Childhood Immunisation

The mom’s first child is 3 months old. She had an easy pregnancy and uncomplicated birth. The child is happy and thriving. Mom regularly takes him to meet with other moms from her antenatal group. A few of those mothers have said that they are not going to take their children to the GP to have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine because they are worried about the side effects. This mom is concerned to hear this. She and her husband had intended to take their child for all the routine immunizations because they want to do what is best for him. The mothers’ talk is making this mom doubt if this is the case.

• Are childhood immunizations compulsory?
• Can parents legally refuse to have their child immunized? What if they disagree?
• Are there any ethical justifications for non-immunization?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Clinical Ethics and Law, Second edition. Carolyn Johnston, Penelope Bradbury, Series editor: Janice Ryme