The Importance of the Vaccination Schedule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets a strict immunization schedule to protect infants and children before they are likely to be exposed to life-threatening diseases. Each year, a special committee reviews the schedule for persons living in the United States between birth and age 18. The immunization schedule, as well as the catch-up immunization schedule, is then approved by:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics
  • The American Academy of Family Physicians
  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

With approval from our leaders in the health care field, UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics follows these recommendations closely and knows they are of the utmost importance to your child’s health and development.

Missing appointments, spreading out or skipping shots can increase your child’s risk of getting a disease that could have been prevented through vaccinations. Vaccinations are often administered during standard well visits. Visit the Well Visits and Vaccine Schedule page to gain a better understanding of this schedule and what else may occur during well visits.

We encourage you to work closely with your UPMC CCP office and your provider to stay on track and ensure your child is receiving vaccinations as recommended. Contact your office today should you have any questions.