WHERE WE STAND ON IMMUNIZATIONS

The providers at After Hours Pediatrics want our patients to know where we stand regarding childhood immunizations and the ongoing controversy regarding possible injury from them.

We believe that immunizations are the single most important medical intervention for children. They are as important in the United States as they are anywhere in the world. The modern program to immunize American children has done more to decrease illness and save lives than any other intervention in the last 50 years. Despite our success, though, only one illness (smallpox) has been eliminated through immunizations. Every other illness for which we immunize children remains a threat. These illnesses are held in check only because we continue to actively immunize our children.

We strongly believe that the claims of an association between immunizations and autism are completely false. Several mechanisms by which immunizations might cause autism have been proposed. In each instance, further investigation has shown the proposed theory of causation to be false. Furthermore, no study has shown that children who are immunized are more likely to develop autism than those who are not. Thoughtful scientists and pediatricians have difficulty understanding why someone would even suggest that immunizations cause autism. Why use a completely false premise to discourage people from accessing the most important preventive health benefit available to children?

As more and more parents choose not to immunize their children the risk to your child becomes even greater. Recent outbreaks in New Mexico of both measles and pertussis are reminders that the protective effect of 'herd immunity' is diminishing and the risk of serious preventable illness is increasing. As a result, it is even more important to immunize your child today than it would have been 15 years ago.

We respect that people make health care decisions based on feelings as well as facts. And we understand that many people have feelings about immunizations that they've acquired from non-factual information spread by the media and reinforced by celebrities. We cannot tell you that you MUST immunize your child. We think it is our duty, however, to tell you that you SHOULD immunize your child. We believe that parents who choose to avoid immunizations are making a poor decision based on feelings, not facts. We absolutely disagree with that decision.

If you want more information about immunizations, please ask your pediatrician.

2023-2024 NM DOH School Vaccine Requirements

There have been some important changes to the school vaccine schedule. Entering 7th through 9th Graders are required to be immunized with both the Tetanus Vaccine (Tdap) and Meningococcal Vaccine 4 (MCV4/ACWY) prior to the school year. This recommendation is in effect for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.

Entering kindergarteners, for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond, will be required to have received 2 doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine (HAV).

If you would like to see the full text of requirements in English, click here.

If you would like to see the full text of requirements in Spanish, click here.

For New Mexico Immunization Schedules, please visit ImmunizeNM.org.

For the most current Vaccine information from the CDC, please click here.

For an extensive history of vaccines, please see The History of Vaccines.