Immunizations

The pediatricians and nurse practitioners at PHCA strongly endorse the routine childhood vaccination schedule as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Extensive scientific evidence confirms that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious and contagious diseases. Vaccines protect children from life-threatening illnesses such as measles, meningitis, and whooping cough, which can lead to hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, seizures, brain damage, and in extreme cases, death.

We believe in the power of preventative health care and the critical importance of immunizations in safeguarding the health of individual children and the broader community. Children who do not receive vaccinations are not only at greater risk of contracting these preventable diseases but also pose a risk to others in our waiting rooms and throughout the community.

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of all our patients, our practice requires that children in our care receive at least the minimum vaccines for measles and whooping cough (pertussis), in accordance with public health guidelines. While we strongly encourage adherence to the full recommended childhood vaccine schedule, we are committed to working with families who begin with our minimum vaccine requirements. For families who do not plan to vaccinate their children, or prefer not to vaccinate beyond these minimum vaccines, we encourage you to seek a healthcare provider whose vaccination policies more closely align with your personal philosophy.

Misinformation available in the media, including many Internet sites, has made some families fearful of vaccines. We understand the difficulty parents have in sorting through the vast quantities of data on vaccine safety, and are here to help guide that process by providing links to reliable sources:

We are always willing to work with your family regarding vaccinations and to answer any medical or vaccine-related questions you may have. Please feel free to discuss your concerns with your child's primary pediatrician at your next visit.

Dosage Charts

Commonly requested dosage information for over the counter medications.

Asthma

Web Resources

Insurance Benefits

Moles

Moles or freckles are common in children, and many parents ask whether or not they need to be concerned about them.  While sunscreen is always encouraged, the “ABCDEs” are often used to differentiate between benign moles and melanoma:

chart of detecting moles

If you have any concerns about a mole on your child’s skin, please reach out to our office for an appointment.

Other Resources