If you’re wondering why to vaccinate your children against common illnesses, you may have already come into contact with misinformation about childhood vaccines and immunizations. Our Woodburn Pediatric Clinic recommends the following child immunization schedule, which is fully endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
American Vaccine Schedule
Hepatitis B Immunization (HepB)
The HepB vaccine protects against Hepatitis B and is recommended in three doses, which should be administered at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months.
Rotavirus Immunizations (RV)
The RV vaccine protects against Rotavirus and is recommended in three doses, which should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Immunizations (DTaP)
The DTaP vaccine protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and is recommended in in five doses, which should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Immunizations (Hib)
The Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus Influenzae and is recommended in four doses, which should be administered at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
Pneumococcal Immunizations (PCV)
The PCV vaccine protects against pneumococcus and is recommended in four doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
Polio Immunizations (IPV)
The IPV vaccine protects against polio and is recommended in four doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella Immunizations (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and is recommended in two doses at 12—15 months and 4-6 years.
Chickenpox Immunization (Varicella)
The Varicella vaccine protects against chicken pox and is recommended in two doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
Hepatitis A Immunizations (HepA)
The HepA vaccine protects against hepatitis A and is recommended in two doses, one at 12-23 months and one 6-18 months later.
Influenza Immunizations (Flu)
The flu vaccine protects against influenza and is recommended every year, with two doses given at least four weeks apart for children aged 6 months through 8 years of age.
The Truth About Vaccines
Misinformation about the newborn shot schedule, recommended ages for vaccines, and immunization itself is increasingly common, which is why our dedicated staff of physicians can help answer any questions you might have about immunization. The following information about vaccination can help put you at ease:
Vaccines Are Safe
- Every medical treatment has risks, but the risk involved with vaccination is much rarer than the diseases vaccines protect against.
- While doctors recommend more vaccines than they did forty years ago, a fully vaccinated 2-year old is now vaccinated against almost twice as many diseases.
- While aluminum and formaldehyde are present in vaccines, the amount of aluminum in vaccines is less than what kids would get from breastmilk or formula, and the trace amounts of formaldehyde present in vaccines is less than our body naturally produces.
- Antifreeze is NOT present in any of the recommended childhood vaccines.
New patients can learn more about our practice by visiting our website or contacting us at 503.981.5348.