Resources on Vaccination
American Academy of Pediatrics- Information on vaccines published by the main organization of pediatricians
- Information from the CDC on the safety of immunizations
Vaccinations
Recommended Schedule | Alternative Vaccine Schedules | Care After Vaccines
The providers at Advanced Pediatrics are committed to the health of children and that commitment begins with vaccinating children:
- We believe vaccines are safe.
- We believe ALL children should receive the vaccines that have been recommended by the American College of Immunizing Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control.
- We believe that the overwhelming evidence clearly demonstrates that thimersol neither causes autism nor developmental delays.
- We believe so much in vaccines that we have ALL vaccinated our own children.
We recognize that you will likely confront conflicting opinion on vaccines, but stress that it is just that, opinion, and not rooted in evidence. You have likely never encountered a small infant hospitalized with whooping cough, or even known a child with bacterial meningitis. This is because of the extraordinary success of vaccines. But these illnesses will and continue to occur as persons continue to elect not to vaccinate their children and expose others who cannot be vaccinated such as newborns. We are here to advise and counsel, and it is not our intention to move you through fear, but rather provide you with the information to make an informed decision.
- Drs. Schwartz, Martin, Yoo, Weaver, and Marimon
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Hep B = Hepatitis B; DTaP = Diptheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis; Hib = Hemophilus influenza B; IPV = Polio; PCV = Pneumococcal; Rota = Rotavirus; MMR = Measles, Mumps, Rubella; HAV = Hepatitis A; HPV = Human Papillomavirus
|
AGE |
VACCINATIONS RECOMMENDED |
|||
|
Birth |
|
|
|
|
|
2 Months |
||||
|
4 Months |
Pentacel #2 |
|
||
|
6 Months |
Pentacel #3 |
|
||
|
9 Months |
|
|
|
|
|
12 Months |
|
|||
|
15 Months |
Pentacel #4 |
|
|
|
|
18 Months |
|
|
|
|
|
4 Years |
||||
|
11 Years |
|
|||
Alternative Vaccination Schedules
We will respect parents who decide to follow an alternative vaccine schedule, but it is done against our medical advice. Please understand, however, that delaying or “breaking up” the vaccines to give one or two at a time over two or more visits goes against expert recommendations and can put your child at risk for serious illness or even death. Should you choose these options, you will be required to sign a “Refusal to Vaccinate” acknowledgement in the event of lengthy delays. There may be an increased cost or inconvenience to you for choosing the alternate schedule that results from additional co-pays.
We strongly request that you bring a copy of your proposed vaccine schedule for our charts should you choose an alternative vaccine schedule to ensure clear communication of your wishes. Also, you should ALWAYS bring a copy of your child's immunization status to any and all medical visits outside of Advanced Pediatrics. This especially includes any urgent care or emergency room as it may influence the clinical risks to your child and ultimately the medical management of your child's illness. If you contact our on call nurse or physician after hours, please make them aware that you are adhering to an alternative vaccine schedule and be ready to list off what vaccines have been given. Advanced Pediatrics reserves the right to dismiss families who do not consistently adhere to the vaccine schedule they submit to our practice and/or families declining all vaccines over the age of two.
For those considering Dr. Bob Sear's alternative vaccine schedule we highly encourage you to read the following publication in the journal, Pediatrics, regarding this proposed vaccine schedule as you weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination.
Care After Vaccinations
Immunizations are very important to keep children healthy. Please review the Vaccine Information Sheets for possible side effects that your child might have. This information tells you what to do for minor side effects.
Fever: If your child has pain, fussiness or a temperature above 100.4ºF, you may give him acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if over 6 months of age). Be sure to follow the directions on the package for the amount to give your child based on age and weight.
- Encourage your child to drink fluids.
- Dress your child in lightweight comfortable clothes.
- Give your child a bath in room temperature water, if he still has a fever.
Swollen, hot, red arm or leg: You may notice some soreness and swelling at the injection site. It may feel like a knot at the spot where the shot was given. Things you can do to decrease the soreness:
- Place a cool, clean washcloth over the sore area.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if over 6 months) for pain.
- Do not rub the area as this may increase the pain or swelling.
- Encourage movement of the arm or leg that is sore.
Fussiness: Be sure to give your child extra hugs and comfort today. You may want to give pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen if over 6 months) for discomfort. Encourage your child to drink and eat as usual.
Rash: After the MMR and Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccines, your child may break out in a rash 10-20 days after the immunization.
The MMR rash is not contagious, and it doesn't hurt or itch. It will go away on its own. The chickenpox rash can be very contagious in very few cases. Try to keep your child away from anyone with a compromised immune system (such as cancer, HIV or on Corticosteroids or other medicines that affect the immune system). If the spots are where the shot was given, place a band-aid over them. This will help prevent spread of the chickenpox.
Your child should be seen by a physician again if he/she:
- has a temperature of 104ºF (40.5ºC) or higher,
- fever lasting more than 48 hours
- is pale, limp or hard to awake,
- cries for more than 3 hours straight,
- has a strange cry (high pitched),
- has a seizure (body shakes, twitch or jerks).
Call during office hours if you have questions or concerns about your child's immunizations.