Heartland Primary Care Immunization Policy

The pediatricians at Heartland Primary Care believe caring for children is a shared responsibility between families and healthcare providers. We have recently reviewed our practice approach to vaccinations. As medical professionals, we feel very strongly that vaccinating children on schedule is the right thing for all children and young adults. Unfortunately, in the past several years, we have seen a steady increase in parents choosing not to vaccinate, following their own schedule, and/or delaying vaccination. At the same time, we have seen pockets of increased vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.

  • For example, in 2025, the U.S. recorded its first measles-related death in over a decade.
  • More than 35,000 pertussis (whooping cough) cases were reported in 2024, a significant jump from around 7,000 in 2023.
  • And polio, though rare, has recently reappeared in under-vaccinated communities.

The decision to vaccinate can feel big and sometimes even overwhelming. With so much information out there (and, yes, misinformation, too), we want to ensure you have the facts, the support, and the partnership you need to make confident choices for your child’s health.

We adhere to the following principles to ensure the safety of all patients we care for. 

  • Effectiveness: We firmly believe that vaccines prevent serious illnesses and save lives. Vaccination is among the most impactful health interventions available to families and healthcare providers.
  • Safety: We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the safety of vaccines.
  • Protecting the Vulnerable: Some children cannot receive vaccines due to age or medical conditions. Keeping our patient community fully vaccinated helps protect these individuals and reduces the spread of disease.

Vaccination Requirements for Our Practice

We follow the AAP recommended vaccine schedule and require that all families in our practice do the same. We know every child is different, and we’re here to work with you, but we also have a responsibility to protect the health of every patient in our care.

Here’s what that means in practice:

  • If your child falls behind on vaccines, we’ll develop a catch-up plan with you. We allow up to six months for children to become current.
  • If you decide not to vaccinate or significantly delay vaccines beyond the recommended schedule, we will ask you to find another healthcare provider who aligns with your beliefs.

This is not a decision we make lightly. It’s rooted in our commitment to provide a safe space for all patients, especially those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

Still, Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

Vaccine decisions can stir up many feelings, and that’s okay. If you’re unsure, we want to meet you where you are. Let’s sit down, go through the evidence, and talk about your concerns. We’ll be honest, transparent, and supportive. That’s what partnership means to us.

If You Choose Not to Vaccinate

We respectfully ask families who do not wish to follow the recommended vaccine schedule to transfer care to another provider. We do not maintain a list of alternative providers for families who choose not to vaccinate, but families may explore options through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or other healthcare networks.

This policy reflects the best medical evidence available and is in place to protect not only your child but also every patient and family in our care.

We appreciate your trust in us to care for your children and look forward to partnering with you in their health.