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Do You Offer School Sports Physicals And College Physicals?

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Juliana Nahas, MD, FAAP, FMACP

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Quick Answer (The Busy-Parent Answer)

  • Yes — we follow the standard CDC/ACIP vaccine schedule and are a vaccinating pediatric practice.
  • We also offer alternative vaccine schedules for families who prefer a different pace.
  • Vaccine decisions are made through respectful, evidence-based conversations, not pressure.
  • Our goal is safety, trust, and long-term engagement in your child’s care.

Key Points At A Glance

  • We follow national vaccine guidelines set by ACIP
  • Families may choose the standard schedule or an alternative approach
  • Counseling is collaborative, individualized, and non-judgmental
  • We clearly explain benefits, risks, and trade-offs
  • Trust and communication are central to safe pediatric care

What This Means In Plain English

Yes — we are a vaccinating office. And yes — we understand that families have different questions, experiences, and comfort levels when it comes to vaccines. At Cedars Functional Medicine, Functional and Integrative Medicine, we believe science and conversation belong together. We follow established medical guidelines while also taking the time to explain how those guidelines apply to your child. This is not an “either/or” approach. It’s thoughtful, evidence-informed pediatric care that respects both medical data and family preferences.

What Is The Standard Vaccine Schedule?

The standard childhood immunization schedule is developed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This schedule:
  • Is based on decades of safety and effectiveness data
  • Is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable
  • Is reviewed and updated regularly as new evidence emerges
It is also supported by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and explained for parents through resources such as HealthyChildren.org. We follow these guidelines and routinely recommend them.

Why Do Some Families Ask About Alternatives?

Families may ask about alternative vaccine schedules for many valid reasons, including:
  • Wanting to space out vaccines
  • Concerns about side effects
  • A child with complex medical needs
  • Family history of autoimmune or neurologic conditions
  • A desire to better understand each vaccine before proceeding
These questions are common — and reasonable. We view them as an opportunity for education, not conflict.

What Is An Alternative Vaccine Schedule?

An alternative vaccine schedule typically means:
  • Vaccines are given more gradually
  • Fewer vaccines may be administered at a single visit
  • Timing is adjusted based on family preference and clinical context
It does not mean ignoring science or abandoning evidence-based care. When families choose an alternative schedule, we:
  • Review ACIP recommendations together
  • Discuss what protection may be delayed and what that means
  • Explain benefits, risks, and trade-offs clearly
  • Document shared decision-making carefully

How Vaccine Counseling Works In Our Practice

Vaccine counseling in our office is designed to be:
  • Respectful
  • Educational
  • Non-judgmental
  • Rooted in evidence
We take time to explain:
  • What each vaccine protects against
  • Common and rare side effects
  • Timing considerations
  • Your child’s individual health history
This is a conversation, not a lecture. Our goal is informed decisions and continued partnership.

Are Alternative Schedules Safer?

There is no evidence that alternative schedules are safer than the standard ACIP schedule. What we do know:
  • The standard schedule provides earlier protection
  • Delaying vaccines can leave children vulnerable for longer periods
  • Spacing vaccines may require more visits and injections overall
That said, safety also depends on trust and follow-through. A plan that families understand and commit to is better than one that leads to missed care or disengagement.

What Integrative Pediatrics Adds To Vaccine Conversations

An integrative approach allows us to:
  • Consider the whole child, not just a checklist
  • Support immune health through sleep, nutrition, and stress regulation
  • Acknowledge parental concerns without minimizing them
  • Build long-term trust that supports better health outcomes
We don’t see vaccine counseling as a one-time decision — we see it as part of an ongoing relationship.

What Our Practice Is (And Is Not)

We are:
  • A vaccinating pediatric practice
  • Aligned with ACIP and national guidelines
  • Open to individualized vaccine scheduling
We are not:
  • Anti-vaccine
  • Dismissive of parental concerns
  • Willing to compromise safety or transparency

When Vaccines Are Especially Important

We strongly encourage timely vaccination for:
  • Infants and young children
  • Children with chronic medical conditions
  • Families with immunocompromised members
  • School and daycare attendance requirements
These situations are discussed carefully and clearly with families.

When To Seek Care Urgently

Seek urgent medical care for:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • High fever with lethargy or stiff neck
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, trouble breathing)

Our Bottom Line

We believe:
  • Parents deserve honest, evidence-based information
  • Trust leads to better health outcomes
  • Science and compassion work best together
Whether your family follows the standard vaccine schedule or prefers an alternative approach, we’re here to guide, educate, and care for your child.

Sources

This content is for educational purposes and does not substitute personalized medical advice.

Dr. Juliana Nahas, MD, FAAP, FMACP

When Dr. Nahas was a young doctor, she had two separate parents with a child with ADHD come in to the clinic in one day, and one parent asked for medication straight away, while the other refused medication and was seeking natural solutions instead.

Areas Served

Dr. Nahas’s private practice is 100% virtual and serves patients across the entire state of Florida. While the practice is registered in St. Petersburg, care is delivered remotely, allowing access to individuals and families throughout Florida without geographic restriction.

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