Vaccinating children is ‘absolutely the right thing to do,’ according to the American Academy of Pediatricians.
As Pediatricians, we are committed to disease prevention as well as disease treatment. Childhood immunizations have been one of the most remarkable and successful achievements of modern medical practices.
At Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, we firmly believe:
- In the EFFECTIVENESS of vaccines to prevent serious illnesses and save lives
- In the SAFETY of vaccines
- Based on all literature, evidence, and current studies, vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.
- Vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention we perform as physicians and that you can perform as parents.
Immunization Policy & Schedule
Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics is not accepting new patients or families who cannot agree to required childhood vaccinations for their children. Specifically, the first three primary vaccination series must be completed by age one, and all required vaccines by age two.
At Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, we strongly believe that every child should be vaccinated. We firmly believe in protecting children through vaccination. We follow the recommended schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. We do NOT endorse or follow alternate vaccination schedules unless there is a medical necessity. We will guide you through which vaccines your child needs and when. Early and timely vaccination is essential. State laws require vaccinations for children who attend public schools, private schools, and daycare facilities.
Why immunize?
Vaccinations, usually administered through needle injections, are not the most enjoyable experiences for you or your child. However, they prevent the spread and contraction of diseases. Vaccinations play a huge part in the rarity of some diseases in the United States. Vaccines are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and go through a rigorous review of laboratory and clinical data to make sure they are safe before they are given to the public.
It is important to vaccinate your child early because infectious diseases can pose more risks to infants than older children. We do NOT recommend picking and choosing the vaccinations your child receives because it leaves children vulnerable to serious diseases that could be avoided.
Questions
If you have reservations about a certain vaccine your child is scheduled to receive, please ask your child’s doctor about any concerns you have. Also, check with your child’s doctor if he/she misses a vaccination. Your doctor will know the best time for a “catch up” immunization.
A great resource for questions about vaccines and vaccine schedules is the Vaccine Education Center from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
For those families that have a different belief in vaccines and choose not to vaccinate their children by the recommended schedule, we feel that it may be best for you to seek another primary care provider that will meet your specific needs and wants.
More vaccine information is available under Parent Resources.