Our Services / Forms & Immunizations

What are forms and immunizations?

Immunizations are an essential part of preventive care. Injections or nasal sprays teach your child’s immune system to identify harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. Immunizations don’t necessarily guarantee your child won’t get sick, but they can significantly reduce the risk of complications, like hospitalization or death. After completed recommended series of immunizations, your should becomes immune to the disease for which they recieved the immunization.

Since many schools and organized sports leagues require vaccine documentation, Dr. St. Etienne provides standardized immunization forms to all of her patients.

How do immunizations work?

Immunizations work by exposing your child’s immune system to a safe version of a specific pathogen. Depending on the vaccine, this can take the form of:

• A protein or sugar from a pathogen
• A dead or inactivated version of the pathogen
• A toxoid containing toxin made by the pathogen
• A weakened pathogen

When a vaccine enters your child’s body, it causes their immune system to produce antibodies –– proteins that defend against infection. These antibodies reduce the risk of potentially serious side effects and allow for a quicker recovery.

What immunizations does my child need?

Dr. St. Etienne administers all of the immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including:

• Chickenpox vaccine
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Hepatitis A
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Hepatitis B
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal vaccines
• Pneumococcal vaccines
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• COVID-19
• Pneumococcal

After reviewing your child’s medical records, Dr. St. Etienne can make recommendations that align with their needs.

Are immunizations safe?

Immunizations are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before their release to the public, vaccines undergo significant testing and review by regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration. Side effects can occur, but they’re usually mild. For example, your child might experience sensitivity, bruising, or muscle aches at the injection site.

To relieve discomfort, apply warm compress and gentle massage to their arm or have them take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

What if my child needs forms for school or sports?

If your child needs an immunization form for school or sports, make sure to bring it to your child’s appointment. After administering the vaccines, Dr. St. Etienne can fill out the necessary paperwork and sign off on it.

If your child needs forms and immunizations, make an appointment at Children’s Medical Clinic by calling the office or booking online today.