Back when Lauren was first born, we researched vaccinations and decided to follow Dr. Sears Alternative Vaccination schedule. We were not concerned that Lauren would become autistic due to the vaccines, but we did not want to bombard her little body with multiple vaccines all at once so we spread most of the vaccines out accofding to Dr. Sears Alternative Vaccine Schedule. There were a few other rules Dr. Sears suggested, such as only one live virus vaccine at a time and picking brands that use the lowest dosage of aluminum. I checked out his book, The Vaccine Book, at the library and found it very helpful. Here is the original post I wrote about Lauren's vaccines and the schedule we were going to try to follow: http://annajfamily.blogspot.com/2010/03/vaccinations.html
It has really helped to have a flexible pediatrician and helpful pediatric office staff. They've been able to schedule us for 'nurse only' visits in between the regular physical visits and the wait for the appointments has been very reasonable.
Lauren's vaccinations and when they were given:
2 months: DTaP
3 months*: Hib & PCV
4 months: DTaP
5 months*: Hib & PCV
6 months: DTaP
7 months*: Hib & PCV
10 months*: IPV
15 months: IPV and MMR - - - - - - note: Lauren got a mild case of the measles from the MMR vaccine - it was awful for about a week.
18 months: IPV
* shot only visit
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I was on schedule for most of her vaccines, but got a little behind after she turned 1 yr.
Here are the rest of the vaccines she needs and when I'm going to take her in to get up to date according to the US 2011 vaccine chart (minus the vaccines we've declined: Hep B, Rotavirus, Influenza (Flu), and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines):
20 months*: Hib & PCV
22 months*: DTaP
24 months: HepA ?? I emailed my pediatrician asking about this one and if she really thinks it is necessary.
After these vaccines are given I do not have to worry about the next round of important vaccines until Lauren turns 4-6 years old.
If you are researching vaccines online, google Dr. Sears and vaccine name and you'll get lots of helpful info in language you'll easily be able to understand!
Here is a link to the vaccine schedule recommended by the government (CDC):
http://www.immunize.org/cdc/schedules/
