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Little Shields for Big Protection
We make immunizations as quick, gentle, and stress-free as possible, because we know that a small poke today means a much healthier tomorrow for your child.
Vaccination saves 6 lives every minute of every year. Source: World Health Organization
Why Vaccines Matter
Immunizations have eliminated or dramatically reduced diseases that once claimed millions of children's lives every year. They protect your child, your family, and vulnerable people in your community who can't be vaccinated.
At Dr2Kids Medical Group, Dr. Smita Tandon follows the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the same evidence-based schedule endorsed by the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics. Your child's vaccine schedule is customized based on age. We're always here to answer your questions.
🔬 Every vaccine on our schedule has been evaluated by the FDA, CDC, ACIP, and American Academy of Pediatrics. The evidence for vaccine safety is among the most thoroughly studied in all of medicine.
💬 Have questions or concerns? Dr. Tandon takes time to talk through every worry; there's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your child's health.
Your Vaccine Visit, Step by Step
We've thought through every detail to make vaccine visits as smooth as possible for the whole family.
1
Check In & Review
Our team reviews your child's record and confirms which vaccines are due, with no surprises.
2
Quick Health Check
A brief wellness check to ensure your child is healthy to receive vaccines.
3
The Shot(s)
Numbing spray, distraction, and quick technique to minimize discomfort every time.
4
Brave Kid Reward
Every child gets a sticker, because every kid who gets a shot is a little superhero.
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Making Vaccine Day Easier
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what our team recommends.
🍽️ Feed your child beforehand. A full tummy helps prevent fainting and keeps blood sugar stable. Don't come hungry, but avoid a huge meal right before.
🧸 Bring a comfort item. A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy can be a powerful distractor during the quick pinch.
😊 Stay calm: kids feel your energy. If you're relaxed and positive, your child is more likely to be too. Try "quick squeeze" instead of "hurt."
🤱 Hold your baby close (infants). Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding during or after a vaccine significantly reduces infant distress.
📱 Use distraction (toddlers+). A favorite song, video, or deep breathing exercise can make the experience nearly painless for older kids.
After the Shot: What's Normal?
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days | Normal |
| Low-grade fever (under 101°F) within 24 hours | Normal |
| Fussiness, mild drowsiness, or reduced appetite the same day | Normal |
| Infant crying for up to a few hours after vaccination | Normal |
| Fever above 104°F or fever lasting more than 3 days | Call Us |
| Severe swelling at injection site, difficulty breathing, or hives | Call 911 |
| Inconsolable crying lasting 3+ hours (high-pitched) | Call Us |
💊 Pain relief: Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (6mo+) can ease discomfort. Always use the correct weight-based dose; we'll provide guidance at your visit.
Recommended Vaccine Schedule
Dr. Smita Tandon follows the ACIP-recommended immunization schedule for children ages 0–18. Our providers will walk you through exactly what your child needs at each visit. For more information, including full vaccine schedules, check out the detailed information on immunize.org→
Birth
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B HepB | Serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus | 1st dose · at birth |
| Vitamin K Vit K | Dangerous bleeding disorders in newborns born with low Vitamin K | Single dose · at birth |
| RSV (Nirsevimab) RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus, the leading cause of infant hospitalizations | Single dose · at birth (seasonal) |
2 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Poliovirus IPV | Polio, a disease that once paralyzed thousands of children each year | 1st dose |
| DTaP DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) | 1st dose |
| Hib Hib | Bacterial meningitis and other severe infections | 1st dose |
| Pneumococcal PCV | Pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections | 1st dose |
| Rotavirus RV | Severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants | 1st dose (oral) |
| Hepatitis B HepB | Serious liver infection | 2nd dose |
4 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Poliovirus IPV | Polio | 2nd dose |
| DTaP DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis | 2nd dose |
| Hib Hib | Bacterial meningitis | 2nd dose |
| Pneumococcal PCV | Pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections | 2nd dose |
| Rotavirus RV | Severe diarrhea and vomiting | 2nd dose (oral) |
| Hepatitis B HepB | Serious liver infection | Series continues |
6 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Poliovirus IPV | Polio | 2nd dose · 6–18 mo |
| DTaP DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis | 3rd dose |
| Hib Hib | Bacterial meningitis | 3rd dose |
| Pneumococcal PCV | Pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections | 3rd dose |
| Rotavirus RV | Severe diarrhea and vomiting | 3rd dose (oral, if applicable) |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · 1st time: 2 doses, 4 wks apart |
| COVID-19 COVID | COVID-19 per current CDC schedule | Series varies by age & brand |
9 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B HepB | Serious liver infection | Final dose · 6–18 months |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
12 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| MMR MMR | Measles, mumps, and rubella, critical for community immunity | 1st dose · 12–15 mo |
| Varicella VAR | Chickenpox, which can lead to bacterial infections and pneumonia | 1st dose · 12–15 mo |
| Hepatitis A HepA | Liver infection from contaminated food and water | 1st dose · 12–23 mo |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
15 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis | 4th dose · 15–18 mo |
| Hib Hib | Bacterial meningitis | Final dose · 12–15 mo |
| Pneumococcal PCV | Pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections | Final dose · 12–15 mo |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
18 Months
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A HepA | Liver infection from contaminated food and water | 2nd & final dose · 6 mo after 1st |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
4–6 Years
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis | 5th & final dose |
| Poliovirus IPV | Polio | 4th & final dose |
| MMR MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | 2nd & final dose |
| Varicella VAR | Chickenpox | 2nd & final dose |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
9–12 Years
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| HPV HPV | HPV strains causing cervical and throat cancers | 2-dose series · 3-dose if started at 13+ |
| Tdap Booster Tdap | Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis | Single booster · 11–12 yr |
| Meningococcal ACWY MenACWY | Bacterial meningitis, which can be fast-moving and potentially fatal | 1st dose · booster at 16 |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |
16–18 Years
| Vaccine | Protects Against | Dosing |
|---|---|---|
| Meningococcal Booster MenACWY | Bacterial meningitis, especially important before college dorm living | Booster · 16 yr |
| Meningococcal B MenB | Broader meningitis protection for teens 16–18 | 2-dose series |
| HPV catch-up HPV | HPV strains causing cancer | Up to 3 doses · through age 26 |
| COVID-19 COVID | COVID-19 per current CDC guidance | Annual updated dose |
| Influenza Flu | Seasonal influenza | Annual · every fall |