Protecting Children During the Early Years

The first few years of life are an important time for building protection against serious infections. Childhood vaccines help protect babies and young children from illnesses that can cause complications, hospitalizations, or long-term health problems.

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we provide recommended childhood vaccines during wellness visits and help parents understand how vaccines protect their children as they grow.

Vaccines from Birth Through Age Five

From birth through age five, children receive a primary series of vaccines that helps protect them during the years when they are especially vulnerable to certain infections. These vaccines help protect against diseases such as:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis, also called whooping cough
• Hib disease
• Pneumococcal disease
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A
• Flu

Rather than asking parents to memorize the schedule, we review your child’s vaccine needs at each wellness visit and let you know which vaccines are recommended at that age.

Vaccines During Wellness Visits

Most childhood vaccines are given during routine wellness visits. These visits allow your pediatrician to review your child’s growth, development, overall health, and vaccine status at the same time.

When your child is due for vaccines, your pediatrician will discuss them with you, explain what they help prevent, and answer any questions you have. We want parents to feel informed and comfortable with the care their child is receiving.

Why Vaccines Matter

Many of the diseases prevented by vaccines are less common today because vaccines have worked so well. However, these infections have not disappeared completely, and some can still spread quickly when children are not protected.

Vaccines help protect your child, but they also help protect newborns, children with certain medical conditions, and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

We’re Here to Help

Parents often have questions about vaccines, timing, side effects, or what to expect after the visit. We welcome those questions. The pediatricians at Laurelwood Pediatrics can review vaccine recommendations, discuss your child’s vaccine history, answer questions, and help keep your child protected through safe, timely vaccination.

Protect Your Teen's Health With Comprehensive Adolescent Vaccines

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we understand that keeping your adolescent healthy means staying current with recommended immunizations. Our team provides a full range of vaccines designed to protect teens from serious illnesses as they grow. With over 66 years of combined experience, we've been serving families since 1957, offering convenient access through our patient portal for existing patients and round-the-clock support from our on-call nurses.

Reach out to us to schedule your teen's vaccination appointment today.

Signs Your Teen May Need Vaccination Updates

As your child enters adolescence, their immunization needs change. Many vaccines require boosters during the teen years, and new vaccinations become necessary to maintain protection. Here's when you should consider scheduling an appointment:

• Entering middle school or high school
• College enrollment approaching soon
• Several years since last well-child visit
• Participating in sports or group activities
• Planning to travel soon
• School or camp requires proof of immunization

Update your adolescent's vaccines well before deadlines. Our locally owned practice accepts most commercial insurance plans, making it easier to keep your teen protected.

Why Adolescent Vaccines Are Essential

Teenagers face unique health risks that require specific immunizations. Certain diseases pose greater threats during adolescence, and immunity from childhood vaccines can fade over time. Here's why these vaccines matter:

• Prevents meningitis and serious bacterial infections
• Protects against HPV-related cancers
• Maintains immunity as childhood vaccines wear off
• Reduces disease spread in schools and communities
• Meets requirements for educational institutions
• Safeguards reproductive health for the future

At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we'll review your teen's vaccination history and ensure they're fully protected. Schedule their appointment through our convenient patient portal.

Why Choose Laurelwood Pediatrics

For more than six decades, families throughout Memphis have trusted us with their children's health. We combine experience with accessibility, ensuring you always have support when you need it most. Here's what sets us apart:

• Over 66 years of combined medical experience
• Serving the community since 1957
• 24-hour access to on-call nurses for urgent concerns
• Easy appointment scheduling through our patient portal
• Acceptance of most commercial insurance plans
• Family-focused, locally owned practice

We're committed to making preventive care simple and accessible for every family. Let us help keep your teenager healthy and protected.

Contact Us

Your adolescent's health matters, and staying current with vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect them. At Laurelwood Pediatrics, we're here to answer your questions and provide the immunizations your teen needs. When preparing for the school year or planning ahead for college, we'll make sure they're fully protected.

Contact us today to schedule your teen's vaccination appointment and experience the care that's kept families coming back for over 60 years.