Vaccination Policy in Jacksonville, FL
Vaccines protect children and their families and friends from dangerous, life-threatening illnesses. Each childhood recommended vaccine has been thoroughly studied, approved and recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and Center for Disease Control. We recommend the following website to assist you as you learn about the benefits of vaccination: www.chop.edu.
It is important for you to understand our office policy regarding vaccination as you consider our practice. We follow the AAP-recommended vaccination schedule and do not recommend any other unproven vaccination practice. Our policy is based on the HEDIS guidelines that promote maximum protection when children are most susceptible to these diseases. The standards are supported by scientists and physicians worldwide and are required by most insurance companies in an effort to save lives.
The vaccines required by our practice to remain a patient of the practice are listed below. Vaccines must be started by age 2 months. If you cannot comply with the vaccination schedule listed below, we will regretfully ask you to seek medical care with another physician whose philosophy meets your needs better.
| VACCINE | DOSE REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses by age 18 months |
| DTaP-HIB-IPV | 3 doses under age 12 months and one dose between age 12-21 months |
| Pneumococcus | 3 doses under age 12 months and one dose between age 12-21 months |
| Rotavirus | Start by age 2 months and complete 3 doses by age 7 months |
| MMR #1 | One dose by age 21 months |
| Varicella | One dose by age 21 months |
| Hepatitis A | Two doses by age 21 months with a minimum interval of 6 months between the doses |
| DTaP-IPV | One dose at age 4 years |
| MMR #2 | One dose at age 5 years |
| Varicella #2 | One dose at age 5 years |
| Meningitis #1 | One dose at age 11 years |
| Tdap | One dose prior to 7th grade entry |
| Meningitis #2 | One dose at age 16 years |
We understand that there are times when a guardian decides against a vaccine after it has been discussed with a provider and ordered by the provider. If the vaccine has been drawn up, the providers at Carithers Group will make every effort to utilize that vaccine for another patient following all guidelines regarding safe storage and handling. If the vaccine is unable to be used, the patient will be responsible to pay for the unused, discarded vaccines. The cost of the vaccine will be shared prior to checking out.
Patient Feedback
“The best doctors offices (we have gone to both locations multiple times) in the world if you as me! I have never had a bad experience! Each appointment with any doctor we see in the group is great! I’m not sure how they pick their providers but they do an amazing job! We have been with them my 5 year old was born and always have great appointments! They love my babies and make them feel comfortable and relaxed as if they see them everyday! In today’s world everyone needs a doctors them.”
“been amazing with my son and great with me, I get nervous with doctors more so when it comes to my kid and they are great at calming my fears.”
“I have went through a few different pediatricians with my daughter and Carithers by far has exceeded my expectations. Every concern has been quickly acknowledged. If I have any questions they are answered appropriately and they never make me feel silly for asking.”
“I have been using Carithers for 5 years. I have always been happy with the office, nurses and
doctors. My last visit was flu shots for my 2 year old and 5 year old. The nurses exceeded my
expectations!! They were amazing with my boys. They took their time and calmed my boys
before giving the shots. They were so great!!The front office staff is always friendly, sweet and
accommodating. We always feel welcomed, which is important to me and my family. The office
is clean and the location is safe. ”
“My toddler twins love the doctors and staff at both Carithers locations!!!”
“I was looking for a better pediatrician for my 17-month-old and newborn. A friend referred me
to Carithers after raving about them. I have to say that they were worth the rave. I love how
professional and friendly everyone is. They have a very efficient system. The doctors do not rush
you and they make you feel like no question is the wrong question. The office and every room are
clean and tidy. I am so glad that I switched my children over to Carithers.”
“Always a wonderful experience with the very personable doctors and nurses!!”
“Overall, our experience with Carithers has been very good. Both my husband and I were patients
at this practice as children and we are glad our children have the opportunity to receive the
same wonderful care that we did. We have seen a wide range of Dr. S at the practice and would
feel good about many being our children’s primary physician.”
“I was a patient of Carithers Pediatrics in the 1970s, and my three kids will age-out of the practice
too! Terrific doctors, well-run practice. The doctors are experts and “present” – we aren’t
numbers …and holy cow do they listen. After I explained an ongoing medical problem to the
doctor, I heard her repeat the issue to another doctor – thoroughly and concisely … she had
absorbed it all. They always call back in a timely fashion, no insurance problems … we are 100%
thrilled with the medical care and office-care we receive. Thanks all!”
