Our Vaccine Policy Statement

At Tanque Verde Pediatrics, we strongly believe in the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Vaccines are vital in protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases and safeguarding vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.

We understand that vaccine decisions can be complex for some families, and we respect your right to choose a practice that best aligns with your values. At the same time, our office upholds evidence-based medical standards and works to maintain a safe environment for all of our patients, especially those too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

We require that all children in our practice receive vaccines according to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines unless there is a valid medical reason that prevents vaccination. Personal or philosophical objections to vaccination are not acceptable grounds for exemption. Additionally, to ensure vaccines are not significantly delayed, patients will be required to receive:

DTaP, Hib, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal and Rotavirus vaccines by three months of age.
All vaccines recommended by the AAP in the first six months of life by 9 months of age
All vaccines recommended by the AAP in the first 15 months of life by 18 months of age
2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine 2.5 years of age
MMR, Varicella, DTaP and Polio boosters by age 6
Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines by age 13
Meningococcal booster by age 17

In addition, patients transferring to our practice that are unimmunized or under immunized will be required to:

Begin vaccinating within 1 month of their first visit
Receive all AAP recommended vaccines for age within 1 year of establishing care, or be on-track to receive all recommended vaccines according to the AAP catch-up vaccination schedule

Although strongly recommended, flu, covid-19 and HPV vaccines are not required.

If you are found to be out of compliance of our vaccine policy you will receive a warning letter and have 30 days to discuss a catch up schedule with your PCP and schedule a vaccine appointment. If you remain out of compliance within 30 days of receiving this notification, you will be discharged from the practice.

We acknowledge there is a large amount of misinformation circulating regarding vaccination, which can make these decisions difficult for parents and caregivers. We encourage families to utilize reliable and trusted sources such as The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center and Immunize.Org. If you have any specific concerns or questions about vaccines, our physicians are available to provide evidence-based information and support.

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your child and helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all our patients.

Sincerely,
The Doctors at Tanque Verde Pediatrics
Updated December 1st, 2025