As a primary care pediatric practice, we understand and appreciate families concerns and questions regarding both vaccine safety and their potential side effects. We monitor reports very carefully from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control about this. Philosophically, we are strong advocates for vaccines and view proper vaccination as one of our most important priorities. Furthermore, we believe and support current scientific thinking and research that vaccines do not cause autism or other neurodevelopmental complications.

The vaccine schedule currently recommended by experts has been carefully planned to maximize protection at the earliest possible age. We appreciate that the number of vaccines currently recommended can be “overwhelming” to understand and that the media attention directed to adverse side effects has been alarming and obviously concerning. It is therefore very important that you understand both the indication (purpose) of each vaccine and their potential side effects. For every vaccine administered, you will receive information from the government (Vaccine Information Statement or VIS) regarding its usage. Please review this carefully. We strongly discourage “altered” vaccine schedules as they may not adequately protect your child to potentially serious illnesses.

We do want to be sensitive and available to your questions and concerns. Vaccines save lives. This indisputable truth has at times been lost with so much negative publicity directed towards vaccines. The overwhelming success of our national vaccination program over the years and the subsequent low incidence of these diseases can make one question both the need and the relevance of these vaccinations. Please be aware, vaccine preventable diseases have not been eliminated and complications of those diseases are random, unpredictable and potentially serious. Furthermore, a high overall vaccination rate improves the “public health” and helps protect others in our community who may be more vulnerable to those diseases and their potential sequela.

We should be thankful that illnesses that affected earlier generations have been remarkably reduced – but not eliminated-and should never be forgotten.

It is our policy to require patients to be observed in our office for 30 minutes following an allergy injection. This is in accordance with guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology and consistent with the practice of local University and private allergy practices.

While severe (anaphylactic) reactions are rare, observation for potential reactions is certainly necessary and most (but not all) typically occur shortly after administration. (within 20 - 30 minutes).

We appreciate that this can extend the office visit and be disruptive to families and we’re anxious to expedite your visit too. However, safety and caution must always be our number one concern and we want to reinforce the importance of compliance to this policy.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our allergy shot routine, please direct them to me or our nursing staff.


Thank you,

Dr. James Lee, MD