Answer
This is a very good question. There are several new vaccines that are being introduced this year and in the upcoming year and new recommendations for additional doses of immunizations for some diseases like chickenpox. It is sometimes difficult to keep parents informed about the changes in recommendations before the visit to the doctor. It is important for parents to assure that their children are getting all of those vaccines which are available to their children.
If parents want to know more about immunizations and the diseases that are vaccine preventable, the Immunization Action Coalition has website with a section entitled: When does my child need shots and what shots does he/she need? This organization provides information on most of the currently recommended vaccines for both children and adults. Some of the new recommendations including those for a second varicella (chickenpox) immunizations and the rotovirus immunization are not yet included on this site. Parents should ask their child's doctor about changes in the immunization schedule during their regularly scheduled visits. Parents should also ask their child's pediatric provider about the vaccines recommended for their individual child since children with some medical conditions may require additional vaccines or may need additional advice on their individual vaccine needs.
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