Deciding Whether to Accept an Unvaccinated Child into a Pediatric Practice

This Clinical Decisions feature presents a case of expectant parents seeking to transfer their unvaccinated 18-month-old daughter to a new pediatric practice. The child is missing several standard vaccinations, including MMR. The article outlines two opposing expert perspectives: one argues for accepting the child into care to build trust and encourage future vaccination; the other supports declining care unless vaccinations are brought up to date, citing public health and ethical concerns. This interactive discussion explores the ethical, legal, and public health dimensions of vaccine refusal in pediatric practice.

This Clinical Decisions feature presents a case of expectant parents seeking to transfer their unvaccinated 18-month-old daughter to a new pediatric practice. The child is missing several standard vaccinations, including MMR. The article outlines two opposing expert perspectives: one argues for accepting the child into care to build trust and encourage future vaccination; the other supports declining care unless vaccinations are brought up to date, citing public health and ethical concerns. This interactive discussion explores the ethical, legal, and public health dimensions of vaccine refusal in pediatric practice.