Visits after the age of five continue on an annual basis. Vaccines are administered at other annual visits. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for the timing of these vaccinations.


IMMUNIZATIONS:

DTaP(Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis):

This is the new version of the previous DPT, which had received considerable notoriety because of concern about rare, but serious reactions primarily to the Pertussis (Whooping Cough) fraction. The acellular preparation now in use has dramatically decreased any risk from this vaccine. It is safe to use this vaccine even in most circumstances where the previous DPT had been withheld.

This vaccine is administered at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 5 years. After age 6 years, the vaccine employed is the dT, a preparation with a lower dose of diphtheria and without pertussis.

The common side effects to be aware of include fever, irritability, and swelling at the site of the injection. These reactions may occur later on the day of immunization and on the day following, and generally respond well to acetaminophen.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV, Prevnar):

The pneumococcus is an invasive bacteria that is now the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in this country. Children under the age of two are particularly susceptible to blood-borne infection and meningitis due to this organism. The heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine protects against the seven most common strains of this bacteria and is recommended for children under the age of two years. Side effects are mild and mainly consist of local reaction at the injection site and fever. Four doses of vaccine are administered in the first 15 months.

Polio:

Previously, the most common preparation of this vaccine was the trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV). This is a "live" preparation and the infant passes virus in the stool, posing a hazard to individuals who are immuno-suppressed. Because of this risk, the current recommendation is to use IPV, the inactivated, injectable preparation.

HIB (Haemophilus Influenzae B):

Haemophilus influenzae b(Hib) is a bacteria that prior to the development of the vaccine was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in childhood. In addition, this invasive bacteria caused epiglottitis, pneumonia, sepsis, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. The vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of these infections.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that can cause serious acute and chronic infections of the liver. The virus is spread through contact with blood or body fluids of an infected individual. The vaccine that was developed was the first "genetically engineered" immunization, based on recombinant DNA technology.

Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR):

This immunization is given at age 12 months with a booster at age 5 years. The vaccine may cause fever and/or a rash 7 - 10 days following administration. Should a reaction occur, recognize that the child is non-communicable and does not pose a threat to pregnant women.

Varicella (Chickenpox):

The varicella vaccine licensed in the United States in 1995 has had extensive use over a far longer period in Japan. It provides complete protection from the disease in 70-90% of children. Should a child who was immunized get varicella, it is usually very mild. There is a low incidence of fever and rash following administration. A single dose is given at age 12 months or older. Children above 13 years of age who have not had chickenpox require two doses of vaccine given 1 - 2 months apart.