Once your child is born you will be making monthly visits to your pediatrician for their well-being. The doctor will be checking for growth and motor development, making sure that they are on track with childhood development. It may come as a surprise to you that very early on a vaccination schedule will be started for your baby.

Immunizations that are given starting at two months old include:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Polio
  • DtaP
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • HiB
  • Flu
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Additional vaccines can be given when your child is older, and most vaccines are completed before your child’s second birthday.

Finding a Good Doctor.

You will want to get your child on an immunization schedule. It’s also important that you make sure they stick to that schedule. Especially as they come closer to enrolling in school, because without their shots there is no chance that they will be able to attend.

Keep in mind that certain vaccines are not given all at once. There may be two or more rounds that they need in order for the immunization to be complete. Finding a good doctor, someone with whom you can set a vaccine schedule for you, your child, or anyone else in your family, is an essential part of caring for your health.

Should I vaccinate my child?

This seems to be the big question. This is a personal decision and it is important that you discuss whatever concerns you may have with your pediatrician or family doctor.

Many parents are under the mistaken notion that vaccinations cause illnesses or serious health problems in their children. There is no evidence that this is the case.

Furthermore, you pediatrician or doctor will inform you that without immunizations your child will not be allowed to enter school or partake in any school sports.

Vaccines for Foreign Travel.

If your family travels a lot, especially outside of the U.S., then be aware that foreign countries require full immunizations before you arrive in that country.  The Centers For Disease Control website provides a comprehensive online vaccination list for each and every country you may be traveling to. In addition, you can specify whether or not you will be traveling with children to get any additional information. Speak with your doctor to make sure vaccinations for foreign travel are done well in advance of your departure date.