Whether or not a parent decides to vaccinate their new born children has become more of an honest question more than it has in the past. To a family physician, there is nothing more frustrating. They know and see first hand the effects these vaccines and immunizations can have. Even worse, what can happen when children to not receive them at a young age. There are a growing number of reasons that parents do not want their children getting these shots for. These include but are not limited to: too many vaccinations at one time, that the government has created some type of conspiracy about the vaccines, and even that they can take care of their children better than any shot could. So are these reasons worthy of consideration? A pediatrician at the Boston Hospital, Doctor McCarthy, says no. She believes that these are all myths and that every parent needs to be educated about them. Another doctor, Dr. Cronyn, says "It's important to keep in mind that parents really want what's best for their children." They are not at all trying to be problematic or a nuisance to their physicians. Doctors and parents all want the same thing and that is to get the best help for the children as possible. Many physicians blame the growing number of people who do not want to vaccinate their children on the advancement of technology. With the internet, it is very easy for someone who is uneducated on a subject to sound as if they have years of experience, without having to back up their words with credentials. People make up stories and bash the use of vaccines that make their way all over the internet. It's no wonder parents these days are having second thoughts. In the end, what most physicians would agree on would be that the parents make a full educated decision. If they are fully aware of the benefits vs. risks of vaccination and truly believe that their kid does not need them, then it is their choice. In the end the choice is really yours to make.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/830705_5
The growing technological landscape has, to a limited extent, created a sense of informed ignorance among people, especially in the western cultures. An misinformed populace can certainly be detrimental concerning medical or public health issues. There already exists an example that reveals small consequences: the political variation among Americans. However so, it seems the decision to immunize/ vaccinate children becomes more complicated than one could see. It becomes, rather a conflict or interest, a conflict of intent where each side wants the best for the child but disagree for the method. For now, although medical professionals, it seems that priority should be placed on respecting parent authority and their decisions to help their child. Unfortunately, the child belongs to its parents, not the doctor. As with any other professional, you may give your advice to the best of your ability but must be weary of over-stepping the boundaries, especially that of a family.
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