Immunizations

Highland Pediatrics follows the immunization guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For information about these vaccines and the diseases they protect against, please visit https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/immunization/Pages/default.aspx

Our Vaccine Philosophy

At Highland Pediatrics, we believe that vaccinating your child in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immunization Schedule is absolutely the right thing to do for all infants, children, and young adults.

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

• We firmly believe in the safety of all recommended vaccines and every one of their components.

• 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 delaying or separating childhood immunizations provides no demonstrated health benefits and leaves children vulnerable to dangerous infections.

• We firmly believe that vaccinating children and young adults is one of the most important health-promoting interventions we perform as health care providers, and that you can choose as parents and caregivers. 



All of our own children have received every vaccine in accordance with the AAP Immunization Schedule, and we strongly encourage you to do the same for your children. This reflects not only our professional judgment, but our personal trust in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. We understand that this decision can feel emotional for some families, and we are always willing to have thoughtful, respectful discussions about vaccines.

We recognize that there remains some controversy surrounding vaccines. Much of this stems from their very success -- vaccines have been so effective at preventing serious illness that many of us have never witnessed the devastating effects of diseases such as polio, tetanus, whooping cough, or bacterial meningitis. As a result, a false sense of security and increased skepticism have developed amongst a vocal few. And, unfortunately, declining vaccination rates in certain areas of the United States have already resulted in outbreaks, serious illness, and even deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Our highest priority at Highland Pediatrics is the health and safety of every child in our care. As such, we are strongly committed to promoting complete immunization per AAP guidelines. We will also accommodate families working towards complete immunization, and will remind you of any missed or delayed vaccines at each visit. However, if you choose not to vaccinate your child, Highland Pediatrics is not a good fit for your medical beliefs.

We appreciate you taking the time to review our policy. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns with us at your child’s visit.

Recommended Immunization Schedule

• 0-6 Years -Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years | 2011
• 7-18 Years-Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years | 2011
• Catch-up Schedule -Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind | 2011

Resources

For information about these vaccines, the diseases they protect against, immunization schedules, vaccine safety and other important information please visit the AAP™ immunization page.