We have families who believe that vaccines are dangerous and ask Dr. McAllister to delay administering the vaccine or use an alternative schedule. There is no science to support using alternate schedules; the recommended schedule has been proven to be safe and effective. Delaying vaccines put children at risk for contracting the diseases the vaccines are designed to prevent, and in fact delaying vaccines may increase the risk of side effects from the vaccines.  

A recent study published in Pediatrics has shown that alternate schedules can in fact increase the risk of side effects from vaccines. In a study of more than 300,000 children it was found that children who received the MMR vaccine after the age of 2 (it is recommended at the 1-year visit) were 3 times MORE likely to have a seizure after the vaccine than children who received it when it was recommended.

While we at Performance Pediatrics firmly believe in the safety and effectiveness of the CDC's recommended vaccine schedule, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians continue to treat non-immunized children in the medical home as it is important that they receive routine care. It is also important that they have a safe place to continue to discuss vaccinations.

If you have questions about vaccines, please read our  vaccine policy, vaccine billing policy and  refusal to vaccinate release form. At your child's appointment Dr. McAllister or Nurse Practitioner Jen will review the policies and form with you.