Survey:21% of Pediatricians & 4% of Family Practice docs drop pts who refuse vaccines

According to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, 1 in 5 pediatricians regularly dismiss families who refuse to have their children vaccinated.

The strategy, which goes against guidelines from major health organizations, is most common among doctors in private practice, those located in the South, and those in states with vaccination laws that don't allow philosophical exemptions, the study found.

Lead author Dr. Sean O'Leary, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado, said that anecdotally he's heard that pediatricians across the country -- particularly those in California -- are feeling pressure from other families to refuse unvaccinated patients following the Disneyland measles outbreak.

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http://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-pediatricians-refuse-unvaccinated-patients/

Experts say deep philosophical differences, concern for other young patients may explain why one of every five U.S. pediatricians regularly drops families who refuse to have their children vaccinated, a new survey shows.

"I'm hearing the practice has become more common, particularly in California, following the outbreak," O'Leary said. "Parents say, 'I don't want to take my child to a clinic with non-vaccinators and expose them to risk,' so there is parental pressure on some pediatricians."

An ongoing medical debate continues to simmer over a doctor's right to refuse treatment for children whose parents are against vaccination, O'Leary added.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both discourage this strategy, the study authors said in background information. The survey is published online Nov. 2 in the journal Pediatrics, an academy publication.

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http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/med...amilies-who-refuse-vaccines-survey/ar-BBmJuMM

Characteristics of Physicians Who Dismiss Families for Refusing Vaccines

RESULTS: The response rate was 66% (534/815). Overall, 83% of physicians reported that in a typical month, &#8805;1% of parents refused 1 or more infant vaccines, and 20% reported that >5% of parents refused. Fifty-one percent reported always/often requiring parents to sign a form if they refused (Peds 64%, FP 29%, P < .0001); 21% of Peds and 4% of FPs reported always/often dismissing families if they refused &#8805;1 vaccine. Peds only were further analyzed because few FPs dismissed families. Peds who dismissed families were more likely to be in private practice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–17.19), from the South (aOR 4.07, 95% CI 1.08–15.31), and reside in a state without a philosophical exemption law (aOR 3.70, 95% CI 1.74–7.85).

CONCLUSIONS: Almost all physicians encounter parents who refuse infant vaccines. One-fifth of Peds report dismissing families who refuse, but there is substantial variation in this practice. Given the frequency of dismissal, the impact of this practice on vaccine refusers and on pediatric practices should be studied.

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http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/10/28/peds.2015-2086

If I had a child who was immunocompromised, or an infant under age 2-3, or a child on a "catch up" immunization schedule, and I knew our primary care doc accepted and treated vaccine refusers, I would change doctors. No question in my mind.

You can't control every circumstance of exposure, but this is an exposure risk that CAN be avoided.

I was jaw-dropped shocked when I heard about the incredibly worrisome situation of vaccine refusers having "pox parties", and intentionally exposing unvaccinated kids to measles (which is nearly 100% contagious from just being in a room that an infected person was in). Those parents who intentionally expose unvaccinated kids to disease, or sell vectors like "pox lollipops" on the internet, IMO, should be criminally prosecuted, and permanently lose custody of their children.

I think health care practices should have to post a sign that says "This practice accepts and treats vaccine refusers" or "This practice does not accept vaccine refusers." The public has a right to know, even as we debate their "right" to refuse vaccination, and criminally and irresponsibly spread diseases that were nearly eradicated.

I think schools should have to disclose how many students are not vaccinated as well, including how many kids in your child's class are unvaccinated. Their right to refuse and remain anonymous, ends at my child's right to not be intentionally exposed. If they refuse to vaccinate, they should have to give up their right to privacy in this area, since their refusal affects other people's health.

K_Z said:

I think health care practices should have to post a sign that says "This practice accepts and treats vaccine refusers" or "This practice does not accept vaccine refusers." The public has a right to know, even as we debate their "right" to refuse vaccination, and criminally and irresponsibly spread diseases that were nearly eradicated.

I think schools should have to disclose how many students are not vaccinated as well, including how many kids in your child's class are unvaccinated. Their right to refuse and remain anonymous, ends at my child's right to not be intentionally exposed. If they refuse to vaccinate, they should have to give up their right to privacy in this area, since their refusal affects other people's health.

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Hmmmm...I am not keen on doctors having to post signs. Fact is even if they don't accept "vaccine refusers" they still have unvaccinated and potentially contagious individuals on the premises.

Schools are another matter, public schools should be able to refuse unvaccinated students.