Vaccinations

We administer vaccines according to the schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The practice of immunization has saved more lives and prevented more permanent disabilities, than any other public health intervention. Immunizations protect us from many serious illnesses such as measles, meningitis, polio, pertussis, pneumonia, and diphtheria. By not vaccinating your child, you are putting not only your child at unnecessary risk but other children as well.

The Hemophilis meningitis (HIB) vaccine has virtually eliminated this devastating illness. However, the Hemophilis bacteria can be carried in the nasal passages of healthy adults then passed to un-immunized infants and children. Delaying this vaccine for even a few weeks, can leave your infant or child at risk for this illness.

The DPT vaccine prevents pertussis, or "whooping cough." Early immunization is important because infants, and young children, are the most susceptible to the severe form of this illness. Children under the age of 6 months who get pertussis, are at risk for sudden death or a prolonged debilitating cough that can last up to 3 months. Those that survive this illness can be left with permanent mental disabilities. This bacterium can be carried in the nasal passages of healthy individuals and passed to un-immunized infants and children.

Some parents are choosing to delay, or skip, the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine due to the inaccurate belief that there is an increased risk of autism associated with its administration. These concerns stem from a flawed research study done in 1998. It has since been concluded that this study was flawed, and violated basic research ethic rules. Subsequent research studies have demonstrated NO connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

As more parents choose to not vaccinate their children, we may see the re-emergence of illnesses such as paralytic polio, and Hemophilis meningitis. There are presently epidemics of both pertussis and measles in parts of the U.S. due to a large un-immunized population in those areas.

Also, I do not recommend, "alternative vaccine schedules" which suggest splitting, or delaying, immunizations.  Splitting or delaying immunizations will leave your infant susceptible to these devastating illnesses during the most vulnerable time of their life. Additionally, there is no proven benefit to the splitting or delaying of immunizations. We can discuss this.

If you choose not to vaccinate your child, we respectfully ask that you find a healthcare provider who shares your views.