Immunizations

Pediatricenter’s Immunization Policy

Effective January 5, 2026, changes were made to the vaccine recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These changes exclude several vaccines that have been proven safe and effective and that protect children from serious, preventable diseases.

At Pediatricenter of Greater Cleveland, we remain committed to evidence-based pediatric care. We will continue to follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which is based on decades of research, careful safety monitoring, and the best available medical evidence.

The AAP’s recommended immunization schedule can be found here.  For trusted, family-friendly information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, we encourage families to visit HealthyChildren.org, a resource created by pediatricians for families.

Many parents have thoughtful questions about vaccines, and we believe it’s important to rely on credible, science-based sources when looking for answers.  Dr. Paul Offit is a pediatric infectious disease physician and the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is widely recognized—nationally and internationally—as a leading expert in vaccines, immunology, and infectious diseases, and is known for explaining complex topics in a clear and practical way for families.

Here is a link to his responses for common questions parents have about vaccines:

Dr. Paul Offit Answering Parent Questions About Vaccines

We understand that parents may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Our team is always happy to talk with you, answer questions, and work together to make the best decisions for your child’s health.  Our philosophy regarding vaccines is that all children should receive the recommended vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the AAP.  Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing life-threatening infections, diseases and health complications in children and young adults.  By keeping your kids up-to-date with their vaccinations, you are not only protecting their health, but also the health of those around them.  We are happy to discuss the benefits of vaccinating your child at his or her next visit.  

Influenza Vaccine

Starting every fall and continuing throughout the winter, Pediatricenter recommends the influenza vaccine to all of our patients (with rare exceptions) 6 months of age and older.  When it's the first time your child is getting a flu shot under the age of 8 years old, he or she should receive two doses of the vaccine separated by at least 4 weeks (this includes patients receiving a flu vaccine for the first time the previous year who only received one dose). 

This year, Pediatricenter has the trivalent flu vaccine (protecting against 3 strains of influenza).  The flu vaccine can be given at your child’s scheduled check-ups, or can be given at a separate flu shot appointment (to schedule this, please call the office of your choosing). 

Here is the vaccine information sheet from the CDC for the injectable flu vaccine we are offering:

CDC VIS sheet

and please visit the CDC's website for information about signs and symptoms of influenza: 

CDC Influenza page

RSV Shot

During the months of October-March, Pediatricenter will have the Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) shot available for infants up to 8 months of age (and some older high-risk children up to 24 months of age) to help prevent against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the virus that causes bronchiolitis.  This is a one-time shot given to infants to help prevent severe RSV disease and hospitalization.  This shot is recommended to be given to infants within the first week of life, but can be given any time prior to infants turning 8 months of age during the months of October-March.  Of note, if an infant’s mom has received the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo), the infant does not need to receive the Beyfortus shot.

Please call our office with any questions regarding this vaccine, or visit the CDC’s website for more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html

COVID-19 Vaccine

Pediatricenter is happily offering COVID vaccines to patients as young as 6 months.  We are offering the Pfizer vaccine, which is a 3-shot series over the course of approximately 3 months for our 6 month old to 4 year 11 month old patients.  COVID vaccines for 5 year-olds and up are a 2 shot series 3 weeks apart.  The COVID booster is also available for our patients ages 5 years and up. 

For further questions about the COVID-19 virus, please visit the following resources:

University Hospitals:  University Hospitals COVID FAQ

Ohio Department of Health: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)

Centers for Disease Control:  CDC COVID-19 FAQ