The U.S. childhood immunization schedule is reviewed and approved by CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Alternative vaccination schedules have not been tested, reviewed, or approved by any medical authority or public health group. Alternative schedules delay induction of immunity and leaves children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Immunize.org
Materials for Providers
Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?
A list of science-based materials available from respected organizations.
Materials for Vaccine Recipients
Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby’s Shots
Written by Dr. Ari Brown, clear answers to parents’ questions about vaccines.
- Also available in:
- Russian
What If You Don’t Vaccinate Your Child?
One-page parent handout describing the consequences of not vaccinating your child
More From Immunize.org
Printable resources and links to partner organizations to help you address hesitancy related to vaccination-related anxiety.
Printable resources designed to help healthcare professionals in all aspects of immunization practice.
Immunize.org experts answer challenging questions about vaccines.
Information sheets produced by CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.
Real-life accounts of suffering and loss.
From our affiliated site VaccineInformation.org, information about the importance of vaccines and answers to many common questions.
CDC ∙ FDA ∙ WHO
CDC
Reassuring information about the safety of multiple vaccinations.
Conversations with parents about vaccinating on time and that vaccines do not overwhelm the immune system.
Provides answers to concerns about too many vaccines.
Trusted Organizations
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Pediatricians recommend timely vaccinations because they are the best way to protect children from viruses and bacteria that can cause real harm.
Explains the rationale behind the recommended vaccine schedule and includes answers for healthcare personnel about “too many vaccines.”
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vaccine Education Center (VEC)
Provides reassuring information about the safety of multiple vaccinations. A Spanish-language version is also available.
This article examines the reasons for the popularity of Dr. Robert Sears’ book, The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, examines the rationale behind its recommendations, and reveals how the author is misinforming parents who are trying to make the right decision about vaccines for their children. (Pediatrics, January 2009)
Q&A about the recommended vaccine schedule.
National Academy of Medicine
A 2012 analysis of more than 1,000 research articles concludes that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines.
A 2002 study from the National Academy of Medicine, an impartial group of the world’s leading experts that advises Congress on science issues.
Vaxopedia
Vincent Iannelli, MD, explains how alternative schedules translate into delayed protection.
Vincent Iannelli, MD, notes that the first clue alternative schedules have no evidence behind them, is that they are all different.
Additional Resources
The need for guidance on evidence-based interventions to increase timely immunization. (Pediatrics, April 2015)
Videos
Dr. Handy's Corner: Do Vaccines Weaken My Baby's Immune System?
Ever wonder whether vaccines weaken a baby’s immune system? Dr. Lori Handy says, “The short answer is, absolutely no” and goes on to explain why.
Video FAQs
In this series of brief video clips from Vaccinate Your Family, Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Mark Sawyer, Ms. Alison Singer, and Dr. Mary Beth Koslap-Petraco, experts in the field of immunizations and infectious disease, reply to common questions about vaccines and when they are needed.
Vaccine Questions?
Email CDC at nipinfo@cdc.gov