Back to Basics
The “Back to Basics” page is for those of us who would like to have the basic links at our fingertips and may not have the time to go out and find them ourselves. If you would like to skip to a particular topic, simply click on the subject title listed below. Enjoy!
How are vaccines evaluated for safety?
Modified AAP Refusal of Vaccination Form
Current Vaccination/Immunization Schedules
Recommendations and Guidelines
Contraindications and Side Effects
How to report an Adverse Event
Manufacturers’ Vaccine Inserts
Ingredients Lists
Immunization Registries and Tracking
Vaccine/Immunization Exemption Information
Current Vaccination/Immunization Schedules (As of January 2010)
Selective or Delayed Schedules- one example
2 months DTaP, Rotavirus
3 months Pc, HIB
4 months DTaP, Rotavirus
5 months Pc, HIB
6 months DTaP, Rotavirus
7 months Pc, HIB
15 months Pc, HIB
5 years Tetanus booster
10 years Blood tests (called “titer” tests) for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and Hep A immunity. If a titer is positive, showing your child acquired immunity through natural exposure, he may not need the shot, but consider vaccinating if not immune.
Also consider a 3-dose polio series if travel to Africa or Asia is a possibility.
12 years Hep B (3 doses)
Recommendations and Guidelines
Regarding multiple vaccines administered simultaneously
Simultaneously administering all vaccines for which a person is eligible is critical, including for childhood vaccination programs, because simultaneous administration increases the probability that a child will be vaccinated fully at the appropriate age.
Depending on vaccines administered in the first year of life, children aged 12–15 months might receive up to nine injections during a single visit (MMR, varicella, Hib, pneumococcal conjugate, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis [DTaP], IPV, hepatitis A, HepB, and influenza [seasonal] vaccines).
Vaccination providers frequently encounter persons who do not have adequate documentation of vaccinations. Providers should only accept written, dated records as evidence of vaccination. If records cannot be located, these persons should be considered susceptible and should be started on the age-appropriate vaccination schedule.
Contraindications and Side Effects
1996- Last update of Vaccine Side Effects, Adverse Reactions, Contraindications, and Precautions as recommended by ACIP per the CDC Website
In response to concerns about vaccine safety, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 established a no-fault compensation process for persons possibly injured by selected vaccines (3). The Act also mandated that the Institute of Medicine * (IOM) review scientific and other evidence regarding the possible adverse consequences of vaccines administered to children.
More information included in cited MMWR.
VAERS
How to report an Adverse Event – National reporting system- utilize their online system to report if you or your doctor suspect your child is having a reaction to any vaccination given.
Manufacturers’ Vaccine Inserts
Package Inserts- Provided and compiled by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Ingredients and Exipients Lists
Vaccine Media and Excipient Summary Part 1 (6 pages)- Sorted by ingredient
Vaccine Media and Excipient Summary Part 2 (3 pages)- Sorted by vaccine
Immunization Registries and Tracking
Immunization Information Systems Home Page
Research your state’s information and see what is available to you. You may also be able to opt out of this service if you wish to do so.
Vaccine/Immunization Exemption Information
Exemptions by State- map of US
Legal Exemptions to Vaccinations