When Children of the Anti-Vax Movement Want Immunizations: A Challenge for Pediatric Bioethics

by Craig Klugman, Ph.D. A teenager comes to a medical clinic and asks for an MMR vaccine. Although this particular vaccine is usually given at 12-15 months of age with a second dose at ages 4-6 years, this 16-year-old has never been vaccinated. His parents believe that vaccines cause autism* and are dangerous, therefore they have never vaccinated their children. In the age of the internet, the teen has done a lot of research and found that the science is conclusive: Vaccines are safe and beneficial (as long as you are not allergic to the ingredients).…
Source: blog.bioethics.net - Category: Medical Ethics Authors: Tags: Clinical Ethics Decision making Featured Posts Pediatrics vaccinations Source Type: blogs