Vaccines

Vaccine Policy: Family Health Matters of Salem, we prioritize the health and safety of all our patients, staff, and community. After careful consideration and consultation with our medical team, we have established the following vaccine policy for pediatric patients: 

Delayed Vaccination Schedule  

We understand that some families may request a modified or delayed vaccination schedule. In such cases: 

  • Any deviations must be approved by a provider. 

  • All required vaccinations must be completed within the first year of life. 

Optional Vaccine Exceptions 

While we encourage adherence to the CDC-recommended vaccination schedule, we respect individual choices regarding certain vaccines. Therefore, patients may choose to decline the following vaccines without risk of dismissal: 

  • Rotavirus 

  • Varicella (Chickenpox) 

  • HPV (Gardasil) 

  • COVID-19 

Non-Adherence to Policy 

Families who choose not to follow the required vaccination policy (outside of the optional  

exceptions listed above) will be: 

  • Provided with medical care for a 30-day transition period 

  • Asked to seek alternative primary care after that period to better align with their healthcare preferences 

Vaccine and Titer Policy for Adult Patients 
To ensure appropriate immunization status is established and maintained for new patients aged 18 and older who are unable to provide documented evidence of childhood vaccinations. 

  •  All new patients 18 years of age and older who are unable to provide a verifiable copy of their childhood immunization records will be required to undergo laboratory serum testing (titers) to assess immunity to major vaccine-preventable childhood illnesses. These illnesses include, but are not limited to: 

  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) 

  • Varicella (Chickenpox) 

  • Hepatitis B 

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis 

  • Polio (as clinically indicated) 

  • Procedure: 

  • During the initial intake process, patients without immunization documentation will be informed of the requirement to complete lab-based titer testing. 

  • Orders for appropriate titers will be placed, and patients will be directed to a partnered lab facility for testing. 

  • Upon receipt of lab results: 

  • If titers indicate adequate immunity, no further action will be required. 

  • If results show the patient is under-immunized or non-immune, a personalized care plan will be developed by the provider. This plan may include recommended vaccinations, follow-up testing, or other steps as clinically appropriate. 

below are links to the cdc recommended routine vaccines

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients