NJ Pediatricians Divided: Accepting or Refusing Unvaccinated Kids

Princeton, NJ – A growing number of pediatricians in New Jersey are declining to accept patients whose parents refuse recommended childhood vaccinations, a practice permitted by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The trend is creating a two-tiered system of care, where unvaccinated children may face limited access to routine medical services.

Advocare The Pediatric Group in Princeton is among the practices implementing stricter policies. According to their published vaccine policy, new patients transferring to the practice must provide complete immunization records. If parents express no intention of vaccinating their children, the practice requests they seek care elsewhere. Existing patients must adhere to a catch-up schedule or sign a waiver refusing vaccines at recommended visits, with non-compliance potentially leading to dismissal from the practice.

“We strongly believe that vaccines are safe, effective, and an important line of defense in keeping our children safe from harmful infections,” states Advocare’s policy. “One can alter the recommended schedule of vaccines, but infants must be caught up by age two years.”

The shift comes as vaccination rates among children in New Jersey are reportedly declining, prompting concern among medical professionals. While some doctors are taking a firm stance, others continue to accept unvaccinated patients, navigating the issue with waivers and educational efforts.

The New Jersey Vaccines for Children (VFC) program ensures that eligible children – those who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian/Alaska Native – have access to free vaccines. However, healthcare providers can still charge for the visit itself, and, as of March 2026, may charge a fee of up to $24.23 for administering the vaccine, though they are prohibited from refusing vaccination due to inability to pay the administration fee. The VFC program operates through over 750 participating providers across the state.

The state’s stance on vaccination is generally supportive of universal immunization, with officials expressing concern that parental refusal can threaten the health of other children. New Jersey Statute Section 18A:61D-10(4)(b) does allow for exemptions when a vaccine conflicts with a child’s medical condition.

However, declining to vaccinate can also trigger scrutiny from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). According to legal experts, a DCPP investigation, and even potential child abuse or neglect charges, can arise if a child contracts a preventable disease after parents have refused vaccination.

The Pediatric Group’s policy stipulates that when a vaccine is not administered at a scheduled visit, parents “MUST sign a waiver acknowledging that they are refusing the vaccines offered at that visit.”

As of today, the New Jersey Department of Health has not issued a statement addressing the increasing number of pediatricians refusing unvaccinated patients. A spokesperson for the department did not respond to requests for comment.