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Pediatric Healthcare Associates
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About PHCA Altoona Office Roaring Spring Office
All Services Well-Child Visits Sick Visits / Same-Day Care Newborn Care Lactation Support Pediatric Ear Piercing Referrals & Care Coordination
Meet the Providers Dr. Sathya Aswathappa Dr. Nader Younes Dr. Adnan Youssef Kelly Busche, PA-C Erica College, CRNP-FNP-C Dr. Mohamed Moussa (Retired)
Patient Resources Blog Symptom Checker FAQs Terminology Policies & Forms
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Clinical Policy

Immunization Policy

Why PHCA strongly recommends on-time immunization, and how we support every family's vaccine questions.

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Our Philosophy The CDC Schedule Catch-Up Schedules Medical Exemptions If You Are Considering Declining Vaccines Questions About Vaccines

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Effective date: January 1, 2024

Pediatric Healthcare Associates

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in pediatric medicine, protecting children from serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses. This policy outlines PHCA's approach to childhood immunizations.

Our Philosophy

PHCA strongly recommends that all patients receive vaccines according to the schedule set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). We believe in on-time immunization as one of the most important things we do to protect your child's health and the health of our community.

The CDC Schedule

Vaccines are given at well-child visits scheduled throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence, protecting against diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and more. Our providers will walk you through exactly which vaccines are due at each visit and answer any questions before administering them.

Catch-Up Schedules

If your child has fallen behind on the recommended schedule — whether due to a move, a gap in care, or a delayed start — our team will build a personalized catch-up plan to get your child back on track as safely and efficiently as possible.

Medical Exemptions

A small number of children have a medical condition that may require delaying or avoiding a specific vaccine. Our providers evaluate these situations individually and will document any medical exemption in your child's chart.

If You Are Considering Declining Vaccines

We understand some parents have questions or concerns about vaccines. We ask that you talk with your child's provider directly so we can address your specific concerns with accurate, current information before making a decision. Families who choose to delay or decline vaccines are asked to discuss this openly with our providers so we can document your decision and continue to provide the best possible care.

Questions About Vaccines

Our clinical team is always available to talk through any vaccine questions or concerns — call us at (814) 944-7383.

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Pediatric Healthcare Associates
About Us

A comprehensive pediatric practice caring for the sick and healthy child. With a compassionate team and 24-hour on-call support, we've cared for Altoona-area families since 1978.

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Altoona, PA
615 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Roaring Spring, PA
7664 Woodbury Pike, Roaring Spring, PA 16673

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