At Advocare The Pediatric Group, we strongly believe that vaccines are safe, effective, and an important line of defense in keeping our children safe from harmful infections.
We think that all children should receive vaccines in accordance with the well-researched schedules published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control, and required by the State of New Jersey.
Nevertheless, we do recognize that some parents can not abide by the current recommendations, and wish to slow down the rate at which their children receive vaccines. We are willing to accommodate such requests, however we do have certain restrictions:
- New patients transferring to our practice should provide a copy of their child(ren)’s immunization record prior to their first appointment. If the child is not immunized AND the parents have no intention of vaccinating their children, then they should seek care for their children elsewhere.
- We can alter the recommended schedule of vaccines, but infants must be caught up by age two years. Being “caught up” means having received the required vaccines by that time.
- For older patients, all children must receive all vaccines required by the state of New Jersey to attend school. Patients that are delayed must have a catch-up plan.
- When a vaccine is not administered at the recommended visit, parents MUST sign a waiver acknowledging that they are refusing the vaccines offered at that visit.
- Refusing to comply with the catch-up plan or to sign the waiver could be grounds for being asked to leave the practice.
Please feel free to discuss your individual situation with one of the practitioners at The Pediatric Group.
