At Summer Pediatrics, we are dedicated to providing the best preventive care for every child. One of the most important ways we protect the health of our patients — and our community — is through vaccination.
Our Beliefs About Vaccines
- We strongly believe in the efficacy of vaccines — they are among the most effective tools in preventing serious diseases and saving lives.
- We strongly believe in the safety of vaccines — extensive research and ongoing monitoring ensure that vaccines remain both safe and effective.
- We strongly believe that all children and young adults should receive vaccines according to the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These schedules are based on decades of scientific research involving millions of children worldwide.
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccination is one of the most important health promotion interventions we perform as healthcare providers. Because vaccines are so effective, many parents today have never seen diseases like polio, tetanus, pertussis, meningitis, or chickenpox — illnesses that once caused severe disability or death in children. The success of vaccines has, unfortunately, led some to underestimate their importance.
When vaccination rates drop, preventable diseases return. For example:
- Following the now-debunked 1998 claim linking the MMR vaccine to autism, parts of Europe experienced large measles outbreaks, leading to several deaths.
- In 2010, California reported over 3,000 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) and nine infant deaths, primarily among unvaccinated children.
Choosing not to vaccinate your child not only puts them at risk but also takes advantage of the community protection created by those who do vaccinate.
Our Approach
Our goal is not to frighten or coerce parents but to emphasize the proven importance of vaccines. We understand that decisions about vaccination can be emotional and complex.
We are committed to:
- Providing accurate, evidence-based information.
- Listening to your concerns with respect and understanding.
- Supporting you in making informed choices for your child’s health.
Vaccine Scheduling
Delaying or “splitting” vaccines (administering one or two at a time over multiple visits) is not recommended by the AAP. Such schedules have not been proven to be safer or more effective and increase your child’s risk of contracting serious diseases during the delay. As a practice, we follow the standard vaccination schedule as the best and safest approach for all patients.
Practice Policy
Because we firmly believe in the importance of timely vaccination:
- Families who refuse all vaccinations despite education and counseling will be asked to transfer care to another practice that aligns with their views.
- This policy ensures the safety of all our patients and protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
We truly value the trust you place in us to care for your child. Please feel free to speak with any of our providers about any questions or concerns regarding vaccines. We are here to help guide and support you every step of the way.