Childhood Immunizations
Why do my children need to be immunized?
Immunizations, also known as vaccinations or "baby shots" can
protect your children from many serious diseases that may cause:
brain damage, heart problems,breathing problems, lung damage,
liver damage, severe skin scarring, arthritis, paralysis, blindness,
death.
Which immunizations do my children need?
All children should be immunized against:
*Hepatitis B
*Diptheria
*Tetanus
*Pertussis (Whooping cough)
*Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
*Poliomyelitis (Polio)
*Measles
*Mumps
*Rubella (German measles)
*Varicella (Chickenpox)
*Pneumococcal disease
Many immunizations need to be given several times before your
children are protected.
Be sure your children get all the shots they need by age two.
For more information, Call the Rhode Island Dept. of Health at
1-800-942-7434.
Are immunizations safe?
Immunizations are very safe. Occasionally a child may experience
a slight fever or soreness at the site where the shot is given.
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Talk to your children's
doctor or health care provider about what to expect.
When should my children get their immunizations?
Your children will get their first immunizations at birth. They
need more at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 15 months of age. By their second
birthday, children must have received at least 20 immunizations.
At every visit, ask your doctor when your children will need the
next immunization.
How can I keep my children up to date on their immunizations?
*Immunizations are normally given when a child goes for a health
check up. Your children can be immunized even if they have a cold
or other mild illness.
*Keep your appointments. If you miss an appointment, schedule a
new one right away.
*Free immunizations for children are available through several
clinics if you do not have health insurance or a health care provider.
How do I keep track of my children's immunizations?
Ask your doctor for an immunization record book, and keep it with
other important papers. Bring the book to all of your children's
appointments. Ask your doctor to record every immunization your
children get. Rhode Island health care providers are also joining
KIDS NET - a tracking system for immunizations and other preventive
services.
(1-888-880-KNET/TDD: 1-800-745-5555)
Do I have to pay for immunizations?
You do not have to pay to get immunizations. In Rhode Island,
doctors and clinics receive the vaccines at no cost. Most health
insurance plans will pay for the office visit.
Where do I get more information?
The Family Health Information Line provides information about
programs and services to improve the health of children and families.
Call 1-800-942-7434.
Hospitals
People from all over New England & beyond come to Rhode Island
for their medical care. There are many hospitals and physicians
to choose from. Do your research and find the one(s) that best
meet your needs.
Butler Hospital
Specialty Psychiatric Programs..................... 455-6200
Rhode Island's only private, non-profit psychiatric hospital offering
short-term intensive treatment for adults, adolescents, & children.
The hospital has four main treatment settings: Outpatient Specialty
Programs, Inpatient Specialty Programs, Partial Day Hospital,
& Alcohol/Drug Treatment Services. The hospital is part of the
CARE NEW ENGLAND health system and is affiliated with Brown University.
Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital .......... 432-1000 www.lifespan.org
Bradley Hospital is a place where children and adolescents who
have behavioral, developmental, emotional and psychological problems
can get help. Bradley is a private, not-for-profit hospital. The
nation's first psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children
and adolescents. A Lifespan partner and Brown Medical School affiliate,
Bradley has established itself as the national center for training
and research in child and adolescent psychiatry. Bradley offers
numerous services to the community including 24-hour emergency
evaluations, parent and teacher training, consulting services
to school special education departments, training of professionals
from all over the country, and advocacy for children with public
representatives and agencies.
Child & Adolscent Services:
*Inpatient Services (ages 2 to 18)
*Residential Services (ages 5 to 12)
*Outpatient Services
*Emergency Services 24 hrs a day
*Crisis Services (evaluation and referral)
*Developmental Disabilities Program (ages 4 to 22)
Special Education:
*The Bradley School (ages 3 to 21)
Fully certified special education schools for children, adolescents
and young adults whose education and behavioral needs cannot be
met in a regular school environment. Students benefit from the
full scope of Bradley's evaluation, educational and therapeutic
services. Referral is through local school departments.
Training:
Bradley serves as a training site for trainees in psychiatry,
psychology, social work, nursing, occupational therapy and speech
pathology.
Research:
Bradley has established three nationally recognized research laboratories
to learn more about child and adolescent psychiatry: Sleep and
Chronobiology Lab, Infant Development Unit, Developmental Psychopathology
Lab.
Rhode Island Hospital/ Hasbro Children's Hospital ..........444-4000
593 Eddy St., Prov. www.hasbrochildrenshospital.org
Hasbro Children's Hospital is the pediatric division of Rhode
Island Hospital. The 87-bed Hasbro Children's Hospital opened
in 1994 and offers a wide range of pediatric medical and surgical
services and programs. The hospital has adopted a 'parents as
partners' philosophy that encourages parents to participate in
their child's care throughout his or her stay. Hasbro Children's
Hospital has earned worldwide recognition for its family-centered
environment and expert staff. Each year, Hasbro Children's Hospital
cares for more than 7,000 inpatients, 60,000 outpatients and 40,000
children in its pediatric emergency department. The hospital offers
the area's only pediatric intensive care unit & pediatric oncology
dept.
Kent Hospital .............. 737-7000 455 Toll Gate Rd., Warwick
A Care New England Hospital, Kent serves approx. 200,000 residents
in central R.I., and is the second largest hospital in the state.
Services include Cardiology, Emergency Services, General Medicine,
Intensive Care, Oncology, Pediatrics, Psychiatric Care, Rehabilitation,
Surgery, Obstetrics and Women's Care, a dedicated Women's Diagnostic
Imaging Center and the Wound Recovery Center featuring Hyperbaric
Medicine.
Landmark Medical Center .............. 115 Cass Avenue, Woonsocket
Memorial Hospital ......... 729-2000 111 Brewster St., Pawtucket.
294-bed teaching and research hospital designated as the Brown
University's Center for Primary Care & Prevention.
The Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital offers childbirth education and preparation
classes (including a Teen Childbirth and Parenting Class), state-of-the-art
monitoring, a Duola Program & more for all of your pregnancy &
maternity needs.
The Neurodevelopmental Assessment Program specializes in evaluating the healthy and active child within
the context of his or her daily environment in an effort to identify
and treat specific conditions such as traumatic brain injury,
attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, movement disorders
& more.
The Miriam Hospital ......... 793-2500 164 Summit Avenue, Prov.
The Miriam Hospital (TMH) is a 247 bed, acute care general hospital
founded by Rhode Island's Jewish community in 1926. We provide
a broad range of medical & surgical services to adolescents &
adults in 31 medical & surgical specialties & subspecialties.
In addition, TMH provides a full range of pathological & radiology
services & psychiatric consultation/liaison services. TMH is affiliated
with & serves as a major teaching affiliate of the Brown University
School of Medicine.
Newport Hospital .............. 846-6400 11 Friendship Street, Newport.
Newport Hospital, a Lifespan partner, is a private, not-for-profit
hospital offering acute care & community services to the people
of Newport County & nearby MA. Newport Hospital offers a wide
range of health care services including a birthing center (LDRP
concept), inpatient mental health programs, diagnostic imaging,
occupational health services. The Vanderbilt Center, including
a 19-bed hospital-based sub-acute unit, & community-based primary
care offices.
Our Lady of Fatima Hospital ........ 456-3000 200 High Service Ave., N. Prov.
www.fatimahospital.com
Rhode Island Hospital............... 444-4000 593 Eddy St., Prov.
RIH is a 719-bed, not-for-profit acute care hospital and academic
medical center. RIH is the largest hospital in the state and the
major teaching and research hospital for Brown Medical School,
with particular expertise in cardiology, oncology, neurosciences
and orthopedics. RIH serves as the Level I Trauma Center for southeastern
New England, providing expert staff and equipment 24 hours a day.
Roger Williams Medical Center ...... 456-2000 825 Chalkstone Avenue, Prov.
St. Joseph Hospital .... 456-3000 21 Peace Street, Providence. www.saintjosephri.com
South County Hospital .................. 782-8000 100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield.
South County Hospital serves as the major medical resource for
southern Rhode Island. Hospital services cover a spectrum of inpatient
& outpatient programs. In addition to general medicine and surgery,
specialty programs are offered in cardiology, oncology, pediatrics,
orthopedics and women's health. Outpatient services include rehabilitation
therapy, home care, durable medical equipment and occupational
medicine.
The Westerly Hospital ..................... 596-6000 25 Wells Street, Westerly.
The Westerly Hospital serves residents of Southern Rhode Island
and Southeastern Connecticut. The hospital offers a wide scope
of quality inpatient and outpatient services that includes general
medicine and surgery as well as maternity, mammography, bone density,
pediatrics, and childhood development just to name a few. For
a comprehensive list of services the hospital has to offer please
call community relations at 348-2300.
Women & Infants Hospital .............. 274-1100 www.womenandinfants.org
The state and region's largest obstetrical facility, W&I remains
one of the premier health care facilities for women in the country.
From the main hospital building and a number of satellite facilities
nearby, women and their families are offered the most sophisticated
services in infertility treatment, breast care, gynecologic cancer,
urinary incontinence and prenatal diagnosis, etc. They also offer
educational programs (see Pregnancy section) and a wide range of medical, nutritional & support services.
Physician Referrals
Care New England ........................... 453-7900 ........ 888-422-7363
Will refer physicians for Kent, Butler and Women & Infants Hospitals.
Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island ........................ 848-2113
1151 Aquidneck Ave., Suite 447, Middletown.
Lifespan Health Connection ... 444-4800 or 1-800-927-1230
A free physician referral service, dedicated to helping people
find the right doctor. We're associated with RI Hospital and its
Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital.
The free service is available by telephone, weekdays from 8:30am
to 4:30pm.
Memorial Hospital Physician Referral Center ..... 800-647-4362, ext. 284
South County Hospital Physician Referrals ................. 783-5544
The Westerly Hospital Physician Referral Service ....... 1-800-MD-MATCH
Women & Infants Hospital Health Line .....1-800-921-9299...... 1-888-44mujer
Women's Health & Pregnancy
Birth Parent Counseling Program ............ 276-4300
Children’s Friend, 153 Summer Street in Providence.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can help you find answers to your questions. Our sensitive, caring counselors provide individual help so that you can evaluate your options and choose what is best for you and your child. Our counselors can also provide help for fathers and other family members who are involved.
Care-Net RI ....... 941-HELP 744 Park Ave., Cranston. www.carenetri.org
Offers pregnancy tests, counseling services & info.
Kent Hospital Women's Care Center ............ 736-BABY
The center is dedicated exclusively to the care of women and their
newborns, providing comprehensive maternal and child health services.
They also offer a dozen educational programs on topics ranging
from prepregnancy planning to adoption, parenting classes, lactation
support, childbirth programs, sibling class, even "baby beepers".
Infant car seats may be available for low-income families as well.
Latino Woman's Health Program
"Nuestras Familias, Nuestras Vidas" (Our Families, Our Lives)
clinic ........ 421-9620
www.ppri.org
Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island.
This program addresses the specific health care needs of Latinas
through culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate programs.
The program offers a series of workshops focusing on a variety
of reproductive health issues including self-esteem, family planning,
health screenings and health care advocacy. The program includes
communication skill development to improve partner and family
relationships.
The Latino Women's Health Program provides Latinas in Rhode Island
with the information and skills they need to insure that family's
life skills include good health maintenance practices and information
to help them access needed services. Workshops can be scheduled
by contacting Janet at x3151.
Memorial Hospitals Childbirth Education ............... 729-2510
Community programs include Early Pregnancy class (offered during
first 6 months to learn about diet, body changes, discomforts,
...), Childbirth, Teen Childbirth & Parenting, Sibling Class (for
children 3 to 10), Infant CPR and more. Classes also in Spanish.
Also, their birth Duolas provide continuous non-medical support
for birthing women and their partners. Duolas remain with the
birthing woman through the entire labor, providing uninterrupted
emotional support, physical comfort measures, and informational
advocacy. The Duola program is a courtesy service of the Hospital.
Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island ..............421-7820 Point St., Prov. www.ppri.org
PPRI offers comprehensive family planning and reproductive health
services to more than 7,000 women, men and teens each year. Our
health center has a professionally trained staff of gynecologists,
nurse practitioners, registered nurses, medical assistants and
educators who understand the importance of reproductive health
care, and are ready to assist our patients with their health care
decisions.
The Teen Clinic provides a broad range of reproductive health services to Rhode
Island teens, ages 13-19. Our unique medical team consisting of
physicians, nurse practitioners, clinic assistants and youth peer
educators. The Teen Clinic strives to create a teen friendly environment,
which provides affordable and confidential reproductive health
services. The Clinic operates Monday afternoons from 3:30 to 7:30
pm.
If you would like more information on the Peer Education Program
of PPRI, please contact Janet @ ext. 3151.
Problem Pregnancy of Providence Inc. ........ 421-0820 151 Broadway, Providence.
Problem Pregnancy Support Community .......596-2880 101 Franklin St., Westerly.
Small group of women dedicated to helping other women through
the turmoil & joys of a difficult pregnancy. Free pregnancy testing,
guidance, support & shelter.
South County Hospital...........................792-BABY or 782-8020, x2499
Bright Beginnings Programs for expanding families includes childbirth
education, parenting classes, sibling classes, breastfeeding support
(special class also available for breastfeeding mothers returning
to work), new mom's club, infant and child CPR, prenatal/post
natal exercise & more.
The Westerly Hospital Women's Health Center ........... 348-3288
Family centered single room maternity care (call for a tour).
Wee-Care Childbirth Education Programs - Lamaze Childbirth preparation, Lamaze refresher, Preparation
for Breastfeeding, Caring for Your Newborn, New Dad's Bootie Camp,
Sibling Preparation, Teen Pregnancy Program, Infant/Child CPR,
Pre & Post Natal exercise class, etc.
Women & Infants' Parenting Education Programs
(Includes Pregnancy & Childbirth Programs, Infant Care and Breastfeeding
Classes, Accident & CPR Classes, Grandparenting, Babysitting, etc.).
Women & Infants' satellite offices include: East Greenwich, South County, Woonsocket, North Attleboro, MA and Swansea MA. Questions for classes and programs held in any of these offices, or at the main hospital, should be directed to 401-276-7800, ext. 100, 111, or 114.
Women & Infants' Support Groups
*New Mothers' Group............. 276-7800, ext. 100
Breast Feeding Info, Support & Supplies
La Leche League
Bristol (Sharon) ................... 508-674-3156
Coventry (Amy) ...................844-7788
(Susan)..............................392-6917
Cumberland-Lincoln (Patty)......333-2275
Newport (Pam) ....................253-9717
(Melissa).............................849-4105
Washington County (Lindsey) ...739-2942
An international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated
to providing education, info., support, & encouragement to women
who want to breastfeed. All women interested in breastfeeding
are welcome to attend the monthly Group Meetings or call a Leader
for breastfeeding help.
La Leche League of RI also provides health care professionals
with continuing education opportunities and access to the latest
research on lactation management.
The Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital Warm Line ............ 729-2291
Offers help with sibling interaction, breastfeeding, infant CPR,
and more.
Newport Hospital Breastfeeding Support Group .................... 845-1133
Facilitated by registered nurses who are certified breastfeeding
educators. Meets Thursdays at 1pm at Newport Hospital Birthing
Center, 11 Friendship St., Newport.
South County Hospital Breastfeeding Support Group............. 782-8000
For moms to get advice and support for breastfeeding. Class is
free and no registration is required. A lactation consultant is
available at all meetings, held twice a month at South County
Hospital, 100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield.
The Westerly Hospital Warm Line ..................................... 348-BABY
(also breastfeeding classes)
Women & Infants Hospital:
*Warm Line ...................................................................
800-711-7011
Call with questions after being discharged from the hospital with
your new baby.
*Breastfeeding Support Services .................................... 1-800-711-7011
*Nursing Moms, etc. .................................................... 274-1122,
ext. 1749
A specialty store servicing needs of breastfeeding moms, premature
infants, & newborns.
Breast Health
Breast Cancer Screenings Women's Wellness Workshop
Contact through Lifespan Health Connection ..............................
444-4800/800-927-1230
The Healing Co-Op .. 845-6777 272 Mitchells Lane, Middletown.www.thehealingcoop.org
Non-profit center dedicated to the support of women with cancer
& their families. Also resources, library, lectures, retreats.
The Healing Co-Op is community supported and greatly appreciates
donations.
The RI Women's Cancer Screening Program ... 222-3442
Offers free breast and cervical cancer screening services to women
who are 40 years of age and older and without health insurance.
Services include a Pap smear, pelvic exam, mammogram, follow-up
services and referral for treatment.
Women & Infants Hospital Breast Health Center 453-7540 One Blackstone Place, Prov.
Part of the program in Women's Oncology, provides education, screening,
diagnosis and treatment for all types of breast problems in an
environment that offers comfort, privacy and dignity for patients
and families. Support groups available for patients, families
and teens.
YWCA of Greater RI ....................................831-9922
YWCA USA ENOREplus® program provides linguistically and culturally sensitive breast
and cervical cancer education Transportation, and accompaniment
for free mammograms and Pap tests. The program was designed to
remove financial and ethnic barriers that keep women from regular
preventative care.
What You Can Do:
Find cancer early. It could save your breast ... and your life.
3 Ways To Take Care Of Your Breasts ...
*See a doctor or nurse for a breast exam: fast easy and painless
*If you're over 40, ASK FOR A MAMMOGRAM (x-ray picture of the inside
of your breast)
*Once a month: Check each breast all over ... Check under your
armpit, too. Use your finger pads and go up and down.
Feel for:
*lumps *thickness* other changes
NUTRITION & WELLNESS
Adolescent Eating Disorders Program ................. 455-6228
Butler Hospital.
Anahata Yoga School................. 274-5876 191 Nashua St., Prov.
Offers a variety of classes making yoga available to all, regardless
of age or physical ability. Also a pre and post natal yoga class.
All That Matters ...... 782-2126 315 Main St., Wakefield. www.allthatmatters.com
On-going classes and workshops including Whole Foods Cooking,
Holistic Childbirth Education, Family Clowning, What To Eat To
Feel Really Good, plus numerous classes on stress, relaxation,
yoga, and more. Also pre-natal classes. For children, there's
Yoga, Reiki, and Tai Chi for Children/ Teenagers, World Drumming
for Children, Angelspeake, Young Explorations, and a wonderful
class called Changing Times, for mothers and their daughters (ages
8 to 13) to gather information and share stories and concerns
about puberty. The class is lead by a mom (a mid-wife), and her
teenage daughter.
Aura Martial Arts & Wellness .............. 725-5133 541 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket.
"Fitness for Kids", a non-competitive total fitness program, uses
techniques from Western physical fitness, Yoga, cardio kickboxing,
martial arts, and games. As children strengthen, stretch and stimulate
their bodies, they learn to relax, concentrate and become clear
headed and alert. (Kids age 4 & up.)
BREAD & CIRCUS Presents: Healthy Whole Foods Tour ....... 272-1690
Bread & Circus 261 Waterman St., Providence.
Special opportunity for children to tour the store & learn about
healthful food choices. Lots of sampling. By appoint.
Care New England Wellness Centers:
2191 Post Rd., Warwick .......................... 732-3066
15 Catamore Blvd., E. Prov .......................434-7784
Innovative wellness programs, health education and clinical services
including nutrition counseling, weight management, physical/aquatic
therapy, acupuncture, massage, yoga, tai chi and more. Call for
calendar of events or for more info.
East Side Wellness Center ................. 751-2001
Offers a variety of wellness classes in yoga, meditation, Reiki
certification, Spiritual Growth, Energy Healing and more.
Eating Disorders Anonymous
Meets Thursday evenings, 7-8pm, at the Emanual Lutheran Church
on Leaf Street in West Warwick.
Eating Disorders Clinic At Hasbro Children's Hospital ........ 444-5980
A program for adolescents with eating disorders.
Nutrition and Weight Center, Kent Hospital .......... 736-4295
"Choose To Lose" is a group weight management program that incorporates
behavior modification, nutrition education and exercise instruction.
They also offer private counseling with a registered dietician,
kids classes (8 week series of nutrition and exercise classes
for kids ages five to ten and their parents), and "Excell", a
modified liquid weight program.
Nutrition Counseling, Women & Infants Hospital ........ 274-1122, ext. 2749
Provides nutrition counseling services, including the development
of a personalized nutrition care plan, education and monitoring.
Nutrition Counseling, Memorial Hospital of R.I........... 729-2334
Individual counseling for special diets such as perinatal nutrition,
sports nutrition, women's health, and healthy eating habits for
children and teens.
Poppasquash Yoga Center................................... 245-0130 Main Street, Warren.
www.sacredcircleofyoga.com
Yoga classes for the whole family (children 6 years of age & older.)
On-site -Lotus & Rose Shop.
Rhode Island Dietetic Association Inc. .................... 943-3048
Rhode Island Women's Health Collective ........ 861-0030 90 Printery St., Providence.
e-mail: riwhc@ids.net.com
Provides education, referral info. and support on health issues
affecting women.
South County Hospital Wellness Programs .... 782-8020, ext. 4299
Wellness Gatherings at URI's W. Alton Jones Campus ........ 397-3304, ext. 6043
401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich.
Women's Wilderness Weekends offered in Jan., May and Oct., and
other outdoor wilderness retreats.
The Westerly Hospital
Nutrition Counseling ............................ 348-3340
Healthy for Life ................................... 348-2300
25 Wells Street, Westerly.
Community education programs - covers a full range of topics that
are of interest to you and your family: Childhood Asthma, ADHD,
Breast Health, Osteoporosis, Mothers & Daughters Pizza Night Out
(informational program on puberty), Fathers and Sons Pizza Night
Out, bike & helmet safety, and much more. Call for a complete
listing.
Women's Wellness Weekend at YMCA Camp Fuller ....... 800-521-1470
Weekend retreat offered every May for women over 21 year of age
to get away, have fun, connect with friends, and perhaps learn
something along the way. Workshops and activities include meditation,
yoga, climbing, biking, stress reduction, gardening, Tai Chi,
movement and more ... a perfect balance of fun, fitness, and personal
development.
www.holisticri.net
Loads of information on alternative health providers in Rhode
Island as well as articles, message board, calendar of workshops
and programs and informative links to regional and national information
sites. Modalities represented include holistic counseling, massage,
naturopathy, reiki, expressive arts therapy, grief counseling,
reubenfeld, ayurveda, herbalism and natural beauty.
YMCA Family Nutrition & Wellness Programs
Pawtucket YMCA ............... 727-7900 20 Summer St., Pawtucket.
The YMCA's Weight Loss Club includes an evaluation, workout schedule
and nutrition plan, along with weekly weigh-ins, recipes and more.
(Free massage when you reach your goal!)
YWCA of Greater RI Wellness Programs ................. 831-9922
The YWCA of Greater Rhode Island offers a variety of cultural
sensitive health programs. They are each designed to educate and
empower underserved populations to become empowered health care
consumers. Osteoporosis education and bone density referral; AIDS/HIV
outreach and education, Breast & Cervical Cancer screening referrals,
Reiki healing, Naturopathy, Herbal Medicines and Homeopathic Medicines.
Consultations and educational workshops are available.
Hospitals
Physician Referrals
Women's Health/Pregnancy
Nutrition/Wellness
family fun destinations