SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) -A growing number of pediatricians are saying no to families if they continue to refuse vaccination.
A recent national study shows it's because they are trying to protect their other patients. Many Utah doctors say it's the wrong approach.
Dr. Ellie Brownstein is a University of Utah pediatrician. She says deferring or postponing vaccinations can put children at risk, but she would never consider not providing service to families who chose to do so. "I would much rather honor their wishes the best I can and see the patients and make sure the kids get good care."
According to the recent study, l many pediatricians nationally don't feel the same way. 909 pediatricians were polled, and of those 21 percent admitted they had dropped families from their practice for continuing to refuse vaccination.
The study also found the top three reasons parents choose not to vaccinate is fear of autism, too many shots, and fears about serious side effects. Dr. Brownstein says autism fears are being fueled by erroneous internet information. "That's been disproved, but yet that myth out there still exists."
Dr. Brownstein says debunking the myth requires a good relationship with a physician. She says pediatricians who choose to end their relationship with the patient end the opportunity to educate. "My job is to convince people, if I can about immunizations, talk to them about why we do that and why it’s important for their child for society."
She says the perceived threat of non-immunized families in pediatric waiting rooms can be overcome by segregating ill children, and checking charts, so they know which have chosen not to immunize before they come through the door. She hopes parents will also do their part. “Remind me when you call in that you haven’t had your vaccines so I know what to watch for and I know to think about things I may not think about in other patients.”
