vaccinations

navigating childhood

vaccinations

Vaccines have been a widely discussed topic over the past couple of decades. Parents often find it challenging to navigate important decisions regarding their child's health, especially with so much conflicting information available. It can be frustrating when pediatricians are unable to provide detailed guidance, making decision-making overwhelming.

In January 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) significantly updated the childhood immunization schedule following a comprehensive review of international vaccination practices. The new schedule organizes vaccines into three distinct categories rather than a single universal recommendation list. This represents the most substantial change to U.S. vaccine policy in decades and reflects a shift toward more individualized, family-centered decision-making.

understanding the new three-tiered approach

While the updated CDC schedule reduces the number of universally recommended vaccines, the three-category system can actually make vaccine decisions more complex for parents. Instead of a straightforward list, families must now consider which category each vaccine falls into, whether their child has specific risk factors, and when "shared clinical decision-making" applies to their situation. Questions like "Is my child high-risk for hepatitis B?" or "Should we choose the flu vaccine through shared decision-making?" require thoughtful consideration and professional guidance.

At Natural Kid Doc, we're here to help you navigate this complexity. We recognize that this new framework, while offering more flexibility, also creates more questions. Our team takes the time to help you understand what each category means for your family, assess your child's individual risk factors, and explore all available options. We explain the nuances of the schedule in a way that empowers you to make confident, informed decisions.

the updated CDC vaccination schedule

The CDC now divides childhood vaccines into three categories:

Category 1: Vaccines Recommended for All Children

These 11 vaccines are recommended universally and protect against diseases where there is international consensus:

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) - 5 doses
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) - 3-4 doses
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) - 4 doses
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) - 4 doses
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) - 2 doses
Varicella (chickenpox) - 2 doses
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - now one dose instead of two

Category 2: Vaccines for High-Risk Groups or Populations

These vaccines are recommended only for children with specific risk factors, such as underlying health conditions, unusual disease exposure, or risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - 1 dose
Hepatitis A - 1 doses
Hepatitis B - 3 doses
Dengue - 3 doses
Meningococcal ACWY - 2-4 doses
Meningococcal B - 1 dose

Category 3: Vaccines Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making

These vaccines are available for discussion between parents and healthcare providers based on individual circumstances, family preferences, and the child's specific health situation:

Rotavirus - 2 doses
COVID-19 - 2 doses in the first year, then 1 dose annually
Influenza (flu) - 2 doses in the first year, then 1 dose annually
Meningococcal disease - 2-3 doses
Hepatitis A - 2 doses
Hepatitis B - 3 doses

our personalized approach to vaccination

At Natural Kid Doc, we believe every child is unique, and vaccination decisions should reflect that individuality. Whether you're trying to understand the new three-tiered system, determine if your child falls into a high-risk category, or decide which vaccines align with your family's values and your child's health needs, we're here to support you.

We spend time explaining each vaccine in detail, including what diseases they prevent, potential benefits, and considerations
We help you assess your child's individual risk factors and circumstances
We discuss timing and spacing options that may work better for your family
We answer your questions thoroughly, without judgment
We respect your autonomy as a parent to make the final decision

Our doctors have dedicated extensive time to researching vaccines and staying current with the evolving recommendations. We can guide you through the complexities of the new framework, help you understand what "shared clinical decision-making" means in practice, and develop a vaccination plan tailored specifically to your child.

We support all families, whether you choose to follow the CDC schedule completely, select certain vaccines based on your child's needs, create an alternative timeline, or choose not to vaccinate. Our role is not to pressure or persuade, but to educate, inform, and empower you to make the decision that feels right for your family. Your child will receive the same high-quality, compassionate care regardless of your vaccination choices.

homeopathic vaccinations

Some parents inquire about homeopathic vaccinations as an alternative to conventional vaccines. However, it's important to note that homeopathic vaccines lack scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in generating an immune response comparable to conventional vaccines. At Natural Kid Doc, while we are open to discussing these options with you, we do not offer homeopathic vaccinations as an alternative due to the lack of proven efficacy.

book recommendations

For parents looking to educate themselves further on this topic, here are some recommended readings:

The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Robert Sears, MD)
The Vaccine Friendly Plan: Dr. Paul's Safe and Effective Approach to Immunity and Health – from Pregnancy Through Your Child's Teen Years (Paul Thomas, MD)