The Pediatrician's Lament

This perspective explores the ethical responsibility of pediatricians in promoting vaccinations amidst growing vaccine hesitancy. The author recalls a pivotal moment when an infectious disease specialist emphasized the importance of how pediatricians communicate vaccine recommendations. Over decades, the author witnessed the introduction of new vaccines including varicella, pneumococcus, rotavirus, meningococcus, and HPV and adjusted patient discussions to encourage immunization. The article highlights real cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses, underscoring the immense impact of immunization on public health. As political challenges threaten access to vaccines, the author argues that physicians must advocate publicly for science-based health policies. The narrative calls for doctors to move beyond private patient care and actively defend vaccination in the broader public sphere.

This perspective explores the ethical responsibility of pediatricians in promoting vaccinations amidst growing vaccine hesitancy. The author recalls a pivotal moment when an infectious disease specialist emphasized the importance of how pediatricians communicate vaccine recommendations. Over decades, the author witnessed the introduction of new vaccines including varicella, pneumococcus, rotavirus, meningococcus, and HPV and adjusted patient discussions to encourage immunization. The article highlights real cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses, underscoring the immense impact of immunization on public health. As political challenges threaten access to vaccines, the author argues that physicians must advocate publicly for science-based health policies. The narrative calls for doctors to move beyond private patient care and actively defend vaccination in the broader public sphere.