Is it OK to delay my child’s vaccines until they are older and stronger?
While there is no medical evidence that supports delaying immunizations, your pediatrician can discuss your options.
As a parent, you have to be comfortable with the medical decisions you make for your little one. However, there is no medical evidence to support the idea that delaying immunizations until an infant is older is the safest thing for your child.
On the contrary, the immunization schedule is developed to maximally protect our most vulnerable population, our babies. Vaccines are given on a schedule throughout the first several years of life, and some children with special needs or medical conditions may have an altered vaccine schedule. Delaying immunization is not necessary, but your pediatrician can discuss this with you on your next visit.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, March 2019
A 2010 study compared children vaccinated on time with children whose vaccinations were delayed or incomplete. At 7 to 10 years of age, neuropsychological outcomes were measured. There was no benefit in delaying immunizations during the first year of life. For parents concerned with too many vaccines too soon, this data along with data from at least a dozen other studies may provide reassurance that on time vaccination during infancy per the CDC schedule has no adverse effect on long-term neuropsychological outcomes. Reference: Smith M and Woods C, Pediatrics. 2010; 125(6): 1134-41 (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/125/6/1134.abstract).
I urge all parents to print a copy of the immunization schedule from the CDC and keep your own record of your child’s vaccines. Do NOT just go by what your doctor tells you they are due for. I made this mistake and my daughter received the DTAP twice within her first 15 months. The doctor misread her chart and gave it to her when she had already received it. Thank goodness she is okay, but it was a terrifying experience. Needless to say, we switched doctors. 🙂
I’m going through with the vaccinations, but I asked our pediatrician to split them up. My daughter has only had her 2-month vaccines so far, but I had the doctor do two vaccines at the 2-month visit (one oral, one shot) and the following two vaccines the next week (two shots.) My biggest concern are the other ingredients in the shots, especially mercury. Even if it’s only in my mind, I feel better about spacing them out!
Did you ask for thimerosal free vaccines? That might ease your mind!
I haven’t! I will definitely do that for the 4-month vaccines!
My son just received his 15-month immunizations today. He also received a flu shot. I was on the fence about the flu shot, but I ultimately decided to go through with it. I usually get a flu shot also. I’ve had the flu before and thought I was dying. I couldn’t imagine my son going through that right now.
Such a sensitive topic- immunizations. I am pro-vaccine and I don’t like to argue with anyone about it. If parents want to delay, then that’s their decision. I have trust in our pediatrician though that she wants the best for my children and in no way would she hurt them. I follow her recommendation when it comes to vaccine schedule.
It is a sensitive topic. I urge all parents to do the research as well as speak honestly with their pediatrician so they feel confident in their decisions.