Characteristics of Physicians Who Dismiss Families for Refusing Vaccines

Vaccine Delays, Refusals, and Patient Dismissals: A Survey of Pediatricians

“…19,37 Our finding that the most commonly perceived reason for vaccine refusal was We identified geographic differences in the rates of vaccine refusals and patient dismissals; western pediatricians were generally more likely to experience vaccine refusals and less likely to dismiss patients. These data are similar to those of a recent study on patient dismissals 34 as well as US epidemiologic data showing that high rates of nonmedical exemptions and unvaccinated children are in western and midwestern US states. 38 -41 Although the AAP and CDC continue to encourage pediatricians to care for underimmunized and unimmunized patients, 28,42 our results show that increasing numbers of pediatricians are dismissing patients for continued vaccine refusal, a finding that is in line with recently published literature on the subject.…”

“…38 -41 Although the AAP and CDC continue to encourage pediatricians to care for underimmunized and unimmunized patients, 28,42 our results show that increasing numbers of pediatricians are dismissing patients for continued vaccine refusal, a finding that is in line with recently published literature on the subject. 26,34 Resolutions have been debated at recent AAP Annual Leadership Forum meetings to allow more flexibility in the AAP position. 43,44 Our data help explain the growing degree of frustration among many pediatricians when they are unable to guide families to embrace life-saving vaccines.…”

Vaccine Hesitancy: Where We Are and Where We Are Going

“…The proportion of pediatricians who dismiss families is lower in states with more permissive exemption policies, suggesting that there is an interaction between state level vaccine policy and the practice of dismissing families. 71 It is known that vaccination rates are higher in states with stricter exemption policies, but it is not known to what extent the practice of dismissing families contributes to those higher rates. An approach to dismissal of nonvaccinating families requires consideration of legal and ethical issues.…”

Is physician dismissal of vaccine refusers an acceptable practice in Canada? A 2018 overview

“…Some physicians simply dismiss refusers and their families from their practices. In the USA, a 2012 national study determined that 21% of primary care paediatricians and 4% of family practitioners reported 'always/often' dismissing families if they refused vaccines (3). A 2016 US report highlighted that dismissal by paediatricians for vaccine refusal had increased from 6.1% in 2006 to 11.7% by 2013 (4).…”