01/12/2026
Due to the current discussions in the media about childhood vaccines and the schedule for such vaccines, we feel it is our responsibility to address this with you directly. As your child’s pediatrician we have always stated that we follow the CDC and AAP guidelines and recommendations for vaccinating children; however, with the recent changes proposed by the CDC, pediatricians across the country are raising the flag of concern.
So why should parents choose to follow the AAP vaccine schedule? The AAP schedule is considered the ideal timeline for healthy children as their immune system develops. When everyone is vaccinated, diseases have a hard time spreading. Furthermore, the AAP schedule provides the latest, trusted guidance on when children and teens should safely receive each immunization. This is based on decades of safety and efficacy data. For more information on that, see the link below: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-releases-its-own-evidence-based-immunization-schedule.aspx
Following the AAP schedule helps your children stay ahead of serious preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis.
So why the timing for each dose of vaccine? Timing is based on what age a child’s immune system provides optimal protection after vaccination and the earliest possible time to provide protection balanced with the age the child is at highest risk for a disease.
Can shots be spread out over a longer period of time? That is not recommended for several reasons:
1. Spreading out vaccines leaves your child’s immune system exposed to disease.
2. The AAP’s schedule is designed to work best with a child’s developing immune system – optimizing the time to reduce disease with the child’s own body’s ability to develop the necessary immunities.
3. We also know that multiple shots can be given together safely and effectively. Each childhood vaccine has been carefully tested on its own and in combination with others.
Do vaccines cause autism? The short answer is no. Vaccines do not cause autism. Children get several vaccines between ages one and two. This is also the time some children start to show symptoms of autism. Although they happen around the same time, one does not cause the other. This has been confirmed by medical researchers: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/pages/vaccine-studies-examine-the-evidence.aspx
What are potential side effects from a vaccine? Mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the injection are common. Sometimes when you get an immunization, you may develop a low fever and body aches. This is your body’s response to the immunities being developed against the disease – not the disease itself.
As for our office vaccine policy, we will continue to recommend vaccines according to the AAP schedule; however, the only required vaccines are those required BY LAW for your child to attend public schools in the State of Indiana. We recommend, but do not require any of the following vaccines:
• Influenza
• Covid
• RSV
• HPV
The best course of action if you are concerned about vaccines is to talk with your child’s pediatrician. That is what we are here for and have had years if not decades of training to address.
Vaccines for kids are studied closely before the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends them. Safety evidence is gathered when a new vaccine is made and after it is authorized.
