At Pediatric Health Care Associates (PHCA), we believe that one of the most important things we do to protect the health of children is to ensure they are vaccinated against serious, life-threatening diseases. Vaccination is a cornerstone of pediatric care and preventive medicine. It not only protects your child, but also safeguards the broader community, especially those who are too young or medically unable to be immunized.
We strongly endorse the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This schedule is based on extensive scientific research and rigorous safety testing. Vaccines are safe, effective, and critically important in preventing diseases such as measles, meningitis, polio, and whooping cough—illnesses that can lead to hospitalization, seizures, brain damage, or even death.
We view parents as valued partners in caring for their children. We welcome your questions and are always available to talk through any concerns about vaccines or your child’s overall health. Our goal is to support families with clear, evidence-based guidance and compassionate care.
We understand that some families may wish to proceed cautiously with vaccines. We are committed to open, respectful dialogue, and we will work with you to ensure your child receives timely immunizations while addressing your individual concerns.
To maintain a safe environment for all patients, including infants and those who are medically vulnerable, PHCA requires all patients to receive a core set of childhood vaccines. These vaccines protect against highly contagious illnesses that can be spread even through casual contact in waiting rooms, schools, and the community.
| Vaccine | Disease Prevented | Recommended Ages |
| DTaP | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis | 2, 4, 6, 15 months; 4 years |
| Hib | Meningitis | 2, 4, 6, 15 months |
| PCV | Pneumonia, Bacteremia, Meningitis | 2, 4, 6 months; 1 year |
| Polio (IPV) | Polio | 2, 4, 6 months; 4 years |
| MMR | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | 1 year; 4 years |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | 1 year, 4 years |
| Tdap | Pertussis (Booster) | 11 years |
| Meningococcal | Meningitis | 11 years; 16 years |
If your child is due for one or more required vaccines, you will have until their next regularly scheduled visit to complete them. This “two-visit rule” allows time for questions, discussion, and decision-making—but helps ensure children are not left unprotected for extended periods.
Skipping visits to avoid vaccination is not acceptable. Regular well visits are essential to your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Repeated refusal of required vaccines will result in dismissal from our practice, so that you may find a provider whose approach aligns better with your preferences.
We recognize that some families may request adjustments to the timing of vaccinations. When appropriate, we may accommodate limited modifications to the schedule—provided that all required vaccines are completed within the timeframe defined by our policy.
However, delaying or separating vaccines from the recommended schedule increases the risk of illness and scheduling errors, and is not medically advised. Parents who pursue an alternate schedule are responsible for tracking doses and notifying other caregivers or providers of the child’s immunization status.
Thank you for the trust you place in us to care for your children. We are honored to partner with you in supporting their health and well-being. We sincerely encourage full and timely immunization as one of the most effective ways to protect your child—and all children in our community—from preventable illness. We look forward to continuing to work together to keep your family healthy.