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*



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COVID: How to Prepare for Your Child's COVID Vaccination

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COVID is still spreading. And the virus that causes COVID changes over time. That's why getting the vaccine and updated is the best thing to do to keep your kids healthy. It also helps make sure that your kids can keep attending child care, school and other activities that are so important for their physical and mental health.

Updated COVID vaccines are recommended for kids age 6 months and older. Nearly 200,000 children and teens younger than 18 years old have been hospitalized with COVID since August 2020. The vaccine provides broad protection against serious illness.

Your child will be ready to resist infection—and it's an important way to protect the health of others.

A vaccine for babies, kids & teens

The COVID vaccine dose your child will get is based on their age. Your pediatrician can explain which vaccine is right for your baby, child or teen. They can also advise if or when your child should get another dose.

Here's a checklist as you prepare for your child's COVID vaccination:

  • Call your child's pediatrician to schedule your child's COVID vaccine appointment. Your child can also receive routine shots at the same appointment for the COVID shot. Ask if your child is caught up on all recommended immunizations.

  • Talk with your child before the appointment. Many parents may have concerns about how their child might act when they need a shot. But there are simple ways to help make it a positive, calm experience.

  • Schedule the next dose (if needed) after your child receives their vaccine. Make sure that your pediatrician's office has a record of your child's COVID vaccination status. Your child's child care, preschool, school or college health office also may need a copy of the immunization record.

  • If your child has a medical condition or takes medicine that weakens the immune system, another dose may be recommended. Check with your pediatrician for details.

Remember

Everyone age 6 months and older should receive at least one 2023-2024 COVID vaccine to be considered up to date. Some people (6 months through 4 years or immunocompromised) may need more than one dose to be considered up to date.

Most insurance plans and the Vaccines for Children program (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents) will cover the vaccine at no cost to patients. The Bridge Access Program (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge) provides no-cost access to the vaccines for adults without insurance or whose insurance will not provide no-cost coverage.

Visit www.HealthyChildren.org for more information.

Disclaimer

Adapted from the HealthyChildren.org article COVID Vaccine Checklist for Kids (9/13/2023).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Any websites, brand names, products, or manufacturers are mentioned for informational and identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication. The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

 

Transit Office Hours

4899 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043

Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Two Saturdays per month: 8am-12pm

(716) 558-5437