Dunkirk Family Practice Pediatric Vaccine Policy
Purpose
At Dunkirk Family Practice, we are committed to protecting the health of our patients, their families, and our community. This policy outlines our vaccination standards for children and aligns with the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Our Commitment to Pediatric Health
Vaccines are a safe, evidence-based, and essential part of preventive pediatric care. Following the AAP-recommended vaccine schedule is one of the most effective ways to safeguard children against serious, preventable diseases such as measles, polio, whooping cough,
and meningitis.
Our Vaccine Policy for Pediatric Patients
Required Vaccines
Dunkirk Family Practice follows the AAP’s recommended childhood immunization schedule, which includes (but
is not limited to):
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate)
- IPV (Polio)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
- Influenza (yearly, starting at 6 months)
- HPV (starting at age 11–12)
- Meningococcal ACWY and B (as recommended for adolescents)
We also recommend COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with CDC age-specific guidance.
New Patient Policy
Effective immediately, Dunkirk Family Practice will no longer be accepting new pediatric patients whose parents or guardians choose not to follow the AAP’s immunization schedule without a valid medical exemption.
This decision reflects our responsibility to maintain a safe clinical environment for all children, including those who are medically vulnerable and cannot receive vaccines themselves.
Medical Exemptions
We recognize that some children may have legitimate medical conditions that contraindicate certain vaccinations.
These exemptions must be documented and signed by a licensed healthcare provider and will be evaluated by our clinical team.
Alternative Schedules
We do not support the use of non-standard or significantly delayed alternative vaccine schedules. Vaccines are administered at the intervals recommended by the AAP unless a documented medical reason requires modification.
Vaccine Education and Communication
We strive to maintain an open and respectful dialogue with all families. During visits, our pediatric providers will:
- Review your child’s vaccination status
- Provide CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
- Discuss the benefits and risks of vaccines
- Address any questions or concerns you may have
Record Keeping
Dunkirk Family Practice maintains complete, up-to-date immunization records for all pediatric patients. You may request copies of these records at any time through our patient portal or front desk.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed annually and revised as needed to reflect updates from the AAP and other public health authorities. We will notify families of any major changes through our website, patient portal, and printed materials.
Dunkirk Family Practice Pediatric Vaccine Policy Letter
Medical information
At Dunkirk Family Practice, we always want you to come to us with any medical questions, but we also understand that sometimes you can’t wait and want or need information immediately. If you absolutely, positively can’t wait to ask us about a medical condition, we recommend Family Doctor.
Please remember that any information provided by any medical reference site is just that: information. It is not a diagnosis and there are any number of symptoms that are shared by any number of medical conditions, so please surf responsibly and call us to discuss any condition you are concerned about.
On-site blood draw
LabCorp has a patient service center on the first floor. Their hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a one hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m.to 1:00 p.m. Patients are welcomed by appointment or as walk-in.
LabCorp
2025 Chaneyville Road, Suite 100
Owings, MD, 20736
Ph: 410-257-1084
Fax: 410-257-1085
www.labcorp.com