The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision For Your Child.

by Dr. Robert W. Sears, MD

Click Here to find this book on Amazon.

• * The 3, 5 and 7 month vaccines occur during what I call "shot-only" visits. You don't need a full checkup every single month (unless your baby has some problems that require extra attention). These shot-only visits are scheduled with the nurse.
• The flu vaccine would start between 6 and 12 months if nearing flu season, then yearly thereafter, up to age 5, as flu season approaces. Try to use only a mercury-free shot. If it's not available, don't get it that year, or get the nasal spray.
• The shots given at 21 months, 2 1/2 years, 3 1/2 years and 12 years, 2 months are "shot-only" visits.
• Start the hep B vaccine at birth if Mom, Dad or any close family members are hep B carriers.
• The flu shot is given at separate visits in October or November at ages 3, 4, and 5.
• Even though I give the first M, M, and R separately, it may be okay to group them together into the MMR shot for the booster because an older child may handle it better. An alternative choice would be to give the M, M, and R boosters separately over a few years again, starting at age 5.
• Once the meningococcal vaccine is approved for age 2, I'll move it there and delay hep B by 6 months.