Health Topics - Pediatrician in West Hills, CA | James A. Weidman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

OUR VACCINE POLICY

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have you limiting trips and outings, but one that’s still considered essential is your child’s regular well visits to the pediatrician. These appointments (which may be monthly, quarterly or yearly based on your child’s age) give your child’s doctor the opportunity to check in on your child’s growth and development and answer any questions or concerns you or your child may have.

Just as importantly, well visits with a pediatrician also keep your child up to date on all of their vaccines. After all, it’s not just babies who need immunizations to protect them from potentially serious viruses. And, with cold and flu season quickly approaching – in addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – staying on track with vaccines is one of the best ways to keep your child’s immune system in fighting condition.

Find out what the important vaccinations are for children and how you can use a well-child exam to stay current with all of their healthcare screenings, tests and shots. And, discover how Providence is helping you stay on top of scheduling your child’s next visit through the new texting feature.

We believe that all children and young adults should receive the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The recommended vaccines and their schedule are the result of many years of scientific study and data gathered from millions of children by thousands of our brightest scientist and physicians. For information about these vaccines and the diseases they protect against, please visit http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/immunizations.cfm. You can also read and review the individual Vaccine Information Statements below.

Because of vaccines, many parents have never had, or seen, a child with polio, tetanus, bacterial meningitis or even chickenpox, or known a friend or family member whose child died of one of these diseases. By not vaccinating your child, you are taking advantage of thousands of others who do vaccinate their children, which decreases the likelihood that your child will contract one of these illnesses. This is not only unfair and dangerous, but you are also putting our other patients who are too young or are not able to be vaccinated for specific reasons at risk.

We are making you aware of these facts not to scare you or coerce you, but to emphasize the importance of vaccinating your child. We recognize that the choice may be a very emotional one for some parents. Should you have doubts, we can discuss your hesitations at your visit. In some cases, we may alter the schedule to accommodate parental concerns or reservations. Please be advised, however, that delaying vaccines goes against expert recommendations, and can put your child at risk. We will try to work with you, but if you should ultimately decline to vaccinate your child we will respect your decision -we will respect your decision but we will ask you to find another health care provider who shares your views.

Recommended Immunization Schedule

0-6 Years - Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years | 2019
7-18 Years - Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years | 2019
Catch-up Schedule -Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind | 2019