Layann Al-Saud — Immunization Concerns in Pediatrics
Many Canadian pediatricians, like Layann Al-Saud of Ontario, have grave concerns over parents who are uncertain about or entirely against immunizations. As vaccination is the primary way to protect children against illness and diseases, pediatricians are strongly encouraged to work diligently with parents who refuse to vaccinate their child.
Studies show that almost 20% of all Canadian parents are uncertain about immunization and delay the process, or will not allow their child to be immunized. Pediatricians are not advised to turn the children of these parents away from their practices; instead, the pediatricians should work to educate the parents about the safety of immunizations. In this situation, a doctor needs to take the time to listen to and address the parents’ concerns by fully understanding their worries, informing parents of the safety of immunization, clearly communicating the risks of vaccines as well as the benefits, and addressing concerns about immunization-related pain and side effects.
Layann Al-Saud and other Canadian pediatricians must take careful steps in reaching out to parents who are not convinced about child immunizations, or those who do not believe in them at all. Research has shown that pediatricians who take the time to listen to and communicate clearly with parents can have a significant impact on the parents’ subsequent decision. Because of this finding, major health organizations recommend that pediatricians take extra time to sit down with immunization-wary parents, understand their concerns, address those concerns, and provide factual information to help them full see the context of their decision and its impact on their child, and other children as well.
