Understanding your child’s immunization schedule is key to helping your child get a healthy start in life. Pediatric Associates of Davidson County helps parents and caregivers all over Nashville, TN with their pediatric concerns, including immunizations. What should parents look for when having their child immunized?
Birth
From birth to two months old, your child should receive a Hep B shot.
2 months
When your child is 2 months old, your little one will receive a round of vaccines that the Center for Disease Prevention says can be remembered as “DhRIP”: Diphtheria, Meningitis, Pneumococcal, and Polio.
4-6 months
Between 4-6 months old, your child will get boosters of DhRIP. Begin to have the influenza vaccine with these immunizations.
At 6 months, introduce another round of HepB and Polio vaccinations.
When your baby is about one year of age, they require Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine), MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccine, PCV, and Chickenpox (varicella).
Here is a full list of the vaccines your little one should take, and when:
1-2 years
- HepA - Hepatitis A vaccine; given as 2 shots at least 6 months apart
15–18 months
- DTaP
4–6 years
- DTaP
- MMR
- IPV
- Varicella
11–12 years
- HPV: Human papillomavirus vaccine, given in 2 shots over a 6- to 12-month period. It can be given as early as age 9. For teens and young adults (ages 15–26 in girls and boys both), it is given in 3 shots over 6 months. It's recommended for both girls and boys to prevent genital warts and some types of cancer.
- Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster. Also recommended during each pregnancy a woman has.
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine: And a booster dose is recommended at age 16.
16–18 years
- Meningococcal B vaccine (MenB): The MenB vaccine may be given to kids and teens in 2 or 3 doses, depending on the brand. Unlike the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which is recommended, the decision to get the MenB vaccine is made by the teens, their parents, and the doctor.
If you have any questions about your loved one’s vaccination schedule, feel free to give Pediatric Associates of Davidson County a call in Nashville, TN. Contact us at (615) 329-3595 to get more information or schedule an appointment.

How can I tell that it’s chickenpox?
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Body aches
- Loss of appetite
How is chickenpox treated?
- Applying calamine lotion
- Making sure that your child is drinking enough water and staying hydrated
- Soaking in a bath with baking soda for 20-30 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain
- Applying cold compresses to the rash
- Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (talk with your pediatric doctor first before giving your child any medication)
If your child is experiencing the typical symptoms of chickenpox, then chances are good that you won’t have to bring them into the office. The only thing you can do is wait. You should call your pediatrician if:
- Your newborn is showing signs of chickenpox
- Your child’s fever goes away and then comes back
- Your child has a high fever
- Some areas of the rash are getting larger or are painful (signs of infection)
The good news is that children today can be protected against chickenpox with a simple vaccine. The chickenpox vaccine is administered in two doses: the first vaccine is administered when your baby is 12 to 15 months and a second vaccine is administered at 4-6 years old.
If you want to protect your child against the chickenpox, then talk to your pediatrician about getting them vaccinated. Your child has enough to worry about, without chickenpox being one of them.

- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fatigue
- Easily winded, especially after exercise
- A persistent cough that usually gets worse at night or after activity
- Chest tightness or congestion
Visit the pediatrician often
Even if your child’s symptoms seem to be well managed through medication and lifestyle it’s still important that you bring them into the pediatrician’s office for regular care. Your pediatrician will be able to evaluate whether their current medications are fully controlling your child’s symptoms. If symptoms aren’t improving, you should also see your pediatrician right away.
Create an asthma action plan
It’s important that you and your child’s doctor sit down and create a detailed asthma action plan that will outline how you are managing your child’s symptoms and what to do in case of an asthma attack. Within the action plan, you will include the ways in which you are currently controlling your child’s asthma as well as symptoms to look for regarding a flare-up or attack, and when to see a doctor for care.
Alter your child’s lifestyle
It’s important to talk with your pediatrician about your child’s asthma triggers. By determining what triggers their allergies (e.g. pet dander; pollen) you can also figure out ways to avoid these allergies. Avoid household products or certain chemicals that may cause asthma to flare up. Bathing pets weekly, keeping the house clean and avoiding letting your child play outdoors on high pollen days are all ways to reduce allergen exposure in your asthmatic child.
If your child is displaying symptoms of asthma, or if their symptoms aren’t being properly controlled, call our pediatric practice today to schedule an immediate evaluation. We can provide you with a customized treatment that will make your whole family breathe a little easier.

What causes pinkeye?
In most cases, an infection is to blame. An infectious pink eye is contagious and may result from a sinus infection or ear infection. Some viruses or bacteria can lead to contagious forms of pinkeye; however, in some cases, pinkeye may develop as a result of allergies (e.g. ragweed; grass; dust mites) or being exposed to certain irritants or chemicals.
What happens if my baby has pinkeye?
If your newborn develops pinkeye you must seek pediatric care right away, as this condition can lead to severe complications if left untreated. In most cases, your newborn will be prescribed antibiotics eye drops to help clear the infection.
How do I know that it’s pinkeye?
There are a variety of telltale signs that your little one may be dealing with a nasty bout of pinkeye. If they are old enough to talk then they may tell you that their eyes feel gritty, like there is something in them. You may also notice a thick, gooey discharge. Their eyes may also be sensitive to light. Most pinkeye also causes swelling, itching, and eye pain.
How is pink eye treated in kids?
Apart from newborns, who require immediate medical attention for pinkeye, most kids and teens whose pinkeye is caused by a virus will go away without treatment once the body has fought the virus. However, if a bacterial infection is to blame, then antibiotic eye drops will be needed to treat the bacterial infection.
If your child is dealing with recurring bouts of pinkeye they could be dealing with allergic conjunctivitis, which you should also talk to your pediatrician about. They can prescribe certain allergy medications to your child to help lessen pinkeye flare-ups.
It’s important to find trustworthy pediatric care for your child or teen. Whether you are concerned with pinkeye, ADHD, or celiac disease, a pediatrician will be able to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of infections and conditions.

Choose Smarter Snacks
Kids always seem hungry, so they may be begging for snacks throughout the day. Snacks should be small, and they shouldn’t be enjoyed too close to mealtimes, as this could ruin their appetite. Instead of reaching for a bag of candy or potato chips try opting for smarter snack options such as nuts, apple slices or celery with peanut butter, whole-grain crackers and cheese sticks, or hummus and carrots.
Get Your Kids Cooking
One of the best ways to get your child dedicated to nutrition is by making them an active part of the process. Cooking can be fun, especially for kids, and by cooking together they will experience a source of pride in the foods they’ve helped to make (which typically leads to them being more likely to eat it). Enjoy this quality time together and show them how eating and cooking healthy foods can be fun.
Hide Healthier Foods
Particularly at the beginning of this new nutritional journey, you may find that your child has an “aversion” to eating healthy. They may turn their nose up at broccoli, carrots or certain veggies, but don’t despair. Instead of making them eat it plain, you can hide these important veggies into dishes they already love such as whole grain mac and cheese, soups, or sandwiches.
Show Your Kids How It’s Done
Kids watch and mimic what parents do, so if parents aren’t eating healthy chances are fairly good that they won’t see a reason to eat healthily either. Therefore, it’s a good idea for parents to also show how important eating healthy can be. Lead by example and this simple habit could actually improve not just your child’s health but yours as well.
A healthy child begins with a healthy diet. If you are having concerns about your child’s health and nutrition, it’s important that you talk with a qualified pediatrician to figure out the right dietary choices for your little one.
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