused disability or death in children have been nearly (or, in some cases, completely) eliminated because of immunizations.


    When your child is protected, it also helps contribute to community protection. Children too young to receive vaccines or those who can’t receive them due to allergies or illness face less risk in the community if the majority of the community is vaccinated (known as herd immunity).

  • What immunizations will my child receive?

    The team at Great Destinations Pediatrics administers all major vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.


    The immunizations provided include:


    • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
    • IPV (polio)
    • HIB (Haemophilus influenzæ type b)
    • PCV-13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
    • Rotavirus
    • Hepatitis B
    • Varicella
    • Hepatitis A
    • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
    • Meningococcal (Menactra)
    • HPV (human papillomavirus)
    • Meningitis B
    • Influenza

    The practice provides these according to the child’s age and health. Parents of newborns can receive their tetanus and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines and their influenza vaccine at the office as well.


    You’re also encouraged to take advantage of the annual flu vaccines offered during a family flu clinic every fall. Because the flu virus strain changes from season to season, you need a yearly vaccine to stay safe.


  • Are immunizations safe?

    Formulas for immunizations go through intensive research and review before being offered to children. They’re proven effective, safe, and crucial to your child’s health and well-being. If you have concerns about vaccines, please ask your provider about them.


    They can educate you on how vaccines work and why they’re as necessary to your child’s preventive care as wearing a seatbelt in the car or a helmet when riding a bike or skateboard.


  • Do immunizations cause side effects?

    Your child could have mild side effects, like fussiness, a low-grade fever, or pain and swelling at the injection site, following their immunizations. Serious side effects are exceptionally rare.


    When your child comes in for their immunizations, you’re given a complete explanation of what each particular dose is for and how your child might respond to it.


    Schedule your child’s immunizations today. Call Great Destinations Pediatrics or use the online tool.

Our practice firmly adheres to the guidelines of the CDC pertaining to the administration of childhood vaccinations. We believe one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century was the development of immunization. We thoroughly study the research on all aspects of benefits and risks. Because of our belief in preventive medicine and our need to protect our babies who have not completed their vaccinations yet from potential carriers of these diseases, we do not accept people who choose not to immunize their children. We do not offer alternative schedules. If you are afraid to immunize your child, we would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of doing so. You can read more about vaccines at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.

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