Immunizations and Vaccines


We firmly believe:

  • in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.
  • in the overall safety of vaccines.
  • children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
  • based on all evidence to date, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
  • that vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention we perform as health care providers (and that you can perform as parents/caregivers.)

We recognize that the subject of immunizations is a very emotional one for some parents. We will do everything we can to answer your questions as we firmly believe vaccinating according to the recommended schedule is in the best interest of your child. If you would like to discuss this with us, please schedule an appointment specifically for this purpose (and separate from your child’s well visit) so that we may have time to answer your questions and concerns about this issue.

Because we believe so strongly that vaccination is in the best interest of your child and our community, if you should decide to refuse to vaccinate your child, we will ask you to find another health care provider who shares your views. We do not keep a list of such providers, nor would we recommend any such physician. Please recognize that by refusing vaccines for your child, you are putting him/her at unnecessary risk for life-threatening illness, disability and even death. We sincerely recommend you reconsider your decision.

Below is a list of reliable sources for vaccine information:

American Academy of Pediatrics:
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/families/families.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Immunization Action Coalition:
http://www.immunize.org/

Vaccinate Your Baby:
http://www.vaccinateyourbaby.org/

CDC Immunization Schedule 0-6 years:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf

CDC Immunization Schedule 7-18 years:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/downloads/parent-version-schedule-7-18yrs.pdf

Vaccines and Disease info:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/default.htm

Further links to trusted sources:
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/trusted-sources/