Vaccines save lives.
The pediatricians of Tamalpais Pediatrics strongly support vaccination of all children according to the CDC schedule of vaccines recommended by age. Our pediatricians have close to 200 years of combined experience in caring for children, and many of us have seen vaccine-preventable diseases firsthand. None of us wants a child to suffer from one of these illnesses, especially if it can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine.
Measles and pertussis outbreaks continue to occur both nationally and locally, and we know that there will be vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in the future. Tamalpais Pediatrics develops vaccine policies based on the most up-to-date evidence and a desire to protect our patients and community.
Delaying vaccines leaves children vulnerable to dangerous and deadly diseases for longer than necessary. When parents split up or delay vaccines there may be errors in timing of vaccines, and a non-recommended schedule may not be as effective as the CDC recommended vaccine schedule that we follow.
Our pediatricians have developed a vaccine policy to ensure that all of the children we care for are fully protected against vaccine preventable diseases.
A newborn’s first series of vaccinations (first DTaP, Hib, PCV and IPV) must be completed by 4 months of age.
The following vaccines must be given by the age listed.
- Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
3 doses before 24 months of age, 5 doses before 6 years of age
- Hemophilus Influenza, type B (Hib)
3 doses before 12 months of age, 4th dose before 24 months of age
- Pneumococcus (PCV)
3 doses before 12 months of age, 4th dose before 24 months of age
- Hepatitis B (Hep B)
3 doses before 6 years of age
- Inactivated Polio (IPV)
3 doses before 24 months of age, 4th dose before 6 years of age
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
1st dose before 24 months of age, 2nd dose before 6 years of age
- Varicella (VZV or chicken pox)
1st dose before 24 months of age, 2nd dose before 6 years of age
- Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
1st dose before 13 years of age
- Meningococcal (MCV4)
1st dose before 13 years of age, 2nd dose before 18 years of age
Additional visits due to a non-recommended schedule will require a visit with a physician. This may incur a co-pay.
The pediatricians at Tamalpais Pediatrics encourage you to keep your child up-to-date on vaccines. If your child is not up-to-date, please schedule an appointment to have your questions answered and have your child’s vaccines updated. If your child requires more than one set of vaccines, we will work with you to create a catch-up schedule.
If your family refuses to meet our minimum requirements, we will help you find another health care provider outside of our practice to care for your child. If you have any questions about this policy, please discuss them with your child’s pediatrician.