Valuable Vaccine Information

Immunization Policy

Childhood immunization was one of the greatest advances in public health in the 20th century. It has saved millions of children and adults throughout the world from developing meningitis, encephalitis, brain damage, severe respiratory problems, poliomyelitis, paralysis, and other severe illnesses that can require hospitalization or cause death. To this day, childhood immunization remains a cornerstone of pediatric care and public health.

Immunizations are most effective when an entire community participates. In recent years, localized outbreaks of mumps, measles, whooping cough, and polio have occurred in the United States in communities with low vaccination rates. When you immunize your child, you are not only protecting your child from serious disease — you are also helping to protect your entire family, your friends, and your neighbors.

At Rani Pediatrics, we strongly believe in the importance of immunizations and fully support the childhood immunization schedule established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Therefore, our policy requires that every patient within our "practice community" receive the vaccinations listed below:

By 18 months of age, your child will receive the following:

Type of Immunization

Hepatitis B — 3 doses
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) — 4 doses
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) — 3 doses
Haemophilus influenzae (HIB) — 4 doses
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) — 4 doses
Varicella vaccine (chickenpox) 1 dose
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 1 dose
Hepatitis A — 2 doses

By the age of 5 years, your child will receive these additional vaccines:

A fifth dose of DTaP
A fourth dose of IPV
A second dose of MMR
A second dose of varicella (chickenpox)

For Preteens — To be started at 11 years old:

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (TdaP) — 1 dose (Given at 10-11 yrs.)
Meningococcal vaccine — 1 dose (Given at 11 yrs.)
HPV vaccine (Gardasil) — 3 doses (First dose at 11 yrs. — must be completed before 13 yrs.)

We are aware of the concerns about vaccine safety that have been voiced by a very small yet vocal minority. These claims have no scientific or statistical basis. To date, there have been over 30 scientific studies, which have proven — conclusively — that vaccines are safe.

Vaccine Services Not Covered by Your Health Insurance

In the event that your health insurance company determines a service is "not covered," you will be responsible for the charges. Should this occur, we will bill you for the services. Payment is due upon receipt of the statement.

However, we do participate in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides immunizations for children at no cost to you. Ask one of the nurses to help you with the VFC Eligibility Form while waiting for the doctor to come to your exam room