Childhood vaccine recommendations can raise questions, especially as information about vaccines appears in the news and online. At Allegro Pediatrics, we want families to have clear, reliable information about the vaccines we recommend and why following the recommended childhood immunization schedule is important.
Our Vaccine Recommendations Remain the Same
At Allegro Pediatrics, our commitment to protecting children through vaccination remains the same. Our Medical Issues Committee carefully reviews our recommended vaccine schedule using evidence-based guidance from trusted medical and public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the Western States Health Alliance.
Routine childhood vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children from serious diseases. Allegro will continue to offer recommended childhood vaccines and encourage families to follow our recommended schedule.
Why the Recommended Schedule Matters
The childhood vaccine schedule is carefully designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable to serious illness. It considers when protection is most needed, how a child’s immune system responds to vaccines, and which vaccines can safely and effectively be given together.
Giving recommended vaccines together is safe, provides protection on time, and can reduce the number of appointments and injections a child needs.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one example. In the United States, MMR is currently manufactured and available only as a combination vaccine. The individual vaccines are not currently manufactured or available separately, so receiving measles, mumps, and rubella as three individual vaccines is not an option.
The MMR vaccine has a long history of safe and effective use. Combining all three vaccines also means fewer injections while providing protection at the recommended time.
Following the recommended schedule, including giving certain vaccines together, is an important part of making sure children are protected at the right time without unnecessary delays or additional injections.
What This Means for Families
- All routine childhood vaccines are still offered at Allegro Pediatrics and covered by insurance in Washington State.
- School and childcare immunization requirements in Washington state have not changed.
- Vaccine decisions have always been a team effort. We believe in talking with you, answering questions, and making choices together that are right for your family.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines are a safe and proven way to protect children from serious diseases. Vaccination has prevented millions of illnesses and saved countless lives. Staying up to date also helps protect our communities, especially babies and people who may be at greater risk of serious illness or who cannot receive certain vaccines.
Preventing disease through vaccination is much safer than relying on infection to provide immunity. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can cause serious complications and long-term health effects, even in otherwise healthy children.
Understanding Different Vaccine Schedules
Families may hear about different vaccine schedules in other countries or alternative schedules shared online. Vaccine recommendations can vary between countries based on factors such as disease prevalence, available vaccines, healthcare systems, and public health priorities.
At Allegro, our recommendations are based on the best available evidence and guidance from pediatric and public health experts. Delaying or separating vaccines outside of the recommended schedule can leave children without protection during times when they may be most vulnerable and may require additional visits or injections.
Our Promise to You
We know families may have questions about vaccines. Our team is here to listen, provide reliable information, and help you make informed decisions about your child’s health. We will continue to advocate for vaccination as an important way to protect children and our community.
If you have questions about vaccines or your child’s immunization schedule, please talk with your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP).
For more information, visit our Childhood Immunizations page.
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