Vaccinations are a topic that frequently comes up in our classes.

Most parents choose to vaccinate, some follow an alternate schedule, some parents choose to decline particular vaccines, and some choose not to vaccinate at all.

Vaccinating is one of the earliest medical decisions we make for our children.  For example, Hepatitis B is often offered in the hospital at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning vaccines at the age of 2 months. The time to start researching and making decisions about vaccines for your child is now, before he or she is born.

 Here are a few resources to get you started. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following vaccination schedule:

Birth - Hep B
1 month - Hep B
2 months - DTaP, HIB, Pc, Rotavirus, Polio
4 months - DTaP HIB, Pc, Rotavirus, Polio
6 months - DTaP, HIB, Pc, Rotavirus, Hep B, Flu (if in season)
1 year - MMR, Chickenpox, Hep A
15 months - HIB, Pc
18 months - DTaP, Polio, Hep A, Flu (if in season)
2 years - Flu
3 years - Flu
4 years - Flu
5 years - DTaP, Polio, MMR, Flu

 The timing of some of the above vaccines depends on which particular brand of vaccine is used.  A PDF of the 2008 Recommended Immunization Schedule can be downloaded here .

For a thourough discussion of each vaccine we highly recommend Dr. Bob Sears' The Vaccine Book .  He discusses each vaccine-preventable disease, and each vaccine, including various available brands, and any controversial ingredients.  He also presents and alternative vaccination schedule designed to spread out the vaccines, to minimize exposure to some problematic ingredients, such as aluminium.  For updates and corrections, visit Dr. Bob's Blog .

 Mothering Magazine's website is also a great place to start reading up about vaccines.  They have several articles regarding vaccines and also a Vaccination forum where you can talk to other parents.