At Family Medicine Associates, we are deeply committed to the health and well-being of your children and family. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering belief in the power of vaccines to protect against serious illnesses and save lives. We stand firmly behind the safety and efficacy of vaccines and advocate for full vaccination for all children and young adults in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Decades of rigorous scientific research and data collected from millions of children by leading scientists and physicians have solidified the recommended vaccine schedules. We firmly believe that childhood vaccination is the single most impactful health-promoting intervention we can provide as healthcare professionals, and that parents can undertake for their children. It is crucial to understand that the overwhelming body of scientific evidence definitively demonstrates that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities. This includes thimerosal, a preservative used in some vaccines for many years, which has also been proven safe and not linked to autism or developmental issues.
The remarkable success of vaccines in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of debilitating and deadly diseases has, paradoxically, led to a degree of complacency. Many parents today have never witnessed the devastating effects of polio, tetanus, whooping cough, bacterial meningitis, or even chickenpox, diseases that were once commonplace. This lack of direct experience can unfortunately foster skepticism about the necessity of vaccination.
However, neglecting vaccination carries significant risks. The consequences of declining vaccination are clearly illustrated by historical examples. Following the widely discredited and later retracted publication in 1998 that falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism, vaccination rates in Europe declined, leading to substantial measles outbreaks and preventable deaths. Similarly, in 2012, the United States experienced a surge in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, resulting in tragic deaths, primarily among infants too young to be fully vaccinated. Many of these cases occurred in children whose parents had consciously chosen not to vaccinate. The 2015 measles outbreak at Disneyland, originating from an unvaccinated international traveler, further demonstrated the ease with which vaccine-preventable diseases can spread in under-immunized populations, affecting 147 individuals, many of whom were infants.
Choosing not to vaccinate your child is not only a risk to their own health but also to the health of the wider community. It relies on the principle of herd immunity, where the high vaccination rates of others protect those who are unable to be vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems. At Family Medicine Associates, we believe that refusing vaccination is a self-centered decision that disregards the collective well-being of our community.
Our intention is not to instill fear but to underscore the critical importance of adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule. We understand that vaccine decisions can be emotionally charged for some parents. We encourage open and honest conversations about any concerns you may have. We are here to provide evidence-based information and address your questions to help you make informed choices. While we are willing to discuss individual concerns and, in some cases, adjust the timing of vaccinations, we strongly advise against delaying or spreading out vaccines. Such practices are not supported by expert recommendations, can leave your child vulnerable to serious illnesses, and are contrary to the medical advice of the providers at Family Medicine Associates. Furthermore, such alternative schedules may incur additional co-pays due to extra office visits.
To uphold our commitment to safeguarding the health of all our patients through vaccination, Family Medicine Associates has a clear vaccination policy: vaccination is a requirement for all patients. Infants will receive all age-appropriate, recommended vaccines by three months of age, with subsequent vaccines and boosters by age two. Children will receive further boosters by age seven and preteen vaccinations (11-12 years) by age 13. Teen vaccinations will be completed before the age of 17. Annual influenza vaccination is also a standard part of our preventative care unless your child receives it elsewhere, such as at school or a pharmacy.
As healthcare providers at Family Medicine Associates, we are resolute in our conviction that vaccinating your child according to the established schedule with current vaccines is the most responsible and effective way to protect their health and the health of our community. We appreciate you taking the time to understand our vaccine policy. Please do not hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with any of our healthcare professionals at Family Medicine Associates.
