Blog Post Vaccines Revised | August 2026

Blog Summary

At a Glance: What This Post Covers
Why vaccines matter for children and communities
What the back-to-school vaccine schedule looks like in Maryland
A gentle look at common vaccine concerns and the science behind them
When and how to schedule a well-child visit at Primary Pediatrics
Frequently asked questions from real parents
A warm, judgment-free reminder that asking questions is a sign of good parenting

Is My Child's Vaccine Schedule Up to Date?

A Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

Back-to-school season brings a lot to think about. New backpacks, supply lists, classroom schedules, and for many families, a stack of health forms from the school office asking about vaccines. If you find yourself feeling a little unsure about where your child stands, or even a little anxious about the vaccine question in general, you are in very good company.

We want you to know something first: asking questions about your child's health is not a sign of being a bad parent. It is a sign of being a deeply caring one. The amount of information (and misinformation) out there about vaccines can be genuinely overwhelming. We understand why parents have concerns, and we never want you to feel judged for having them.

Our job is to be your partner in keeping your child healthy. So let's walk through this together, clearly and honestly.

Why the Back-to-School Season Is a Good Time to Check In

Maryland schools require that children be current on certain vaccines before they can attend classes. These requirements exist not just to protect individual children, but to protect the whole school community, including kids who are too young to be vaccinated or who have medical conditions that prevent them from receiving certain vaccines. The back-to-school well-child visit is one of the best opportunities to review your child's vaccine record, catch up on anything that may have been missed, and make sure your child is ready to walk into the school year feeling their best.

Even if your child seems perfectly healthy, these visits matter. A lot can happen in a year of growing.

What the Maryland Vaccine Schedule Generally Looks Like

The vaccines your child needs can depend on their age and grade level. Here is a general overview of what tends to come up at different stages, though your child's provider will always review their specific record at their visit.

Babies and Toddlers (Birth to 2 years)

This is one of the busiest periods on the vaccine schedule. Visits at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 15 to 18 months typically involve several vaccines that protect against diseases like whooping cough, polio, measles, and more. These early vaccines are timed carefully to provide protection when babies are most vulnerable.

Preschool Age (4 to 6 years)

Before starting kindergarten, children in Maryland generally need booster doses of several vaccines they received as babies. These boosters are important because immunity from early doses can fade over time.

Preteens and Teens (11 to 18 years)

The preteen years bring a new set of recommended vaccines, including protection against meningococcal disease and HPV. Teens are also encouraged to stay current on their flu shot each year. If your child has their annual sports physical coming up, this is a great time to review the teen vaccine checklist as well.

Not sure where your child stands? Bring any vaccine records you have to your appointment, or let us know and we can help look into it.

We Know You May Have Questions. That Is Okay.

There is a lot of information circulating about vaccines, and not all of it is accurate. We know that can be confusing and even frightening when it comes to decisions about your child. We want to address some of the most common concerns with honesty and care.

"I have read that vaccines can cause autism."

We understand why this concern lingers. It has been shared widely for many years. However, the original study that suggested this link was retracted by the medical journal that published it, and the researcher lost his medical license due to ethical violations and data manipulation. Since then, dozens of large, rigorous studies involving millions of children across many countries have consistently found no connection between vaccines and autism. The scientific and medical communities are in agreement on this.

We also want to say this: autism is a complex medical condition that science doesn't fully understand yet. The evidence IS clear that vaccines do not cause autism. Our children with autism deserve to be protected from the same serious illnesses that vaccines prevent.

"My child seems healthy. Do they really need all these vaccines?"

It is a fair question. Many of the diseases that vaccines protect against are rare in the United States today, and that is largely because of how effective vaccination programs have been. When vaccination rates in a community drop, these diseases can and do come back. Outbreaks of measles and whooping cough, for example, have occurred in communities with lower vaccination rates in recent years.

Vaccines protect your child, but they also protect people around your child who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns, elderly grandparents, and children going through cancer treatment. That shared protection is called community immunity, and it depends on enough people being vaccinated.

"I am worried about giving my child so many vaccines at once."

This is one of the most common things we hear, and it makes complete sense as a concern. The schedule can look like a lot. What is important to understand is that babies and young children encounter thousands of new antigens every day just by being in the world. The antigens in the recommended vaccines represent a tiny fraction of what their immune systems handle routinely. The schedule is designed to protect children at the ages when they are most at risk, and spreading vaccines out unnecessarily can actually leave children unprotected for longer periods.

That said, we always welcome a conversation. If you have concerns about timing, please bring them up at your child's visit. We are here to listen and to work with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child missed some vaccines because we skipped appointments. Is it too late to catch up?

A: It is not too late. There are catch-up schedules designed exactly for this situation. Your child does not need to start from scratch. Schedule a visit with us and we will review what has been given and map out the best path forward.

Q: Can my child get vaccines if they have a cold or mild illness?

A: In most cases, yes. A mild illness like a runny nose or low-grade fever is generally not a reason to delay a vaccine. If you are unsure, give us a call before your appointment and we can help you decide.

Q: What if my child's school is asking for records I do not have?

A: We can help. If your child is a patient at Primary Pediatrics, we can provide you with an updated vaccine record. If your child received vaccines elsewhere, we may be able to help you track those records down as well. Reach out to our office and we will do our best to help.

Q: What vaccines will my child need before kindergarten in Maryland?

A: Maryland generally requires vaccines for diseases including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis B, and whooping cough before kindergarten entry, among others. The exact list can change, so we always recommend confirming with us at your child's visit. We will make sure everything is in order.

Q: My child has a fear of needles. What can we do?

A: You are not alone in this at all. Many children (and adults) feel anxious about shots. Our team is experienced in making the experience as comfortable and quick as possible. Talking with your child ahead of time about what to expect, using distraction during the appointment, and offering comfort right after can all make a real difference. We are happy to talk through strategies with you.

Q: I have more vaccine questions than I have time to list here. Can I really talk to the doctor about all of them?

A: Absolutely. That is exactly what we are here for. We would rather you ask every question you have than leave with doubts. No question is too small or too uncomfortable to bring up. We promise you will never be made to feel judged.

You Are Doing a Great Job

Navigating health decisions for your child can feel like a lot of pressure. There is so much information out there, and not all of it is reliable. The fact that you are reading this, asking questions, and doing research shows just how much you care.

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect children from serious illness. The science behind them is strong, and the track record across decades of use is remarkable. We believe in them wholeheartedly, and we are here to help you feel confident in the decisions you make for your family.

If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to talk things through, please reach out to us. That is what we are here for.

Schedule Your Child's Back-to-School Visit Today

Primary Pediatrics has three convenient locations in Laurel, Bowie, and Silver Spring, Maryland.

Call us at (301) 776-8000 or visit myprivia.com/primarypedsmd to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to seeing your family and making sure your child heads into the school year healthy, protected, and ready to thrive.