Here at Tots 'n' Teens Pediatrics we STRONGLY RECOMMEND vaccinating your child according to the immunization schedule adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Learn more.

WHY DO BABIES NEED SO MANY SHOTS?

In their first year, babies get vaccinated against 14 diseases. That is a lot, but it is a good thing! The reason we immunize so early is because babies are much more likely to have severe complications (including fatalities) from vaccine-preventable diseases. The sooner we vaccinate your baby, the sooner you can feel comfortable taking him or her out and about.

It is important to remember that while we often do not see diseases like rubella, measles and polio in our daily lives, those diseases are just a plane ride away. More common vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough and influenza are just a grocery store visit away. Vaccination is all about protecting your infant from whomever and whatever they may encounter as early as possible.

SHOULD I SPREAD OUT THE VACCINES THAT MY CHILD NEEDS?

We strongly recommend vaccinating your child according to the CDC schedule. Choosing to delay one or more vaccines will leave your child at risk for disease longer than necessary during a critical time such as when they begin interacting with many family members, when they are starting day care and when they go to kindergarten. Learn more http://immunizeforgood.com/fac...

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEARN MORE!

There is a LOT of information on the internet about childhood vaccines. To make it easy for you to know you are accessing REPUTABLE, EVIDENCE-BASED online resources, here are some of the best websites on the topic. These are the websites that WE TRUST to provide reliable up-to-date information regarding the immunizations that your child needs.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
https://www.healthychildren.or...

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/p...

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
https://www.chop.edu/centers-p...

The History of Vaccines

https://www.historyofvaccines....

Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
http://www.vaccineinformation....

Vaccine Policy

We firmly believe in the safety of vaccines.

We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.

We firmly believe 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.

We firmly believe, based on all available literature, evidence and current studies, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.

We firmly believe that vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that parents can performs as caregivers. The recommended vaccines and the vaccine schedule are the result of years and years of scientific study and data collection from millions of children by thousands of our best and brightest scientists and physicians.

The vaccine campaign is truly a victim of its own success. It is precisely because vaccines are so effective at preventing illness that some folks are even discussing whether or not they should be given. Because of vaccines, many have never seen a child with polio, tetanus, whooping cough, bacterial meningitis or even chickenpox, or known a friend or family member whose child died of one of these diseases. While this is an amazing accomplishment, it is only sustainable if we continue to choose to protect our children through vaccination.

Administration of multiple immunizations at the same visit has been extensively studied and determined to be safe and effective. There is no negative effect on the immune system. The average child is exposed to millions of germs each day. The number of antigens found in immunization pale in comparison to the load the immune system faces daily. There is no medical reason to separate or delay shots. 

We recognize that the choice to vaccinate your child may feel overwhelming. We know there is a lot of misleading information out there, especially on social media. We are always happy to discuss your concerns and answer your questions about vaccinating your child. Whenever possible, please bring the concerning information to us so we can address specific misinformation.

Because of our strong belief in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines in keeping our patients and communities safe, we at Tots n Teens Pediatrics have a common belief that all children should be immunized with the vaccines recommended by the AAP.  For that reason, we require a basic series of vaccinations to remain a patient in our practice. 

Those parents and caregivers who choose not to vaccinate their child will need to find another healthcare provider. If you have decided not to vaccinate your child, you will need to sign a waiver stating that you have refused vaccination. You will then have 30 days to find a new primary care provider. Within the 30-day transition period to a new provider, we will continue to serve your child's needs; however, after the 30 days have passed, we will no longer be available to see your child.

FLU SHOTS

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLU SHOTS

The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Tots 'N' Teens Pediatrics recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the strains of flu that are predicted to be most prevalent that year. 

While we do see the flu infect previously vaccinated patients, those patients are at reduced risk of serious complications and often have a milder course of illness. It is medically impossible to catch the flu from a flu vaccine. 

The vaccine is usually available beginning in September. When in stock, the vaccine will be offered at well visits, chronic illness follow-up visits, shot-only scheduled appointments and at our annual drive-through flu shot clinics. 

Children under 9 years who are receiving their first flu vaccine need a second dose one month after the first.

Please contact our office today with any questions.