I FOUND THIS ON ANOTHER BLOG AND JUST WANTED TO SHARE, I WILL BE DISCUSSING THIS WITH MY DOCTOR NEXT WEEK
The months with an * are shots-only visits b/c most doctors don't do well-baby appts those months. I'm leaving the Flu shot out of this schedule b/c there are footnotes that basically say to start it with 2 doses between 6-12 months during flu season, then get one each year through age 5.
Please use this list as a tool to discuss vaccinating with your pediatrician.
Dr. Sear's Alternative Vaccine Schedule
* 2 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
* 3 months*: Pc, HIB
* 4 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
* 5 months*: Pc, HIB
* 6 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
* 7 months*: Pc, HIB
* 9 months: Polio (IPV)
* 12 months: Mumps, Polio (IPV) (See 3rd UPDATE)
* 15 months: Pc, HIB
* 18 months: DTaP, Chickenpox
* 2 years: Rubella, Polio (IPV) (See 3rd UPDATE)
* 2 1/2 years*: Hep B, Hep A (start Hep B at birth if any close relatives or caregivers have Hep B)
* 3 years: Hep B, Measles (See 3rd UPDATE)
* 3 1/2 years*: Hep B, Hep A
* 4 years: DTaP, Polio (IPV)
* 5 years: MMR
* 6 years: Chickenpox
* 12 years: Tdap, HPV
* 12 years, 2 months*: HPV
* 13 years: HPV, Meningococcal (once Meningococcal vaccine is approved for age 2, Dr. Sears will move it there and delay Hep B by 6 months)
A NOTE FROM ME: The MMR vaccines are no longer split up into 3 different shots. As a result I have chosen to wait until my son is over 3 to get the MMR shot. He has to have 2 MMR vaccinations before starting public school so I will wait as long as possible. However, if there is an outbreak in my area of any of the 3 diseases, I will consider vaccinating him immediately. - Shari
****UPDATED ****
It was brought to my attention by an anonymous reader (thank you) that the IPV vaccine is actually included in the above....it is the Polio vaccine. I confirmed with my own research. However, I am leaving this other alternative vaccine schedule recommended from a different author and pediatrician. This is just another option for concerned parents. This schedule is based on Dr. Stephanie Cave's What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations .
Here is her schedule:
Hep B
Delay until the year before starting school, although we may consider starting the series as early as two and half if we are considering preschool at the time.
Hib
4 mo, 6 mo, 8 mo, 17 mo
IPV (Polio)
4 mo, 6 mo, 8 mo, 17 mo (booster at 4 years)
DtaP
5 mo, 7 mo, 9 mo, 15 or 18 mo (booster at 4 years)
Pneumococcal (PREVNAR) one dose at age 2
Varicela (Varivax)
Age four, if at all
MMR
Mumps – 15 mo
Rubella – 27 mo
Measles – 39 mo
Booster – age 5
****UPDATED ****
I ran across this article and decided to post it. It is about a father's struggle with vaccinations and how his decisions effected the way he chose to vaccinate his two sons. He did a year's worth of research and this article is part of his result. "To vaccinate or not to vaccinate is the parental question of our time."
****UPDATED ****3rd UPDATE****
Merck is no longer making the MMR shots separately. As a result, personally, I am putting of the MMR shot until my son enters kindergarten. I am doing this because I think this is what is best for my son in my situation. Hopefully in the next 4 years they will have more answers and I can make a more informed decision. As for right now, this is what I've decided to do and my doctor is supportive. You, as a parent, must make your own decision on when you will get the MMR. I hope this helps - Shari
