Immunization Policy
We are a pro-vaccine, evidence-based practice and follow the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We understand that parents may have questions, and our providers welcome respectful, open conversations to offer guidance and reassurance. When needed, we can work with families on a plan that supports both your child’s health and our practice standards. Families who do not plan to vaccinate may not be the best fit for our practice.
Below are the immunizations required to remain a patient of Palmetto Pediatrics or Sandhills Pediatrics
| Immunization | Required Maximum
Age to Begin Immunizing |
Minimum Number of Doses |
Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTaP | 4 months | 5 | 3 doses required by 9m 4 doses required by 24m 5 doses required by 6yo |
| IPV/Polio | 4 months | 4 | 2 doses required by 9m 3 doses required by 24m 4 doses required by 6yo |
| HIB/Prevnar | 4 months | 4 of each | 3 doses required by 9m 4 doses required by 24m |
| MMR | 16 months | 2 | 1 dose required by 16m 2 doses required by 6yo |
| Varicella/Chickenpox | 16 months | 2 | 1 dose required by 16m 2 doses required by 6yo |
| Tdap | 13 years | 1 | 1 dose required by 13yo |
| Meningococcal ACYW | 13 years | 2 | 2 doses required by 19yo |
| Hepatitis B | 2 months | 3 | Must meet school requirements |
| Hepatitis A | 18 months | 2 | Must meet school requirements |
Children under five years and above one year of age who are not yet immunized are required to begin the MMR, Varicella, Polio, and DTaP immunization series within 60 days of receipt of this policy and be “up-to-date” with the recommended AAP “catch-up” schedule within one year of beginning these immunizations.
Children greater than five years of age and teens who are beginning to be immunized are required to begin MMR, Varicella, Polio, and appropriate Pertussis (Tdap or DTaP) immunizations within 60 days of receipt of this policy and complete the recommended AAP “catch-up” schedule within one year of beginning these immunizations.
Although we are not requiring the HPV, Rotavirus, or Meningococcal B vaccines at this time, we strongly encourage you to receive these vaccinations.
If we are unable to reach an understanding on appropriate immunization, we ask that you find a pediatrician whose values align with yours within the next 60 days.