SVPAM Vaccine Policy Statement

Sewickley Valley Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Vaccine Policy Statement ~ revised 6/29/17 & effective 8/1/17

We firmly believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.

We firmly believe in the safety of our vaccines.

We firmly believe that all children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

We firmly believe, based on all available literature, evidence and current studies, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities. We firmly believe that thimerosal, a preservative that has been in vaccines for decades and remains in some vaccines, does not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.

We firmly believe that vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that you can perform as parents/caregivers. The recommended vaccines and their schedule given are the results of years and years of scientific study and data-gathering on millions of children by thousands of our brightest scientists and physicians.

July 1, 2017

Dear Parent/Guardian,

For over 50 years now, the staff and providers at Sewickley Valley Pediatrics have prided ourselves in delivering the best possible medical care for your child(ren)in accordance with American Academy ofPediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)and best practice guidelines. As such, after much discussion and in accordance with new Pennsylvania state vaccination laws, effective August 1, 2017 Sewickley Valley Pediatrics has opted to no longer accept or retain unvaccinated/under-vaccinated children in the practice. What does this mean for you?

• All newborns will be vaccinated per AAP and ACIP guidelines and schedules.

• All incoming new patients who are unvaccinated/under-vaccinated (excluding medical exemptions) will initiate and/or complete allschool required immunizations as soon as possible per AAP/ACIP catch-up schedules and guidelines.

• All pre-existing patients who are unvaccinated/under-vaccinated(excluding medical exemptions) wil initiate and/or complete allschool required immunizations as soon as possible per AAP/ACIP catch-up schedules and guidelines.

• All the above unvaccinated/under-vaccinated children will be provided an approved catch-up schedule.Failure to comply with this schedule will result in dismissal from the practice.

• No “alternative” schedules, other than the AAP/ACIP approved catch-up schedules, will be accepted.

• Medical exemptions will be determined by SVPAM providers.

• Currently, required vaccines do not include HPV, Hepatitis A, Trumenba or Flu vaccine. SVPAM willNOT dismiss if there is refusal or delay of these optional vaccines, although we STRONGLY encourage them.

Sewickley Valley Pediatrics respects your right as a parent/guardian to make appropriate medical decisions regarding your child(ren). However, as medical providers,we are responsible and obligated to safeguard the health of all people, including infants/toddlers too young to be fully immunized, medically fragile children who are unable to be vaccinated, our staff, and all other visitors to our office space who may have their own health issues. We appreciate your understanding with regards to our decision. We are more than willing to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely yours,

Sewickley Valley Pediatric Providers

David H. Hennessey, MD, FAAP Daniel M. Graff, MD, FAAP

Vida S. Kaniecki, MD, FAAP Jacqueline Saladino, MD, FAAP

Robert Schwartz, MD, FAAP Gail Warner, CRNP

Susan Pointer, CRNP Jennifer Diserio, CRNP

Kristina Johnson, PhD

6/29/2017