Vaccine Policy Statement
At our clinic, we believe that medical care is about providing informed guidance, not dictating choices. Our role as physicians is to advocate for the health of our patients by offering the best medical advice based on scientific evidence, professional experience, and a commitment to patient autonomy.
We do not dismiss patients from our practice based on their vaccination choices. Just as we continue to provide care for patients who smoke, consume alcohol, are overweight, or have other lifestyle factors affecting their health, we extend the same care and support to patients and families making individual vaccination decisions. Our responsibility is to educate, inform, and respect the choices made by our patients and their families.
Recommended Vaccines
We strongly recommend the following vaccines based on their proven effectiveness in preventing serious illnesses:
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Polio Vaccine
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB) Vaccine
Hepatitis B Vaccine
We support a flexible vaccination schedule that allows for spacing out vaccines when appropriate. We recognize that many parents prefer to administer vaccines at later times or separate visits, and we consider this to be an acceptable approach in most cases.
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
We do not recommend COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for individuals of any age due to concerns regarding long-term effects and the unknown implications of lifelong viral spike protein production.
Other Vaccines
There are many other vaccines that are likely safe and beneficial, including:
RSV Vaccine
Shingles Vaccine
Chicken Pox Vaccine
Pneumovax (Pneumococcal Vaccine)
Vaccine Administration
While we recognize the importance of vaccines, we do not stock or administer them at our clinic. We have no financial interest in vaccinations. Instead, we refer patients to the health department, which provides cost-effective vaccination services and ensures that records are documented in the state database for future reference, including school requirements.
Philosophy and Experience
Our approach to vaccination is based on over 30 years of medical practice, board certification in Family Medicine, and training in pediatrics. We have extensive experience ordering and administering vaccines, treating infectious diseases, and conducting research in immunology and virology.
We prioritize a balanced approach to healthcare, avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and tests while recognizing the value of natural remedies. We emphasize preventive care, developmental assessments, and well-child checkups, particularly during the critical first 18 months of life.
For vaccinations, we encourage patients to consult with the health department to ensure accessibility and proper documentation.
We remain committed to guiding our patients toward informed decisions that align with their personal beliefs and best health interests.
For comprehensive information on the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents, you can refer to their official guidelines.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
Single-Antigen Vaccines:
Hepatitis B (HepB): Protects against hepatitis B virus infection.
Rotavirus (RV): Protects against rotavirus infections.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP): Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Protects against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): Protects against pneumococcal diseases.
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): Protects against polio.
Influenza (IIV or LAIV): Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Varicella (VAR): Protects against chickenpox.
Hepatitis A (HepA): Protects against hepatitis A virus infection.
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY): Protects against meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal B (MenB): Protects against meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against human papillomavirus infections.
Combination Vaccines:
DTaP-IPV (Kinrix®, Quadracel®): Combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio.
DTaP-HepB-IPV (Pediarix®): Combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio.
DTaP-IPV/Hib (Pentacel®): Combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB (Vaxelis®): Combines protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B.
MMRV (ProQuad®): Combines protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).
For detailed information on each vaccine, including recommended ages and dosing schedules, please consult the CDC's immunization schedule.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
