Ebola, Whooping Cough, now Measles. Infectious disease numbers are spiking in the U.S. and physicians are speaking out about the best strategies to contain outbreaks and prevent epidemics.
A recent SERMO poll found 92 percent of doctors think the current measles outbreak is directly attributable to parents who do not vaccinate their children. Further, a physician poll conducted in August 2014 found the majority of doctors think unvaccinated children should not be allowed to attend public schools.
Public health officials agree, last week a California high school barred 66 students from attending school for not having the MMR vaccine when a suspected measles case appeared in the study body.
Measles Infographic
Our infographic shows the importance of a measles vaccine, and its impact on patients. A recent discussion inside SERMO talked about the problem. One internist wrote, “It is dangerous for every other patient in your practice. An anti-vax kid brought in by a parent for a rash sitting in the waiting room of a busy pediatric practice could spread measles to countless others in a matter of minutes.”
Some doctors believe seeing non-vaccinated patients is an opportunity to educate. An OBGYN wrote, “We have a large community of anti-vaxxers in my state, and it would be difficult to refuse them outright. Instead, I use persuasion to try to educate them and make my advocacy position very clear. I have had some limited success with this tactic.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics has urged doctors to respect each patient’s preferences but continue to educate about vaccinations unless there is a heightened medical issue for getting a vaccine.
What do you think about vaccinations and the current measles outbreak? Should unvaccinated children be banned from public schools? Should doctors urge patients to get vaccinated and turn away those who refuse? If you’re an M.D. or D.O. you can join the conversation right now inside SERMO.
Very scary graphic. Wonder why the spike in cases last 2 years?