To Our Patient Families:
We are aware of the recent changes to the federal (CDC) immunization schedule which shifted several vaccines - including those for Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and Meningitis - to a "shared decision-making" category.
As a pediatric practice dedicated to the long-term health and safety of your children, we want to clarify our stance: JDC Pediatrics will continue to follow the comprehensive immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Why We Follow the AAP Schedule:
* Evidence-Based Safety: The AAP's schedule protects children against 17+ dangerous diseases. These recommendations are based on decades of peer-reviewed data and clinical trials.
* Protection for the Vulnerable: Our waiting rooms are home to newborns and immunocompromised children. Following a complete vaccine schedule ensures that our office remains a safe environment for everyone.
* Clinical Consensus: The AAP remains the primary clinical authority for pediatricians; it continues to support these vaccines as "essential" and has noted that the recent CDC changes reflect a departure from evidence-based medicine and it has explicitly rejected the new CDC "Core 11" framework.
Our Relationship with Families:
We believe that a trusting partnership between a pediatrician and a parent is vital for a child's well-being. This trust is built on a shared commitment to evidence-based preventative care.
Because we view the AAP-recommended vaccines as the medical standard of care, our practice requires all patients to adhere to the full AAP immunization schedule. We respect that parents want the best for their children, but we cannot provide care that falls below what we believe to be the safest clinical standard. Families who choose to decline or significantly delay these essential vaccines will be asked to find a provider whose philosophy better aligns with their preferences.
We are always happy to discuss the science and safety of any vaccine with you during your child's visit.
AAP Releases Its Own Evidenced-Based Immunization Schedule
All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule
Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6