Vaccine Philosophy
The doctors at Genesee-Transit Pediatrics believe that immunizations are the single most important health service that we provide in order to give your child the best chance at a healthy life. We firmly support the American Academy of Pediatrics and the medical evidence behind the academy’s position that childhood vaccinations are safe when given in the currently established schedule, and that vaccines do not cause autism or developmental delays. We advocate for our patients, your children, on all aspects of providing care. The strength of this conviction is unwavering, and that is why we strongly recommend following the childhood immunization schedule, as published. We also, as parents, have followed the recommended schedule for our own children as well.
Thankfully, many parents and even pediatricians have not witnessed cases of diphtheria, tetanus, bacterial meningitis, epiglottitis, and measles because of the successful vaccination campaigns of the past. We should not be casual about this issue nor let down our guard against these incapacitating and deadly illnesses.
Refusing or delaying vaccines puts your child and the children of your community at risk. Currently about 10% of children in the United States are unvaccinated. With this statistic on the rise unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children no longer have the benefit of “herd immunity” to protect them from vaccine communicable diseases. Non-immunized children become ill and allow these vaccine preventable illnesses to spread through a community. In the process, children with immune deficiencies or cancer, who are unable to receive vaccines, are susceptible, as well. This may be a child in your daughter’s classroom, a girl you pass by at the grocery store, or a boy sitting next to you in our waiting room.
You have put your trust in us to care for your children. Trust us to keep your children safe from vaccine communicable illnesses. Their lives may depend on it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Darlene A. Dzik, MD, John A. Dzik, MD,
Khristina Kasuba, MD, & Alessandra M. Palma, MD
Immunization Schedule
| Age | Vaccination |
| Newborn | Hepatitis B (offered at birth hospital) |
| 2 months | Pediarix(DTaP/Polio/Hepatitis B), Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus |
| 4 months | Pediarix(DTaP/Polio/Hepatitis B), Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus |
| 6 months | Pediarix(DTaP/Polio/Hepatitis B), Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus |
| 12 months | MMR, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A |
| 15 months | DTaP, HIB, Pneumococcal |
| 18 months or 2 years | Hepatitis A |
| 4-5 years | Kinrix(DTaP/Polio), Proquad(MMR/Chicken Pox) |
| 10 years | Tdap, HPV |
| 11 years | Meningococcal ACWY; HPV |
| 16 years | Meningococcal ACWY |
| 16-18 years | Meningococcal B |
| 20 years | Tdap |
*6 months and older eligible for Flu vaccine and Covid vaccines*
VIS—Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Vaccine
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ICD10
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Z23 -
90714
1. Why get vaccinated?
Td vaccine can prevent tetanus and diphtheria.
Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Diphtheria spreads from person to person.
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TETANUS (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.
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DIPHTHERIA (D) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.
2. Td vaccine
Td is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.
Td is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years, but it can also be given earlier after a severe and dirty wound or burn.
Another vaccine, called Tdap, that protects against pertussis, also known as "whooping cough," in addition to tetanus and diphtheria, may be used instead of Td.
Td may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
3. Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
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Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
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Has ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called GBS).
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Has had severe pain or swelling after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone Td vaccination to a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting Td vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
4. Risks of a vaccine reaction
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Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache sometimes happen after Td vaccine.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
5. What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at
6. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Visit the VICP website at
7. How can I learn more?
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Ask your health care provider.
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Call your local or state health department.
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Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
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Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
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Visit CDC's website at
www.cdc.gov/vaccines
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Vaccine Information Statement (Interim)
Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Vaccine
04/01/2020
42 U.S.C Ã 300aa-26
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See
Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite