Pediatricians Dismissing Families Who Won't Vaccinate
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A growing number of pediatricians are dismissing families who don't want to vaccinate, and they're now making that move with the blessing of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In a new report, the AAP is firmly declaring its support for removing all non-medical exemptions. Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a fellow with the Academy and author of the AAP's clinical report on vaccine hesitancy says pediatricians really aren't changing the message they've always delivered.
"Talking with parents, explaining about vaccines, answering their questions, and providing ways that we can address their concerns," Edwards told KCBS.
Dismissing a child whose parents don't want to vaccinate is not a move that's taken lightly.
"We will not leave babies in the lurch, but help them find alternatives if that's what they choose," Edwards said.
Dr. Edwards says pediatricians are taking all of their patients well-being into consideration.
"Parents who do vaccinate will probably be happy," Edwards said.
She applauds California's elimination of the personal belief exemption. Statistics show those communities have more parents refusing to vaccinate.
