VACCINES -- QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK

Perhaps the most challenging area of medical decision-making for parents these days is immunization. Each year seems to bring added complexities -- as either new vaccines become available or as new concerns arise about the safety & efficacy of those already in use.

We know there are only so many hours in the day. Researching this subject alone could be more than a full-time job. Below are a few links that are worth some consideration. But don't stay up past midnight reading through them!

Q: Which vaccines are recommended for children?

A: National immunization recommendations are issued by the CDC and listed here. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued their own set of recommendations.

Q: What shots are currently required for daycare & school here in New York?
A: The requirements (not recommendations) are listed here.

Q: Is New York State tracking the vaccination of children?
A: Yes, the registry known as the New York Immunization Information System became law in 2008.

Q: Can you suggest a website that promotes vaccination?
A: Sure. VaccineInformation.Org. For even more info, go to Immunize.Org, which is geared toward health professionals.

Q: What about a resource on vaccine safety?
A: The National Vaccine Information Center is worth a look.

Q: How can I find out what's in the vaccines?
A: There's a nice list of excipients in appendix B of the CDC Pink Book.

Q: Are religious exemptions still available in New York?
A: In 2019, religious exemptions were repealed in New York. (Connecticut followed suit in 2021.) Federal legislation called the GRACE Act may affect this if it passes.

Q: What about medical exemptions?
A: Yes, these are good for one year and must be completed by a physician licensed in New York (nurse practitioners and physician assistants cannot issue). The New York State DOH encourages doctors to use ACIP guidelines which are very strict (essentially only coma or anaphylaxis after a previous vaccine dose). As this is a potentially contentious issue, concerned parents may wish to consult an attorney.