More than 50% of Pediatric Practices Refuse Unvaccinated Children. Here’s Why.

Thanks to advancements in medicine, particularly in the field of vaccines, the human race is living longer than our ancestors. Outbreaks of smallpox, whooping cough, and polio are a thing of the past in the US. However, the recent measles outbreaks, particularly among unvaccinated populations, underscore the importance of mandatory vaccination policies at all four of our clinics. This blog explains our reasoning for dismissing unvaccinated children. 

Science Supports Vaccines

Vaccinations are one of the greatest medical achievements of our time, protecting children from once-common and devastating diseases. However, some parents decline recommended vaccines for their children, creating an ethical and practical dilemma for pediatric providers.

Physicians are bound by the oath to “do no harm.” They fulfill this commitment by providing parents and caregivers with evidence-based medical advice that prioritizes the child’s best interests. This includes the recommendation for vaccines. When parents refuse to vaccinate their child(ren), they are disregarding leading research and the standards of safe and effective pediatric care. This makes it challenging for pediatric providers to provide the best possible care for their patients. 

Unvaccinated children pose a risk to vulnerable populations within our practice, including infants under six months (too young for many vaccines) and immunocompromised children. For example, a child with leukemia, whose immune system is suppressed by chemotherapy, is at heightened risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable illness from an unvaccinated patient.

Herd Immunity and Unvaccinated Children

Herd immunity is like a protective shield that forms when a large number of people in a community are vaccinated. This shield helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies or individuals with weakened immune systems. The recent resurgence of measles is linked to declining vaccination rates, which means the shield of herd immunity is weakening.

Practice Policies Regarding Immunizations Have Changed All Over the US

Over 50% of pediatric practices have established dismissal policies for families who refuse to vaccinate their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends childhood immunizations and supports practices in implementing these policies. 

At Rainbow Pediatrics, our priority is the health and safety of all our patients. Allowing unvaccinated children into our practice compromises this commitment. 

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

We understand that vaccine hesitancy can stem from genuine concerns, and we are here to answer your questions. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. We are committed to working with you to ensure your child’s health and well-being.