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*



QR Codes for Vaccines

PDF Format



­ 


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

View spanish version, share, or print this article.


The virus that causes COVID changes over time. That's why getting the vaccine is the best you can do to keep your kids healthy. It also helps make sure that your kids keep attending child care, school and other activities.

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

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children age 6 months through 23 months old. Children this age are at highest risk for severe COVID illness. It also recommends the vaccine for children age 2 through 18 years old who are in any of these risk groups below.

  • They have never been vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • They have a health condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19.

  • They live in a long-term care facility or another group setting.

  • Others in their household are at high risk for severe COVID-19.

If your child isn't in one of these risk groups but you still want them to get the vaccine, ask your pediatrician if a single dose of the COVID vaccine might be a good option. The AAP recommends that any child whose parents want them to get a COVID shot should have easy, free access to it.

How to 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 other shots at the same appointment. 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.

  • If your child is 6 through 23 months of age and never had a severe allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine ingredient before, they should get the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine.

  • If your child has a medical condition or takes medicine that weakens the immune system, another dose may be recommended. Talk to your pediatrician. They can explain which vaccine is right for your child and how many doses they should get.

  • 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.

Remember

Talk to your pediatrician. They know which vaccine is right for your child.

Disclaimer

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.

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.

Adapted from the HealthyChildren.org article COVID Vaccine Checklist for Kids (9/4/25).

 

Transit Office Hours

4899 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043

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

(716) 558-5437

 

 

Support Resources

Medicaid Eligible Housing Support

Medicaid Eligible Food & Nutrition Support

Medicaid Members Can Receive Assistance Connecting to Social Needs Services