Is it ethical not to treat children whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate? More and more physicians are beginning to wonder if they are creating a risky environment for their patients if they continue to treat unvaccinated children.
In 1962 the “Vaccination Assistance Act” was passed. This act provided ongoing financial support to both state and local health departments. By 1977 the Childhood Immunization Initiative set goals for 90% immunization levels for US children. In 1980 these goals were superseded when 50 states passed laws requiring immunizations for all children who were starting school. As a result of this, vaccine preventable diseases decreased. However, as early as 1972 there are records of adverse reactions and in …show more content…
There are a few who have made the decision not to treat unvaccinated children at all and still others who are educating the parents and then allowing them an allotted amount of time to make a decision. If they choose not to vaccinate, they will be required to find another pediatrician.
There have been many years of research and substantial funds spent on the development of safe effective vaccines. Statistics show that even though there is a chance of adverse reactions these are very few. Our communities are growing and schools are becoming over populated. If children are not being vaccinated this imposes a greater chance of diseases, that could have easily be prevented, of spreading.
Due to the increased controversy surrounding vaccines, education has become heightened in our communities and in our physician’s offices. I believe now more than ever we as parents, have the much needed information to make wise choices regarding our children’s health. However this decision does not only affect our own children but all of the children around us and in our communities. I feel, the facts show that vaccines will decrease the chances of our children developing diseases. I understand there is a small chance of adverse reaction, however I believe a small chance of adverse reaction is nothing compared to an epidemic of a disease that can take the life of many innocent
In 1962 the “Vaccination Assistance Act” was passed. This act provided ongoing financial support to both state and local health departments. By 1977 the Childhood Immunization Initiative set goals for 90% immunization levels for US children. In 1980 these goals were superseded when 50 states passed laws requiring immunizations for all children who were starting school. As a result of this, vaccine preventable diseases decreased. However, as early as 1972 there are records of adverse reactions and in …show more content…
There are a few who have made the decision not to treat unvaccinated children at all and still others who are educating the parents and then allowing them an allotted amount of time to make a decision. If they choose not to vaccinate, they will be required to find another pediatrician.
There have been many years of research and substantial funds spent on the development of safe effective vaccines. Statistics show that even though there is a chance of adverse reactions these are very few. Our communities are growing and schools are becoming over populated. If children are not being vaccinated this imposes a greater chance of diseases, that could have easily be prevented, of spreading.
Due to the increased controversy surrounding vaccines, education has become heightened in our communities and in our physician’s offices. I believe now more than ever we as parents, have the much needed information to make wise choices regarding our children’s health. However this decision does not only affect our own children but all of the children around us and in our communities. I feel, the facts show that vaccines will decrease the chances of our children developing diseases. I understand there is a small chance of adverse reaction, however I believe a small chance of adverse reaction is nothing compared to an epidemic of a disease that can take the life of many innocent