Cross-cultural Issues and Diverse Beliefs: Case 1
Cross-cultural Issues and Diverse Beliefs
Case 1
A mother brings her 18-month-old daughter to your office for a routine physical examination. The child has had no immunizations. Her mother says that they believe that vaccines weaken the immune system and have heard that vaccination can cause autism.
What is your role in this situation? Can parents refuse to immunize their children?
Cross-cultural Issues and Diverse Beliefs
Case 1 Discussion
The risk faced by unimmunized individuals is relatively low, and the mother's refusal to immunize does not pose a significant likelihood of serious harm to her child. The physician should be sure that the child's mother understands the risks of remaining unimmunized and attempt to correct any misconceptions about the degree of risk associated with getting immunized. If the mother persists in her request, the physician should respect her wishes.