PAN Vaccine Policy
Our Commitment to Vaccination and Your Child's Health
· Vaccines have played a vital role in protecting children and communities from diseases like polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and mumps.
· Because of the success of vaccines, these diseases are now so rare that most people have never seen them, making it easy to forget the serious illnesses—and even deaths—they once caused.
· For over 200 years, vaccines have played a critical role in preventing diseases, starting with smallpox (1796) and rabies (1885).
· This long history of success highlights the continued importance of vaccines for safeguarding the health of children, adolescents, and the broader community.
· Administering vaccines to prevent serious and potentially life-threatening diseases is one of the most important services we provide to our patients.
· We adhere to the vaccination guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP.) You can view the current vaccine schedule on the AAP website. Our policy follows the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that all children receive the recommended vaccines unless there is a valid medical reason not to do so. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also recommends using the AAP vaccine schedule and uses it to determine which vaccines are required for school attendance. Additionally, we encourage parents to consider optional but highly recommended vaccines that provide added protection.
· For parents or caregivers who have questions or concerns about the AAP guidelines, we are here to listen and provide support. We welcome open discussions to address your concerns and ensure we are making the best decisions for your child’s health together. However, if a mutual understanding cannot be reached, we may suggest parents explore care options with another medical practice that aligns more closely with your beliefs regarding vaccination.
· We encourage you to learn about the diseases vaccines protect against, so that you can make informed decisions for your child. Comparing the risks of leaving your child unprotected against serious illnesses with the benefits of vaccination can help guide this important decision.
· This policy is designed with the goal of protecting the health of all children, adolescents, and the community. Our providers are always available to address your questions or concerns and support you in this process.
The Internet is full of both accurate and misleading vaccine information. For more guidance, check out the Immunization section on our website, including "Evaluating Online Information" and "Trusted Websites." Here are a few of our top picks:
CHOP: Vaccine Education Center
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Pediatric Immunization Guide
Let’s work together to protect your child’s health!