CHOC Immunization Policy
As part of the CHOC Primary Care Network, our pediatric teams continue to provide evidence-based, individualized care and partner with families to answer questions and discuss what is right for each child. Learn about our immunization policy.
Vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives. Vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that you can perform as parents. Some children in our practice are too young to be immunized or have medical conditions that leave their immune systems weak. These children rely on the protection that is derived from their close contacts receiving their immunizations, also known as “herd immunity.” Parents who choose not to immunize their children not only put their own children at risk but jeopardize the health of our most vulnerable patients. Recently, we have been experiencing the consequences of parents not immunizing their children by witnessing outbreaks of measles which is a potentially deadly illness that was once nearly eradicated in the United States.
We will no longer accept new families who do not plan to immunize their children. Parents of current patients who are not adequately vaccinated will be asked to formulate a plan, in consultation with their pediatrician, to immunize their children. Patients who fail to do so will be released from care.
If you have questions, please discuss them with your primary doctor. In some cases, we may alter the schedule to accommodate parental concerns so long as the minimum requirements are met. Such additional visits may require additional co-pays. Furthermore, please realize that you may be required to sign a “Refusal to Vaccinate” acknowledgement in the event of lengthy delays.
POMONA PEDIATRICS IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Must start vaccinating by 6 months of age and complete the minimum vaccine requirements by 2 years of age.
- DTaP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis) four doses before 2 years old
- PCV (pneumococcal) three doses before 2 years old
- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B) three doses before 2 years old
- Polio three doses before 2 years old
- First dose MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) received before 2 years old
- First Varicella (chicken pox) received before 2 years old
