vaccinations

navigating childhood

vaccinations

Vaccines have been a widely discussed topic over the past couple of decades. Parents often find it challenging to navigate important decisions regarding their child’s health, especially with so much conflicting information available. It can be frustrating when pediatricians are unable to provide detailed guidance, making decision-making overwhelming.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommend a comprehensive schedule of vaccines throughout childhood. The schedule aims to protect children from various preventable diseases and typically requires multiple doses for full immunity. As of 2024, there are 15 different vaccinations recommended throughout childhood. The total number of vaccines can vary slightly based on specific circumstances, but in general a child may receive up to 40 vaccinations by the age of six and another 18 by the time they are eighteen years old. That’s a total of 58 vaccinations!

The Conventional CDC Vaccination Schedule

Birth: Hepatitis B (Hep B), RSV
2 Months: Hep B, Rotavirus (RV), Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumoccocal conjugate (PCV-15/PCV-20), Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)
4 Months: RV, DTaP, Hib, PCV-15/PCV-20, IPV

6 Months: Hep B, DTaP, Hib, PCV-15/PCV-20, Influenza (annual vaccination begins), COVID-19
7 months: Influenza
8-9 months: COVID-19
12-15 Months: Hib, PCV-15/PCV-20, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hep A
18 Months: DTaP, Hep A
2–3 years: Influenza (once yearly)

4–6 years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Influenza (yearly)
7–10 years: Influenza (yearly)
11–12 years: Tdap, HPV (3 doses), Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY), Influenza (yearly)
13-15 years: Influenza (yearly)
16 years: MenACWY, Influenza
17–18 years: Influenza (yearly)

alternative vaccination schedules

With the growing awareness and discussions around vaccine safety and scheduling, some parents explore alternative vaccination schedules. These schedules typically spread out or delay vaccinations, differing from the CDC’s recommendations. While some pediatricians may accommodate these requests, many will not provide education regarding the vaccinations.

At Natural Kid Doc, we understand the complexity of these decisions and offer personalized consultations to help you navigate the immunization schedule. Our doctors have dedicated extensive time to researching vaccines and can provide you with detailed information on each one, helping you make informed decisions. We can assist you in developing a tailored vaccination plan, based on your child’s health needs and your preferences. We also understand that not families choose to vaccinate their child and we honor those decisions. Our goal is to empower parents to make the best educated, informed decision regarding vaccinations for their child.

homeopathic vaccinations

Some parents inquire about homeopathic vaccinations as an alternative to the conventional vaccines. However, it’s important to note that homeopathic vaccines lack scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in generating an immune response comparable to conventional vaccines. At Natural Kid Doc, while we are open to discussing these options with you, we do not offer homeopathic vaccinations as an alternative due to the lack of proven efficacy.

book recommendations

For parents looking to educate themselves further on this topic, here are some recommended readings:

The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Robert Sears, MD)
The Vaccine Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul’s Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health – from Pregnancy Through Your Child’s Teen Years (Paul Thomas, MD)

vaccinations

alternative vaccination schedules

homeopathic vaccinations

book recommendations

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