Immunizations

Our Immunization Philosophy

Partners in Pediatrics, LLC is committed to practicing medicine in compliance with the evidence-based guidelines established by groups of experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

We have a firm policy on vaccination as we believe so strongly in the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Furthermore, we also have a duty to protect our community as well as our patients who are unable to receive certain vaccines (either due to young age or due to being immunocompromised, etc).

At Partners in Pediatrics, we firmly believe:

• in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives;
• that all children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines* according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics;
• based on all available literature, evidence and current studies, that vaccines do not cause autism, weakened immune systems or other developmental disabilities
• that vaccinations may be the single most important intervention we perform as health care providers and the most important health intervention that you choose for your children.

Childhood immunizations are one of the greatest advances in public health. The recommended vaccines and the published schedule are the results of years of scientific study and the accumulation of data on millions of children by the brightest scientist and physicians in our country. Vaccines prevent infections that can be extremely debilitating and/or life-threatening such as pertussis or whooping cough, measles, Haemophilus influenza type B meningitis, and pneumococcal blood infections. 

Unfortunately, the vaccine campaign is truly a victim of its own success. It is precisely because vaccines are so effective at preventing illness that parents are discussing whether or not they should be given. Because of vaccines, most parents have never seen a child with bacterial meningitis or even chickenpox; most people have never heard of a friend or family member who died from one of these diseases. Such successes can make us complacent about the need for vaccination. Unfortunately, this will likely lead to tragic results. In countries where there are low vaccination rates, these illnesses are still quite prevalent. In the US and in other well-developed countries, communities with under-immunized patients are showing a rise in these once-rare diseases. As we have witnessed with the recent measles outbreak, a resurgence of these diseases can occur unless we continue to immunize children. 

We respect the active role parents take on behalf of their child’s medical health and recognize there are genuine concerns regarding vaccinations due to small minority claims that are voiced. We present these facts not to scare or coerce you, but to emphasize the importance of vaccinating your child. We recognize that the choice may be a very emotional one for some parents. We will do everything we can to provide education and information regarding the recommended vaccines so that you can make an informed decision for your child. However, should you have doubts, please discuss these with your health care provider. Delaying or “breaking up the vaccines” to give one or two at a time over two or more visits can put your child at risk for serious illness or death and goes against our medical advice as providers. 

It is for these reasons that Partners in Pediatrics requires all patients to be vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. 

 Please vaccinate!

We encourage any parent who wants to learn more to visit the following websites with reliable, scientific information to explain all aspects of vaccines – from manufacturing, to how they work to protect children, to data regarding safety and efficacy. 

Immunization Schedule

• 0-6 Years -Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years
• 7-18 Years-Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years
• Catch-up Schedule -Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind

Resources:

• Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with Vaccine- and Vaccine Safety-Related Q&A sheets available in English and Spanish 
• "Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby’s Shots” an excerpt from the popular book “Baby 411” by Dr. Ari Brown
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Food and Drug Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Network for Immunization Information
• Vaccinate Your Baby