Vaccines

Does your child need vaccines to attend school, play sports, or protect them from specific illnesses and diseases? At Merritt Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas, board-certified pediatrician Christina Merritt, MD, offers vaccinations to babies, children, and teenagers. Schedule an appointment by phone or request one online today to take advantage of childhood vaccines and determine which are best for your child.

What are vaccines?

Vaccines, also called vaccinations or immunizations, work to enhance the immune system by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies. Vaccines are one of the most important advacements in modern medicine, effectively eliminating some very serious and deadly diseases such as measles and polio. 

Dr. Merritt strongly believes in the importance of vaccines and prefers to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. 

What are the benefits of vaccines?

The main benefits of choosing vaccines at Merritt Pediatrics include protection against illnesses and having less severe symptoms if your child does become ill.

Longer appointments are available at Merritt Pediatrics thanks to a concierge medicine model, allowing you to discuss all your options thoroughly with Dr. Merritt before proceeding with vaccines. 

While Dr. Merritt does not bill to insurance, she does use a third party vaccine supplier who will bill the insurance for the vaccines. 

Which conditions can vaccines protect my child against?

Vaccinations at Merritt Pediatrics can protect your child from contracting:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Rotavirus
• Pneumococcal disease
• Meningococcal disease
• COVID-19
• Influenza (the flu)
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

Dr. Merrritt can administer more than one vaccine during your child’s appointment. She lets you know what to expect ahead of time and discusses potential risks.

What happens during vaccine administration?

Most vaccines are available as injections, though some are nasal or oral. Dr. Merritt inserts a tiny needle to administer the vaccine into your child’s arm or leg. This takes just a second or two. While they might feel a slight pinching sensation, it’s over quickly.

Do vaccines have any side effects?

Examples of potential vaccination side effects include tenderness and redness at the injection site, a fever, nasal congestion, and other mild flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can develop as your child’s body produces antibodies against specific germs. Parents are always provided with a vaccine information sheet specific to the vaccine(s) received that day. 

Ask Dr. Merritt which medications they can take to ease symptoms. Your child might need to take it easy on the day they receive immunizations.

Schedule vaccines during your child’s next wellness exam by calling the Merritt Pediatrics office or requesting an appointment online today.