The American Association of Pediatrics recommends immunizing your child from birth and throughout their childhood to prevent common communicable diseases. With the help of board-certified pediatrician Monica Kharbanda, MD, your child can receive all of the vaccinations they need under one roof at Franconia Pediatrics in Alexandria, Virginia. You can book your child’s immunization appointment through the website, or you can call to schedule a visit by phone.

If you are not willing to get vaccinated, we are probably not the right.

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Why are immunizations important?

Your child comes into this world with a weak immune system. Immunizations help boost your child’s immune system through a series of vaccinations over the course of several years. It’s important to get your child immunized in order to:

  • Prevent the spread of common communicable diseases
  • Protect your child from potentially life-threatening illnesses
  • Reduce your child’s risk of diseases that aren’t treatable

Dr. Kharbanda and the team at Franconia Pediatrics believe that immunizations are so important for your child’s health that they won’t accept new patients who don’t vaccinate their children. Having unvaccinated children in the office can put other patients at risk.

Which immunizations does my child need?

The immunizations your child needs depend on their age and previous vaccination history (if applicable). Some of the most common immunizations recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics include:

  • Rotavirus
  • Chickenpox
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Influenza (flu shot)
  • Inactivated poliovirus
  • Pneumococcal conjugate
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (dTap)

During your baby’s first several months of life, they need immunizations at most well-baby visits. As your child gets older, they’re going to continue to need certain vaccines and boosters occasionally. Dr. Kharbanda is diligent about keeping records of your child’s immunizations to ensure they’re up to date.

How do I get my child caught up on immunizations?

If you’re new to Franconia Pediatrics, Dr. Kharbanda encourages you to request your child’s medical records from your previous pediatrician. She reviews your child’s medical records to see if there are any vaccines they’re missing.

Dr. Kharbanda can then design an immunization treatment plan that outlines which vaccines your child still needs and when it’s safe to get them. Even if your child is behind on their shots, it’s never too late to get them immunized.

Because many organizations require childhood vaccinations before starting school or sporting activities, it’s important to ensure your child is caught up on immunizations before the start of the new school year.

Franconia Pediatrics provides all types of immunizations and manages your child’s immunization records. You can book your child’s vaccination appointment online or by phone.