Diseases and Vaccines

Below is the current list of all vaccines given to children in the United States.  I have tried very hard to stay unbiased.  It is my hope that you will read all of the information carefully before making any decisions regarding your children.  I have also included links to resources that you may find helpful!

Note: I am not a pro-vax, nor am I an anti-vax mama.  I am just a mama who wants what is best for my child.  And, I am a doctor who advocates for parents making informed and educated decisions.

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
• Polio
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Hepatitis A 
• Pneumococcal Disease
• Meningococcal Meningitis (COMING SOON)
• Influenza (COMING SOON)
• Rotavirus
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)   (COMING SOON)
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) >50 yrs old (COMING SOON)
• Vaccines for World Travelers (COMING SOON)

Vaccines have become a hot topic among mothers over the past several years.  I was fully vaccinated as a child and lived my life oblivious to the whole “vaccine debate”…up until about halfway through medical school when I found a passion for studying autism. I completely understand the magnitude of importance on BOTH sides of the fence.  I am not a pro-vax, nor am I an anti-vax mama.  I am just a mama who wants what is best for my child.

My best advice for parents is to be an INFORMED PARENT:

1. Read, research, read some more…
2. Know the background of the disease.
3. How is the disease transmitted.
4. Know the potential side effects for both the disease and the vaccine, and the weight each side carries.
5. Know questions to ask your doctor before vaccinating your child-
   1. Am I or my child sick right now?
   2. Have I or my child had a bad reaction to a vaccination before?
   3. Do I or my child have a personal or family history of vaccine reactions, neurological disorders, severe allergies or immune system problems?
   4. Do I know the disease and vaccine risks for myself or my child?
   5. Do I have full information about the vaccine’s side effects?
   6. Do I know how to identify and report a vaccine reaction?
   7. Do I know I need to keep a written record, including the vaccine manufacturer’s name and lot number, for all vaccinations?
   8. Do I know I have the right to make an informed choice?
   9. WHICH VACCINES DO YOU PLAN ON USING (trade name and manufacturer)

• More Information on “Ask 8” – Questions to ask yourself on the day of vaccinating your child.

Reviewed/Updated: 09/14
Content Created: 03/14