Keeping Your Kids Healthy
817-453-7770
Our Immunization Policy
At Mansfield Pediatrics, our providers are always happy to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you may have about vaccines. We want every parent to feel supported and confident in making informed decisions about their child’s health. Because the safety of all our patients—especially infants and children with weakened immune systems—is our top priority, we follow these guidelines:
- We accept new patients only if parents or guardians do not refuse immunizations for their children.
• We allow—but do not recommend—delayed vaccine schedules.
• We encourage all families to follow the AAP Immunization schedule.
• If a parent chooses to delay or refuse vaccines, we ask that they complete a vaccine refusal acknowledgment form.
Our minimum immunization requirement is based on a combination of the Texas state daycare/preschool/school entrance requirements and the CDC recommendations.
If vaccination is not the right choice for your family or required documentation cannot be completed, we will partner with you to ensure your child continues receiving care by helping with a smooth transfer and timely record sharing with another provider.
Catch Up Vaccines
Parents/guardians of patients who have already complied with the recommended vaccines need not be concerned about any needed “catch up.” Parents of patients who have chosen to delay vaccines and want to join our medical home should contact us to discuss the needed vaccines and the recommendations for catch up vaccines. Each catch-up schedule is unique to the child.
Parents/guardians of patients who have chosen to delay vaccinations or alter schedules will be asked to follow these vaccine requirements and timeframes:
By age 1 year
Your child should have completed:
- 3 doses of DTaP
- 3 doses of HIB
- 3 doses of inactivated Polio
- 3 doses of Prevnar
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B
By age 2 years
Your child should have completed:
- 1 dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- 1 dose of Varicella
- 2 doses of Hepatitis A
- a booster dose of Prevnar, DTaP, and HIB
By age 6 years
Your child should receive:
- 1 booster dose MMR
- 1 booster dose Varicella
- 1 booster dose Inactivated Polio
- 1 booster dose DTaP
By age 16 years
Your child should receive:
- 1 dose of HPV
By age 12 years
Your child should receive:
- 1 dose of Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine
- 1 dose of TdaP
Immunizations for Certain High-Risk Groups
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Meningococcal ACWY at age 16-18
- Meningococcal B at age 16-18
Immunizations Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making
- Rotavirus
- Influenza
- COVID-19
Minimum Vaccination Policy
(Effective January 2026)
Our Commitment to Patient Safety
Mansfield Pediatrics follows the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical recommendations, meets or exceeds Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements, and incorporates the CDC’s 2026 immunization schedule framework (routine, high-risk, and shared clinical decision-making) when counseling families. [cdc.gov], [dshs.texas.gov]
Enrollment & Ongoing Care Requirements
- We accept new patients when parents/guardians agree to follow our vaccination policy.
- Families who do not meet at least the Texas minimum vaccine requirements cannot remain in our practice; we will assist with a safe transition of care. [dshs.texas.gov]
- We encourage adherence to the full AAP schedule as the safest and most effective protection for children. [cdc.gov]
Minimum Vaccination Standard (Required)
To remain an active patient, each child must be up to date at least with the Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements, including correct timing and documentation. Requirements include:
Required Vaccines
- DTaP/Tdap — Primary series and age-appropriate booster. [dshs.texas.gov]
- Polio (IPV) — Series with one dose on/after the 4th birthday. [dshs.texas.gov]
- MMR — Two doses on/after the first birthday for K–12 students. [dshs.texas.gov]
- Varicella — Two doses or documented history of illness. [dshs.texas.gov]
- Hepatitis B — Three-dose series (two-dose option accepted only with proper documentation). [dshs.texas.gov]
- Hepatitis A — Two-dose series required for Pre-K–12th grade. [resources….alsite.net]
- Meningococcal ACWY — One dose on/after the 11th birthday for grades 7–12; booster recommended at 16–18 years. [resources….alsite.net]
Acceptable Proof
Texas allows written documentation for certain prior illnesses (e.g., varicella) or serologic proof. Timing exceptions (e.g., the 4-day grace period) are applied according to DSHS rules. [resources….alsite.net]
Practice Recommendations (Beyond Minimums)
We recommend the full AAP/ACIP vaccine schedule for optimal protection. The CDC’s 2026 schedule update organizes vaccines into:
- Routine Vaccines for All Children
Includes DTaP/Tdap, Hib, PCV, IPV, MMR, Varicella, HPV, and others. [aha.org]
- High-Risk / Special Situation Vaccines
Includes RSV protection options (maternal vaccine or infant nirsevimab), dengue (age/region-specific), and MenACWY/MenB when indicated. [cdc.gov], [aha.org]
- Shared Clinical Decision-Making (SCDM) Vaccines
Includes influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, and certain HepA/HepB contexts.
We provide counseling tailored to the child’s risks and family preferences. [aha.org], [webmd.com]
Practice stance: We continue to recommend influenza, rotavirus, and COVID-19 vaccines despite their SCDM classification because of their strong safety and community-protection profiles. [webmd.com], [aha.org]
Catch-Up and Delayed Schedules
- Catch-up vaccination is provided using AAP/CDC guidelines and minimum intervals. [cdc.gov]
- Parent-requested delayed schedules are not recommended, but if used, they must still meet Texas minimums at school entry and grade progression. Families delaying vaccines may be asked to sign a vaccine acknowledgment form. [dshs.texas.gov]
Documentation Requirements
- Official immunization record with dates and products.
- State-accepted exemption documentation (medical or conscientious), though exemptions do not change Mansfield Pediatrics’ minimum practice standard. [dshs.texas.gov]
- Written documentation or serologic proof when illness substitutes for vaccination (e.g., varicella). [resources….alsite.net]
Helpful Links for Families
- Texas School Vaccine Requirements — DSHS Minimum Vaccine Requirements and parent guidance.
DSHS School Requirements
DSHS Parent Letter - CDC Child & Adolescent Immunization Schedule (2025–2026)
CDC Schedule Portal
CDC/HHS 2026 Update Summary
AHA Summary of CDC Updates
Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday - Please contact the Children’s Health Nurse for advice