- Knowledgebase: Immunization Questions
- Questions about immunizations, side effects, and not vaccinating.
- 1. I've done a lot of research on the Internet and I don't think I should vaccinate my child - Top
- It is not uncommon for me to hear a parent in my office say something like 'I've done a lot of research on the Internet and I don't think I should vaccinate my child."
Statements like this really upset me as a Physician; not because I don't want my patients to think or to educate themselves, but because it implies a simplistic arrogance that is all to common today.
I trained at an academic medical center. I was prepared for a career in research or a sub-specialty. I was trained to read scientific literature and to understand statistics. However even with that training, I feel unprepared to understand the complicated research and interpretation that goes into vaccine research. I feel I have to defer my decision to those highly trained professionals that I trust, rather than rendering my own opinion about immunizations.
So, I find it particularly disturbing when a parent tells me, often without any scientific education, that they "have done some research"- looking at random web pages or by watching Jenny Jones, and have come to the conclusion that vaccination is not a good thing.
I ask these people to please rethink their decision for the sake of their child, whose health or even life is in the balance.
- Updated: July 5, 2011
-
[e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]- [Search
our Knowledgebase] - [Question Not Answered?]
|
