HEALTH Q&A: Immunization

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Q: Who should decide when kids are immunized?

A: Children are immunized based on standard immunization schedules. These schedules are reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is a schedule for children who are “on time” for their vaccinations and one specifically for children who are “out of step,” or behind, in their immunizations. Pediatricians and family doctors follow these standard schedules and review them each time a child is seen in the office, especially for well child/adolescent visits. In Nevada, web-IZ is a tracking system accessible to all providers to ensure that immunizations are given in a timely manner.