We feel honored that families trust us to take care of their most precious and vulnerable family members. One of the most important tools that we have for carrying out our responsibility is making sure that children are vaccinated against diseases which can not only cause long term disability but even death.

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We recognize that there is a lot of skepticism and anxiety in the community about vaccinations and their side effects. We have long-prided ourselves in partnering with families who choose not to vaccinate. Over the years, as much as we have supported and accommodated those families, we have also seen some of their children suffer from potentially preventable diseases. This has led to introspection and internal discussion on our core philosophy.

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In continuing our mission of taking care of the children in our community, by using all the resources that we have, we have decided that we will slightly modify our policy on vaccinations beginning June 1, 2023.​

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Agave Pediatrics Revised Vaccine Policy

At Agave Pediatrics, we prioritize the health and well-being of all our patients. As medical professionals, we strongly advocate for the vaccination of children in accordance with the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Vaccinations have proven to be safe and effective in preventing and protecting individuals, especially children, from potentially serious health conditions.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While we firmly believe in the benefits, safety, and efficacy of immunizations, we also respect the autonomy and beliefs of each family. Hence, we have revised our policy because of our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment to families so that they can make informed decisions about their child's continuing healthcare and immunizations.

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Open, Respectful Dialogue: We encourage open and respectful communication between our medical team and families. Our goal is to foster a collaborative relationship that promotes the best possible care of your child.

Public Health Responsibility: As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to protect the health of your child and our community, against vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Families who have established care with us: 

• Effective immediately, any new sibling(s) of an established Agave family will be grandfathered into a vaccine schedule of parents’ choice.

New Families who are Vaccine Hesitant, and wish to establish care with Agave Pediatrics:

• Families can follow alternative or catch-up schedules for immunizations.

• At least one vaccination is to be given at each well check starting at 4 months of age.

• We will review your child’s vaccination status for the school required vaccinations, with catch-up targets by 5, 12, and 17 years of age.

• “Vaccine only” visits are available at different days for each location to allow families to catch up in between standard well checks.

• Families who do not wish to vaccinate at all may not be the best fit for our practice.

Vaccine focused discussions are not recommended during well check appointments, so that the healthcare provider can focus on your child during these appointments. We are happy to schedule a separate immunization discussion appointment to discuss vaccine issues if you would like.

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Additional Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Immunize.org, and Children's Hospital of Philiadelphia