Vaccines Specialist

What vaccines does my child need?

Children will need:

• Hepatitis A and B vaccines- protect against liver diseases from contaminated water or food (A) and mother to newborn transmission, blood, and sexual transmission (B).
• Rotavirus vaccine- protects against a virus which causes severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever which often leads to hospitalization.
• DTaP and Tdap vaccines- protect against diphtheria (an often fatal bacterial throat and respiratory infection), tetanus (lock-jaw, causes death in 1/10 people), and pertussis (whooping cough).
• Hib vaccine- protects against Haemophilus influenza type b, a cause of spinal meningitis, ear, throat, and respiratory infections.
• Pneumococcal vaccine- protects against bacterial meningitis, blood infections, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• Polio vaccine- protects against a debilitating viral disease which can cause paralysis.
• Influenza vaccine- protects against the flu, provided at six months of age and older.
• MMR vaccine- protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Varicella vaccine- protects against chickenpox and its many complications.
• Meningococcal vaccine- protects against bacterial diseases which affect the blood, brain, and spinal cord.
• HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine- prevents viral infections in teens and adults which can cause cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, and genitals.

Why are some of these vaccines still needed if the diseases are not as common anymore?

Many diseases are not as common as they once were, this is a result of vaccines. However, the viruses and bacteria which cause them are still around so children will still need to be protected. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world vaccine-preventable diseases still affect people. Since this is the case, it is important to protect children in case the diseases spread to the U.S.

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?

The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Numerous research studies have been conducted to address this concern, and there is absolutely no scientific evidence which suggests a link between autism and the MMR vaccine. Confusion about this could have arisen because children with autism are typically diagnosed between 18 and 30 months of age. This is around the same time they receive the MMR vaccine. Additionally, increasing evidence is illustrating that autism begins before birth.

Do vaccines cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

The peak age for SIDS is between 2 and four months of age. This is also when infants receive many of their first vaccines. Rigorous scientific studies have established that vaccinations do not cause SIDS.

Remember, vaccines undoubtedly prevent diseases and save lives. It is important to consider following the schedule suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control, and your provider. It is important to note that vaccine decisions can be overwhelming and scary for many parents. Sometimes parents feel rushed, pushed, or persuaded to make decisions about vaccines without all the facts or their questions being answered. In some ways, this has lead to many parents refusing them all-together. There are many parents who verbalize concerns about additives, side effects, and permanent harm from vaccines. You have our word to answer your questions with evidence-based information and welcome questions, concerns, and discussion. At IPHC, the practitioners are not only open to alternative vaccine schedules, but they want to discuss the the importance of keeping your child safe and healthy. The practice promises to work with you regarding your concerns and honor your choice as a parent.