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Vaccination vs. Immunization
According to the CDC, vaccination is the act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease. Immunization is a process by which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination. This term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation. Vaccines help your body create protective antibodies—proteins that help it fight off infections. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and also avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community. Vaccinating on time during childhood is the best way parents can protect their child because it helps provide immunity from 16 potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly in infants and young children. |
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Immunizations Schedule
The schedule of recommended immunizations may vary depending on such factors as your child's health, the type of vaccine, and the availability of the vaccine.
Some of the vaccines may be given as part of a combination vaccine so that a child gets fewer shots. Ask one of our clinical staff members about which vaccines your child needs.
The schedule of recommended immunizations may vary depending on such factors as your child's health, the type of vaccine, and the availability of the vaccine.
Some of the vaccines may be given as part of a combination vaccine so that a child gets fewer shots. Ask one of our clinical staff members about which vaccines your child needs.
Other Things to Know
West Virginia Schools’ Immunization Requirements
Now that we’ve shared a typical immunization schedule, allow us to elaborate on the WV schools’ immunization requirements. West Virginia has one of the most effective school-entry vaccine preventable laws in the nation. The vaccination laws have proven to improve attendance rates for students and staff while ensuring children stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
- The HepA vaccine can be given as early as 6 months of age to babies who will travel to a place where hepatitis A is common (they will still need routine vaccination after their first birthday). It's also recommended for older kids who did not get it in the past.
- The MMR vaccine can be given to babies as young as 6 months old if they will be traveling internationally. These children should still get the recommended routine doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age, but can get the second dose as early as 4 weeks after the first if they will still be traveling and at risk.
- The flu vaccine is especially important for kids who are at risk for health problems from the flu. High-risk groups include, but aren't limited to, kids younger than 5 years old and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart problems, sickle cell disease, diabetes, or HIV.
- Pneumococcal vaccines can be given to older kids (age 2 and up) who have conditions that affect their immune systems, such as asplenia or HIV infection, or other conditions, like a cochlear implant, chronic heart disease, or chronic lung disease.
- The meningococcal vaccines can be given to kids as young as 8 weeks old (depending on the vaccine brand) who are at risk for a meningococcal infection, such as meningitis. This includes children with some immune disorders. Kids who live in (or will travel to) countries where meningitis is common, or where there is an outbreak, also should get the vaccine.
- Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine currently being distributed in the United States. Gardasil 9 protects against most HPV-attributable cancers in men and women. It also prevents most genital warts and cervical pre-cancers. For preteens, HPV vaccine is given in two shots, separated by 6 to 12 months. It is important to get all the recommended doses to get the best protection. Routine vaccination with HPV vaccine is recommended for all 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls. The vaccine can also be given beginning at age 9 or 10 years. If your son or daughter did not receive the two doses of vaccine at the recommended age, they should still start or complete their HPV vaccine series. Vaccination is routinely recommended through the age of 26 for all males and females, and can be given through age 45 years,
if desired. - COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are recommended for adults and kids 6 months of age and older. Everyone who is eligible should get these as soon as possible.
- Adults who were fully vaccinated against polio as children can get a polio vaccine booster dose if they're at risk for exposure to polio. This can include people who:
- travel to areas where there's a high risk for catching polio
- might be exposed to poliovirus at work
- have close contact at home with someone who has polio
West Virginia Schools’ Immunization Requirements
Now that we’ve shared a typical immunization schedule, allow us to elaborate on the WV schools’ immunization requirements. West Virginia has one of the most effective school-entry vaccine preventable laws in the nation. The vaccination laws have proven to improve attendance rates for students and staff while ensuring children stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
Vaccine Requirements for College, Universities, Technical Schools, Etc.
Depending on the college or technical school, students may need additional vaccinations. Please contact the respective institution for more information.
Recommended, But NOT Required Vaccines
Although the HPV (human papillomavirus), flu, and COVID-19 vaccines are not required, they are strongly recommended. Talk to your primary care provider to learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) provides vaccination services for all patients, from birth through adulthood, at all eight locations. Our school-based campuses offer vaccinations to students, staff, and faculty, even if IHCWV is not their primary medical home. We even have secure online forms that can be completed and signed electronically. As we mentioned, certain vaccinations are required at some grade levels in order for students to attend school, so check with your child’s primary care provider to be sure they are up to date. And don't forget, if you're unsure, we can lookup your child's immunizations record.
Questions? Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we’d be happy to address them. You can also visit the West Virginia Division of Immunization Services' (WVDIS) website or the CDC's website for additional information.
Depending on the college or technical school, students may need additional vaccinations. Please contact the respective institution for more information.
Recommended, But NOT Required Vaccines
Although the HPV (human papillomavirus), flu, and COVID-19 vaccines are not required, they are strongly recommended. Talk to your primary care provider to learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
Integrated Health Centers of West Virginia (IHCWV) provides vaccination services for all patients, from birth through adulthood, at all eight locations. Our school-based campuses offer vaccinations to students, staff, and faculty, even if IHCWV is not their primary medical home. We even have secure online forms that can be completed and signed electronically. As we mentioned, certain vaccinations are required at some grade levels in order for students to attend school, so check with your child’s primary care provider to be sure they are up to date. And don't forget, if you're unsure, we can lookup your child's immunizations record.
Questions? Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we’d be happy to address them. You can also visit the West Virginia Division of Immunization Services' (WVDIS) website or the CDC's website for additional information.
