Immunizations & Vaccines for Children (VFC)
Protecting Kids, Families, and Communities
At Health Care for Children, we believe vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine — protecting children from serious illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications. Vaccines are safe, effective, and a vital part of our shared responsibility to keep our community healthy.
Our providers follow the recommended immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), while also welcoming respectful dialogue with parents who have questions or concerns.
Our Vaccine Policy
At Health Care for Children, we believe that vaccines are one of the most important and effective ways to keep children safe and healthy. Decades of research have shown that vaccines prevent serious illness and save lives.
At the same time, we understand that some parents may have questions or concerns. We welcome open, respectful conversations and encourage you to discuss any worries with your provider.
While we strongly recommend following the immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we will not turn away a family based on personal beliefs about immunizations. However, to protect the safety of all our patients, families who choose not to vaccinate may be asked to follow separate office policies and protocols.
Vaccines are safe. Extensive research has shown they do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
Vaccines work. They protect not only your child, but also the children and families in our community.
Staying on schedule matters. Delaying or spreading out vaccines increases the risk of illness and does not follow expert medical recommendations.
For more information, visit https://www.immunize.org/vis to read Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for each vaccine. We’re also happy to provide printed copies in the office.
Our commitment: We are dedicated to providing compassionate care for every child while maintaining a safe, healthy environment for all our families.
Recommended Immunization Schedule
At Health Care for Children, we believe that vaccines are one of the most important and effective ways to keep children safe and healthy. Decades of research have shown that vaccines prevent serious illness and save lives. At the same time, we understand that some parents may have questions or concerns. We welcome open, respectful conversations and encourage you to discuss any worries with your provider. While we strongly recommend following the immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), we will not turn away a family based on personal beliefs about immunizations. However, to protect the safety of all our patients, families who choose not to vaccinate may be asked to follow separate office policies and protocols.
- Vaccines are safe. Extensive research has shown they do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
- Vaccines work. They protect not only your child, but also the children and families in our community.
- Staying on schedule matters. Delaying or spreading out vaccines increases the risk of illness and does not follow expert medical recommendations.
For more information, please visit www.immunize.org/vis to read the Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for each vaccine. We are also happy to provide printed copies in the office. Our commitment: We are dedicated to providing compassionate care for every child while maintaining a safe, healthy environment for all our families.
| Child’s Age | Vaccines | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Month | Pediarix (DTap, IPV, Hep B) | Prevnar 20 |
| Pedvax Hib | Rotarix | |
| 4 Month | Pediarix (DTap, IPV, Hep B) | Prevnar 20 |
| Pedvax Hib | Rotarix | |
| 6 Month | Pediarix (DTap, IPV, Hep B) | Prevnar 20 |
| 12 Month | ProQuad (MMR / Varicella) | Hep A |
| 15 Month | Infanrix (DTaP) | Pedvax Hib |
| Prevnar 20 | ||
| 18 Month | Hep A | |
| 4 Year | ProQuad (MMR/ Varicella) | Kinrix (DTaP/ IPV) |
| 9 Year | Gardasil 9 (HPV) | |
| 9.5-10 Year | Gardasil 9 (HPV) | Gardasil 9 (HPV) |
| 11 Year | Boostrix (TdaP) | Menveo (meningococcal A,C,Y and W-135) |
| 16 Years | Menveo (meningococcal A,C,Y and W-135) | |
| Bexsero (meningococcal B) | Dose 2 one month later |
Influenza Vaccine: Recommended yearly for children 6 months and older. Some children under age 9 may need a second dose one month after the first.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
We’re proud to participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides free vaccines to eligible families. Children under 19 years old may qualify if they:
- Are Medicaid-eligible or uninsured
- Are American Indian or Alaska Native
- Have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines
If you have questions about eligibility or how to enroll, our front desk team can help verify coverage and coordinate your child’s vaccination schedule.
Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment
- Existing patients: Call (816) 792-1170 and select option 5.
- New patients: Start with our New Patients page.
- Our team will confirm your child’s vaccine history and schedule the next recommended visit.
