Vaccinations / Immunizations
The immunization schedules have become increasingly complicated over the past 10 years, but the good news is we are seeing considerably less of the diseases for which there are vaccinations. There are increasing numbers of websites offering information regarding vaccines/immunizations, some providing a balanced summary of what benefits as well as risks immunizations pose. When reviewing a site's information about vaccines, please be sure the site does not limit it's material to only one aspect, whether discussing risks only or benefits only. A reasonable site will discuss the reasons for the vaccine to have been developed in the first place (or at least a description of the disease), potential problems with the vaccine use or effectiveness and certainly known or potential side effects for the vaccine.
The left lower column list two websites with information on Pertussis (including audio files that demostrate the peculiar cough of pertussis) as well as a site relating to the unique funding of vaccines in New Hampshire. The column on the right offer some of the many websites reviewing vaccines and immunization. These websites have some balance in their material as far as benefits and controversies/side effects of the vaccines. Two sites are discussed in additional detail below.
The current vaccination schedules can be downloaded directly from the Center for Disease Control. The CDC have links for .pdf files that show grafts of the immunization schedules for children birth through 6 years, 7 through 18 years as well as catchup schedules for children who are not up to date (the schedules are available in Spanish as well). The site also has written resources for providers and parents to review individual vaccines and recommendations. The CDC site allows you to interactively enter the child's date of birth and it will give you information on the current vaccines recommended for the child's age - http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/scheduler/catchup.html.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) also has a large amount of information online regarding vaccines, www.aap.org/healthtopics/immunizations.cfm.
Both sites provide the medical profression's views on immunization, but also discusses the controversies that have occurred over the past years. I strongly encourage you to review this information and discuss any concerns regarding vaccines with the health provider you are seeing at the time immunizations are recommended.
Despite the benefits I have seen over the past 20-30 years of vaccinating children, I do not feel it is mandatory that parents immunize a child with any given vaccine until both parents feel the benefits of a given vaccine outweigh the risks for that vaccine. For parents who would prefer to hold off or defer a vaccine for their child we ask that you complete a short vaccine refusal form. More over we wish that you will feel comfort to discuss with us your concerns so that an honest review of potential benefits and risks is possible, always recognizing that your decision will be respected.