Vaccinations

WakeMed Physician Practices is strongly committed to the health and safety of our patients. Our goal is to protect our patients from life-threatening diseases by requiring that all of our patients meet the minimum vaccination requirements published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Vaccinations are an important way to keep your body healthy and free from disease. Contrary to popular belief, vaccines aren't just for kids. We can provide numerous vaccinations for both children and adults to keep the entire family disease-free. Regardless of your age, it's important for us to know which vaccines you have had throughout your lifetime — so be sure to keep your immunization records. Understanding your immunization records can help us ensure you are properly protected against preventable diseases.

Important Vaccines for Children
Most children receive the majority of their important vaccines between birth and 6 years old. These vaccinations protect kids against diseases such as hepatitis A and B, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, rotavirus, chicken pox, diphtheria, influenza and pneumonia. Since we only care for children ages 6 and up, it's important for our providers to get a full record of our young patients' immunization schedule to ensure they are properly protected against these conditions. 

Children and adolescents need additional vaccinations as they get older, as some of the vaccinations received at a young age begin to wear off. Vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis; meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV) are all recommended for children in their pre-teen or adolescent years. 
Certain vaccines, such as those that protect against the flu or pneumonia, can be given every year. Depending on seasonal availability, we should have flu shots for patients at the start of every flu season, which starts in October. Flu vaccines are available by injection or nasal mist. (You should ask your physician if a nasal mist is right for you.)

Immunizations for Teens and College Students
Most students preparing for college must provide comprehensive immunization records to their college or university prior to enrolling. We can help to ensure students have been given all the appropriate vaccines and can provide full documentation for students as they prepare for college admission.

Important Vaccines for Adults
Even adults need vaccinations on a regular basis. Our physicians can discuss which vaccines are appropriate for adult patients based on your medical history and prior immunization records. Common vaccinations for adults include those that protect against the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis and shingles.

Common Vaccines
If you have questions about common vaccines or what they can help protect against, please reference the below list. This list is not comprehensive, so it's best to talk with your physician if you have specific questions about your vaccination needs.

• Tetanus
• Pneumococcal
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Polio