Feature
December, 06 2007
Childhood Vaccines - How to Ask Questions
Without Getting Kicked Out of Your Doctor's Office
by Dr. Bob Sears
There is no other parenting topic today that stirs up more controversy than childhood vaccines. Every parent has vaccine questions for their pediatrician, but many are afraid to ask for fear of being harassed or looked down on. But concerned parents want some answers before they vaccinate. What are the possible side effects? What is the risk of catching a severe case of the diseases? Is mercury still in some vaccines? What other ingredients are in the shots? Do vaccines cause autism? Is it safe to give so many shots simultaneously?
The problem is, doctors only have about 15 minutes to spend with you at your baby’s checkup. This is just enough time to do an exam and answer some basic questions about feeding, development, and behavior. If you try to throw in a dozen vaccine questions at the end of your visit, do you really think you’ll get some open and thorough answers? Probably not. Your doctor may not have the extra time to spend with you. Plus, many well-meaning physicians feel so passionate about the benefits of vaccines that they will come down pretty hard on any parent that questions this institution. And if you don’t agree to vaccinate, they politely (or not so much) ask you to find another pediatrician.
So how can parents get complete and unhurried answers without receiving the boot? In my office I ask parents to make a separate vaccine consultation appointment on a day separate from any checkup. This way I can sit and listen to the parents' concerns without feeling rushed, and give them the complete answers they deserve so they can make an educated decision about vaccines.
How do I respond when parents ultimately choose to delay or decline vaccines? The American Academy of Pediatrics has become increasingly sensitive to parents concerns when it comes to vaccines, and they published new guidelines for us pediatricians to follow when parents question vaccines. These guidelines are in the 2006 Red Book of Infectious Diseases that every pediatrician views as "The Bible" on disease information and policy. The Book clearly states:
- A non-judgmental approach is best. Listen carefully and respectfully to the parent's concerns.
- Inform the parents of the risks and benefits of each vaccine as well as the risks of each disease.
- For parents who are concerned about multiple vaccines at one visit, develop a schedule that spreads the vaccines out.
- Continued refusal to vaccinate after adequate discussion should be respected (unless the child is at significant risk of serious harm during an epidemic).
- In general, pediatricians should avoid dismissing patients from their practice solely because of refusal to vaccinate.
You have to do your homework ahead of time by thoroughly researching these issues so you are well prepared. If your doctor senses you are already well educated on vaccines and their diseases, you’ll have a far more fruitful and mutually respectful conversation. By giving your doctor the time she needs, together you can develop a vaccine plan that you are both comfortable with. And you won’t find yourself out on the street looking for a new pediatrician.
Dr. Bob Sears is a pediatrician and author in the best-selling Sears Parenting Library. His latest work, The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Little Brown, 2007) highlights his passion for providing parents with a complete, unbiased, and authoritative look at this all-important decision. He also interacts online to keep parents informed with up-to-date information at www.TheVaccineBook.com.
Dr. Bob received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and did his pediatric training at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. He practices in Dana Point, California.
