About Vaccinations
My older sons, William (9) and Scott (7), received all their vaccinations they would have needed to enter Kindergarten in Florida-- for the most part on-schedule. They received most vaccinations at the Martin County Health Department. A few of the earlier shots were given in the pediatrician’s office.
David ( 2) was on a delayed schedule. His pediatrician actually suggested to me to start the series by six months since he is exclusively breastfed and stays home with me. (I liked that she tailored his needs to our circumstances.) He recieved his immunizations by the time he was two.
I am concerned that too many parents get trapped by all the tabloid-like, nonscientific anti-immunization media to make an informed decision. And that they will not consider pursuing information in favor of immunization. Thus, they are really not making an "informed" decision. I recommend the books below. Then we will all be on the same page.
I do accept children into my practice without immunizations or partial immunization. (You don't have to e-mail me to test me and *warn* me that you may not vaccinate.) However, the decision to not vaccinate does not eliminate the need for well-child care. I do expect parents of children to make and keep their well-baby/child appointments (unless individual guidelines have clearly been discussed). This is a typical schedule: a prenatal appointment, by 3 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and then once a year. Babies need to be weighed! Failure to thrive does occur and is stressful to all! Often very simple breastfeeding techniques can get their growth right on track quickly. Conversely, breastfed babies often do not follow the typical growth growth curves available and I can reassure you.
Failure to thrive, parental denial, AND then failure to make/keep appointment potentially may call a lot of attention to yourself, myself, and the community of like-minded families. Let's avoid that.
Meeting with Doctor Punger before the arrival of your baby is a great way to know your doctor and learn more about her practice. You can explore your ideas on parenting and make sure it's a suitable match. It's alot harder to think through your questions when your hands are full with a newborn baby. The time spent finding the right doctor will likely be the most rewarding in the long run. These prenatal visits are typically covered by the mother's health coverage.
Well child care includes the discussion of sleep patterns, starting solids, pacifier use, bottles, preparing for going back to work and other separation, diapering, communication, elimination and attachment.
I would also recommend that the infant be breastfed exclusively six months, breastfeed for two-plus years, preferable three or more years, does not attend day care, AND does not live with smokers(even one who smokes just outside), ride in cars where smokers smoke or visit households where there are smokers.
If you want to discuss your child's specific needs, I am happy to do so in the office.
Be careful what you read. Immunization research is "in" and information is quickly outdated. Your resources should be very current, thus keeping your appointment for well-child care is also helping you to stay informed.
Some parents don't give vaccinations based on out dated sources. DTP is acellular, no longer cellular, and hasn't been for about seven years. Dithermal mercury also has not been used as a preservative for years in vaccinations given to babies: Both have been used as common excuses not to give a vaccination that are no longer valid.
As an adult, I have kept up with my adult immunizations for influenza, hepatitis, and tetanus.
Updated 01/27/06
Denise Punger MD FAAFP IBCLC
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