Alternative Childhood Vaccine Schedules

Vaccines sure are a sticky wicket. But in case you weren't aware there are a lot of vaccine schedules that allow for your children to be fully vaccinated. We all know the CDC version. The Dr. Bob Sears version has been around for a while now. Some vaccines still have thimerosal, aluminum, and/or formaldehyde in them. In the US it is only the multi-dose bottles that contain thimerosol. There is a lot of debate out there regarding the safety of vaccines and I am not going to get into that. Below I've laid out another option below that is worth a look.

CDC Ingredient List by Vaccine

Alternative Vaccine Schedule

IPV = Polio
Varicella = Chicken Pox
DTaP = Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
Hib = Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
PCV = Pneumococcal
​MMR = Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Rotavirus = Rotavirus

2 Months	Rotavirus, DTaP, IPV
3 Months	PCV, Hib
4 Months	Rotavirus, DTaP, IPV
5 Months	PCV, Hib
6 Months	Rotavirus, DTaP, IPV
7 Months	PCV, Hib
9 Months	NOTHING
12 Months	Varicella
15 Months	PCV, Hib
18 Months	DTaP, MMR
2 years	Hep A
2 Years, ​6 Months	Hep A
4-5 Years	Have Titers* Drawn for: MMR, Varicella

* Typically at the age of 4 or 5 years you typically get an additional IPV/DTaP booster as well as a second dose of MMR and Varicella. However, if you have antibody titers drawn you can see if immunity already exists. If immunity exists, it proves that your child is fully vaccinated and doesn't need the second doses.

A NOTE ABOUT THE HEP B VACCINE
Hepatitis B is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. It could be transmitted to a baby from their mother during birth. Standard initial prenatal care includes lots of lab work including an STD panel. If you test negative then and don't expose yourself to Hep B during your pregnancy, you should be good to put off the Hep B vaccine until they need it. Some examples of  higher risk situations include being sexually active, using drugs, working in healthcare, or working with drug addicts.
Hep B Vaccination is required to be enrolled in school, child care, and preschool in Washington State. However, you can get Certificate of Exemption sign by your Primary Care Provider instead. The only vaccine that you can't have waved is the MMR. 

WA Dept of Health Waiver Requirements

Vaccine Waiver Form