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Hometown Pediatrics, and provider, Teri Grothaus, CPNP-PC believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness, to promote health and wellness, and to save lives.

We believe in the safety of vaccines.

We believe that children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

We believe, based on all available data, scientific literature, current studies, and evidence-based medicine, that vaccines do not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.

We believe that thimerosal, a preservative that has been in vaccines for decades, and that remains in a only a few vaccines today, does not cause autism or other developmental disabilities.

We believe that vaccinating children and young adults is the single most important health-promoting intervention we perform as health care providers, and that you perform as parents/caregivers.

We know, and want you to know, that the recommended vaccines and their schedule are the results of years and years of scientific study and research, with data gathered on millions of children, by thousands of our brightest scientists and physicians.

We understand that there has always been, and will likely always be, discussion surrounding vaccination. But that discussion does not change the facts, or the science, or the evidence about vaccines.

It’s precisely because vaccines are so effective at preventing illness that many people argue whether or not they should be given. Because of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, most families have never seen a child with polio, tetanus, whooping cough, bacterial meningitis, or even chickenpox, and that is a wonderful thing.

We write this statement not to frighten you or coerce you, but to make you aware of the facts, and to emphasize the importance of vaccinating your child. We recognize that the choice may be emotional for some parents. So we will do everything we can to support you, and to help you understand that vaccinating according to the schedule is the right thing to do.
Please understand, however, that delaying or “breaking up” the vaccines to give one or two at a time over two or more visits goes against expert recommendations and can put your child at risk for serious illness or even death. Doing these things goes against both our medical advice and our core principles at Hometown Pediatrics. Should you choose these options, you will be required to sign a “Refusal to Vaccinate” acknowledgement in the event of lengthy delays.

If you refuse to vaccinate your child despite all our efforts and recommendations, you will not be asked to find another healthcare provider, as Hometown Pediatrics believes that all children deserve medical care. However, you as a parent/caregiver/guardian, assume all risk and liability should illness or even death of your child occur due to your decision to not vaccinate.

As medical professionals, we know that vaccinating children on schedule with currently available vaccines is absolutely the right thing to do for all children and young adults.
We’re always happy to answer any questions, or to discuss any concerns, you may have about vaccines.

Hometown Pediatrics, Teri Grothaus, CPNP-PC/Provider and Owner