Call it tough love, but some doctors in California concerned about the rash of measles outbreaks in recent weeks have posted signs on their doors and in their waiting rooms alerting parents who won’t vaccinate their kids: You’re not welcome here any longer.
“Parents who choose not to give measles shots, they’re not just putting their kids at risk, but they’re also putting other kids at risk — especially kids in my waiting room,” said Dr. Charles Goodman, a pediatrician in Los Angeles, The Associated Press reported.
Other doctors feel similarly.
And the notices, warnings and alerts come as the nation is seeing the second-biggest measles outbreak in 15 years — with 98 cases reported in just the last few weeks, AP said. Most have been tracked, directly or indirectly, to Disneyland in California.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, meanwhile, said doctors ought to raise the importance of vaccinations with parents, but not refuse service if they don’t agree.
“In general, pediatricians should avoid discharging patients from their practices solely because a parent refuses to immunize his or her child,” the group’s guidelines said, AP reported.
Mothers, meanwhile, are feeling a bit “betrayed and upset” by the boot, said Dotty Hagmier, founder of Moms in Charge, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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