Thanks to the vaccinations that have become common place in our society we have been able to eliminate many diseases.  Things like whooping cough, measles, and polio have all but disappeared.  Vaccination rates are at an all time high thanks to the success of the vaccinations, the information available to parents when making decisions about vaccinations, and the recommendations of pediatricians.

There are still those who question the necessity for vaccinations and worry that the side effects outweigh the benefits.  Research has found that the minimal side effects associated with vaccinations are rare and that the benefits seen from getting the vaccinations far outweigh the risks.  If you are worried about getting your child vaccinated talk to your pediatrician and be sure you have all the information before you decide to opt out.

Here is the list of the vaccinations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the first 2 years of life.

• Hepatitis B: three shot vaccination done at birth, 1-4 months and 6-18 months.
• Diptheria,tetanus, pertussis: four shot vaccination done at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15-18 months.
• Haemophilus influenza type B: four shot vaccination done at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months.
• Inactivated polio: 3 shot vaccination done at 2 months, 4 months and 6-18 months.
• Measles, mumps, rubella:  1 shot vaccination done at 12-18 months.
• Varicella (chicken pox): 1 shot vaccination done at 12-18 months.
• Pneumococcal: 4 shot vaccination done at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months.
• Influenza: shots yearly starting at 6 months through 59 months.
• Rotavirus: 3 shot vaccination done at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months.
• Hepatitus A: 2 shot vaccination done 6 months apart between 12-23 months.

For more information regarding vaccinations visit the following websites.

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control
• Institute for Vaccine Safety