Immunizations

Immunization Options

Our default and recommended schedule is based on the CDC schedule.   There is some confusion regarding recent changes.  Talk to your child's provider and we'll go over the options with you.

Remember: no matter what path you choose, we will help educate, support and guide you.  But, we will NEVER mandate vaccines or remove your family from our practice based on your choices.  Dr. Pfanstiel and Philip Pfanstiel (manager) both believe that such actions are unethical and smack of medical tyranny.


Personal note from Philip Pfanstiel (manager): "We decided to delay and space out vaccines for our children.  As my children grew up their pediatrician (in Texas) mandated that they get "caught up" or she would kick them out of her practice.  We will NEVER do that to our families here at Broken Arrow Pediatrics."

Childhood Vaccination Schedule Changes

AAP Schedule (2025 CDC schedule).  Our default schedule.

There is honestly a lot of information here.  We'll go over at each visit what are recommended immunizations, which ones can be safely delayed and which ones are optional based on risk.

Recommended Immunization Schedule

Comparison between 2026 CDC Schedule and AAP Schedule.

This table examines the difference between the 2026 CDC schedule and the older schedule (now referred to as the AAP schedule).

Vaccine Schedule Updates & Comparison

Summary of CDC/HHS Changes in 2026

Current recommendations put each vaccine in three buckets.  Recommended for All Children, those in High-Risk Groups and a third group based on Clinical Decision Making.  That's a fancy way of saying it is up to local providers and parents to make a decision on these vaccines.  For instance, Broken Arrow Pediatrics does not administer the COVID-19 vaccine based on our analysis of this gene therapy option (and the benefits not outweighing the risks).  All other vaccines are offered at our clinic.

Vaccine Schedule Updates & Comparison

Department of Health and Human Services Decision Memo

For those who are interested in the decision making that went in to the recent changes, here is a memo and explanation from HHS/CDC.

Vaccine Schedule Updates & Comparison

Too Many Shots at Once?

This is a visual way of seeing when and how many shots each schedule encourages.

Too many shots at once?

Dr Sears Alternate Vaccine Schedule

One of our more popular alternative schedules, and one we fully support, is the Dr. Sears schedule.  The Rotavirus, and flu vaccines are optional but included in this schedule if parents choose to utilize them.

  • 2 Months: Rotavirus, DTap
  • 3 Months: PCV, Hib
  • 4 Months: Rotavirus, Dtap
  • 5 Months: PCV, Hib
  • 6 Months: Dtap, Rotavirus
  • 7 Months: PCV, Hib
  • 9 Months: Polio, Flu (2 doses – 2nd dose given 4 weeks after 1st)
  • 12 Months: MMR, Polio
  • 15 Months: PCV, Hib
  • 18 Months: DTap, Polio
  • 21 Months: Flu
  • 2 Years: Varicella
  • 2 Years, 6 Months: Hepatitis B
  • 2 Years, 7 Months: Hepatitis B, Flu
  • 3 Years: Hepatitis B
  • 4 Years: DTap, Polio, Flu
  • 5 Years: MMR, Flu
  • 6 Years: Varicella, Flu
  • 7 Years: Hepatitis A, Flu
  • 8 Years: Hepatitis A, Flu
  • 9 Years through 18 Years: Flu Each Year
  • 12 Years: Tdap
  • 13 to 14 Years: HPV (3 doses)
  • 16 Years: Meningococcal

*Start Hep B at Birth if Mom, Dad or any close family members are Hep B carriers*