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We strongly believe in the benefits of routine childhood vaccinations, and our policy is to recommend the full vaccine schedule as encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We know that vaccines have successfully decreased rates of, and have sometimes eliminated, vaccine preventable diseases.
We want to help you make the best decision for your child. Knowing that there is misinformation on the internet, we recommend the websites below for vaccine information. We encourage you to ask questions and discuss vaccine benefits with your pediatric provider.
How vaccines work
When a virus or disease enters the body, it’s the immune system’s job to identify the virus as a threat and then fight it off. Vaccines are designed to train the immune system. They teach your child’s body how to protect itself so that if and when the real version of a disease appears, their immune system has already built the defenses it needs to fend off infection.
Heavily researched and constantly tested
Before a vaccine is available to the general public, its safety and effectiveness must be thoroughly evaluated through clinical trials involving thousands of people. Physicians and scientists trained in dozens of disciplines thoroughly review thousands of pages of data from these trials to evaluate and ensure the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent disease. The standard is even more rigorous for vaccines used in young children. And all vaccines continue to be monitored for safety by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after they are approved.
Vaccines save lives and prevent disease
Vaccines protect against the spread of dangerous disease. They save millions of lives worldwide every year. Not immunizing children puts them at risk to catch and spread dangerous diseases — which puts other children who encounter them at risk as well.
Vaccines work best when they protect the whole community, especially vulnerable people who are not able to receive vaccines or can’t easily fight off infections — like babies, the elderly and individuals with weak immune systems.
Most reactions from vaccines, such as a sore arm or slight fever, are minor and don’t last long. The diseases they prevent are often severe and can be fatal. Getting vaccinated is far better than getting the disease.
