Vaccination Information

The healthcare providers at High Desert Pediatrics strongly recommend following the current immunization schedule established by the New Mexico Department of Public Health which is based on what endorsed by the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) and adopted as standard of care by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).  These current national guidelines have been shown to be both safe and effective in preventing disease.  However, our providers also understand and acknowledge parental concerns regarding the safety of immunizations.  When parents choose to not follow the current immunization guidelines, the providers at High Desert Pediatrics will try their best to work with the parents so that they are comfortable with the care that is received.  However, any deviation from the immunization schedule is not endorsed by our providers and should not be considered a recommendation of an alternative immunization schedule.  The risks of not following the nationally recommended immunization schedule include an increased risk of infection for the child as well as for others with whom that child may come in contact.  Other consequences may also include the inability to enroll in daycare*, school*, military, or organized activities due to lack of immunizations.  The decision to use an alternate immunization schedule or to not immunize for reasons other than established medical diagnoses is the sole responsibility of the parents.