Either Vaccinate or Find a New Doctor!
Find a Conversation
Either Vaccinate or Find a New Doctor!
| Thu, 02-14-2013 - 3:43pm |
I have a friend who's pediatirician will no longer treat her family because of their vaccination choices. His office implemented a new policy that requires all patients to be fully vaccinated, and she refuses to vaccinate her children with the MMR vaccine. Now she has to do another search for a pediatrician she can trust, who will also respect her wishes.
Do you think that it's fair for doctors to stop seeing patients for this reason?
Latest from the board
- Whooping Cough Vaccine Not as Effective
- World Wide HPV Project to Stop Cervical Cancer
- No Vaccines = No School 2
- Social Networks Influence Vaccination Decisions 1
- Where do you get your info about vaccine safety?
- The Amount of Vaccines is NOT Linked to Autism 1
- Flu Kills 105 Children 1
- The HPV Vaccine - what are your thoughts? 3
- Narcolepsy from swine flu vaccine!
- Either Vaccinate or Find a New Doctor! 6
Memeber Support
Visit our Member Support area or browse the iVillage Help forum
| Q: | Where can I change my password? |
| A: | Log in, go to Edit My Preferences, and click the Account tab. Make and save your changes. |
While it sucks for your friend, I can understand the doctor's pov. They have to protect themselves from lawsuits in case anything happens as a result of that child not being vaccinated. Does anyone know if you can be a exception to a rule like this if your child has shown to have reactions to vaccines in the past? Does it vary by doctor or are their no exceptions?
Chelsea
"Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open."
A doctor in private practice has the right to turn away patients if they feel they are not on the same page. It is their right just like its our right to choose what doctor we go to. The first pediatrician I went to after my middle one was born told me when I told her we were on the fence about vaccinations that we either vaccinated and followed her care as she saw fit because of her medical training, or find a new pediatrician. We sought out a new pediatrician and have been relatively happy so far with them. My question would be, if the doctor isn't willing to budge or talk with the patient about why they feel that way, do you want that doctor treating your family all the time, are they going to listen to you as a parent about the care of you or your child or are they going to go with what they have determined is the right care regardless. I personally would prefer a doctor that is a partner with me and a source or knowledge, but not one that isn't going to listen to my thoughts and concerns in relation to care for my child.
And yes, it also is party to do with lawsuits and liabilities, and they are getting increasing pressure from the American Pediatric Association to have this policy to let go of parents that aren't willing to vaccinate or vaccinate on schedule.
Yes it's fair. The doctor should have a right to determine with whom he or she does business just like the consumer has a choice in doctors, insurance plans, etc. Of course it's a hassle to find a new doctor, but it's a hassle for the doctor to find new patients, too. If either party doesn't agree to the business transaction contract, neither should be forced into it.
On a more relational note, I agree with the poster who asked how your friend could feel comfortable with a doctor who so obviously disagrees with your friend's desire to not vaccinate anyway. It would reasonably be a bad situation if your friend continued seeing a doctor when there is so obvious disagreement on health practices between them.
Liz
Clinical Research Associate
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.
I'm with the doctor. I'm also betting this a medical liablity issue for private practice physicians. I'm sure they'd rather require all patients to have vaccinations than face a lawsuit.
Melissa
Community Moderator
Click Here to Enter & Vote