Vaccines for Children & Infants in Ottumwa, Iowa
Immunizations That Protect Kids at Every Age & Stage
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to keep children healthy. By following recommended child vaccination schedules, you can protect your child from serious illnesses before they're ever exposed to them. Plus, staying current on immunizations isn't just good for your child; it helps protect the whole community, including babies and kids who are too young or too vulnerable to be vaccinated themselves.
At All Ages Pediatrics in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dr. Eric Dodson and our team have been helping families stay on track with vaccines for children of all ages for over two decades. From annual flu shots for kids to routine immunizations, we're here to guide you through every step.
Request an appointment at All Ages Pediatrics today!
Staying Current on Your Child's Vaccination Schedule
Childhood Vaccines: What They Are & Why They Matter
Vaccines work by training your child's immune system to recognize and fight off specific infections. When your child receives a vaccine, their body learns to build protection against that illness without having to go through the disease itself. That protection can last for years, and in some cases, for life.
The importance of immunization also extends beyond your individual child. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it becomes much harder for diseases to spread from person to person. This is called herd immunity, and it's especially important for protecting newborns, children with weakened immune systems, and anyone else who can't safely receive certain vaccines.
All Ages Pediatrics follows the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which maps out which vaccines children need and when they need them. We offer a full range of vaccines for children from birth through young adulthood, including:
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Polio
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
- Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
- Annual flu shots for kids
- Meningococcal
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
As your child grows, we'll make sure their vaccines stay up to date at each well-child visit. And if they've ever fallen behind on their schedule, that's okay. Our team can help you catch up and make sure your child is protected, no questions asked.
We also understand that parents sometimes have questions or concerns about vaccines, and we're always happy to talk through them. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and confident about your child's care every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my child follow the recommended vaccination schedule?
The recommended child vaccination schedule is designed to give children protection as early as possible, before they're likely to be exposed to serious illnesses. Each vaccine is timed based on when a child's immune system is most ready to respond and when the risk of exposure is greatest. Falling behind can leave your child vulnerable during a window when they're most at risk. Our team at All Ages Pediatrics will help you stay on track and is always happy to answer any questions you have along the way.
What if my child is behind on their vaccines?
If your child has missed vaccines or fallen behind on their infant immunization schedule, it's never too late to catch up. Our team will review your child's vaccination history, figure out exactly what they need, and put together a plan that gets them protected as quickly and safely as possible. We never make families feel bad about gaps in their child's vaccination record. Life gets busy, and we're just glad you're here. Give us a call or request an appointment, and we'll take it from there.
How do I find a vaccine-friendly pediatrician near me?
At All Ages Pediatrics, our team believes in open, honest conversations about vaccines and is always happy to address concerns, answer questions, and meet families where they are. We also make accommodations, including partial vaccination and staged vaccination schedules.
To schedule, you can call our Ottumwa office directly or request an appointment online . Whether your child is due for their first round of shots or needs to get caught up, we're here to help, and we look forward to seeing you!