Immunizations

I cannot understate the importance of childhood vaccines. These - along with antiseptic techniques in childbirth and widespread access to clean drinking water - have brought us into the age of modern medicine, an age in which deaths in infancy and childhood are now thankfully rare. I have had the privilege to live and work in other parts of the country and world, though, in which the shadow of serious childhood illness - or death - looms larger than it does in Midcoast Maine. I can attest to the fact that the serious diseases that threaten children are still present in our world - unfortunately - and that there is still a need for preventative childhood vaccines, to protect our children.

As residents of the State of Maine, your children have a significant benefit. Routine childhood vaccines are provided to medical offices for free - and the cost of administering these vaccines is included in your membership.

Although I feel strongly about the importance of vaccines, I also understand that the process of decision-making around vaccines - and actually vaccinating - can be stressful. I am always happy to discuss the reasons behind any vaccine, and will always respect your decision, as parents, around the use of vaccinations.

If a family consistently declines the use of vaccines to prevent life-threatening illnesses, however, I will also ask that a vaccine refusal form be signed, acknowledging we have discussed the potential risk to your children and that you understand that risk.

I have drafted two childhood vaccination schedules for our office. Both provide the full range of routine childhood vaccinations. These will be reviewed at the first visit, are included in our Welcome Packet and are also available upon request at anytime.

Please do feel free to call or message me with any questions that might arise -

~Adda~