Immunization Philosophy

The physicians at Pediatrics East, believe that immunizations are vital to your child’s health. Decades of evidence-based research have shown that the vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are both safe and effective. These immunizations protect your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as meningitis, measles, hepatitis, whooping cough, RSV, rotavirus, and influenza, while also helping protect other children your child may come into contact with. Pediatrics East follows and strongly recommends to our patients the vaccination schedule recommended by the AAP.

• Immunization Schedule (PDF)

IMMUNIZATION FAQs 

Why should I vaccinate my child?

Vaccines are one of the most important medical developments over the last century. They have been the main reason illnesses such as polio, h. influenza, mumps and measles are no longer prevalent in the United States. Pediatrics East recommends that all children receive routine vaccinations. Please download our handout "Why Vaccinate?" for more information. 

I am worried about my child getting autism from vaccines. Should I really be worried?

No. Several studies have been conducted in the U.S. and in other countries. Not one of those studies has ever linked vaccines to autism. The main concern in vaccines has been the use of thimerosal, which is a derivative of mercury, as a preservative. Since 2001, all routine vaccines (except for some influenza vaccines and the combination DTap/Hib which contains very trace amounts of thimerosol) have had thimerosal removed. Despite the removal of thimerosol, we are still seeing an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism, thus making the link between vaccines and autism less sound. Please see our handout "Vaccines, Thimerosal and Autism" for more information. 

What are the side effects of the vaccines?

Each of the vaccines has its own side effects, most of which are mild (e.g., fever, local soreness or redness at the injection site). Please see the Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS) for the individual vaccine you are inquiring about. For a dosing chart for acetaminophen and ibuprofen, please see our handout on Medications for Fever. 

My child is behind on his/her vaccines. What should I do?

A schedule to catch-up on your child's immunizations if he/she is behind should be determined by your child's pediatrician. You should schedule a well-child appointment for your child as soon as possible.

What if I do not have insurance or if my insurance does not cover vaccinations?

If your child does not have insurance or does not receive Medicaid benefits, your child is eligible to receive vaccines through our Vaccines for Children (VFC) supply of vaccines. You will only pay a nominal vaccine administration charge to us and will not have to pay for the vaccines themselves. If you have private insurance that does not pay for routine vaccinations, you can receive vaccines at Pediatrics East but will be financially responsible for any vaccines given through Pediatrics East.