Riaño Galán I, Martínez González C, Sánchez Jacob M
Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital San Agustín, Avilés, Asturias, España; Comité de Bioética de la Asociación Española de Pediatría.
An Pediatr (Barc). 2013 Jul;79(1):50.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2013.01.011. Epub 2013 Feb 28.
Vaccinating children is the most effective primary prevention activity and many lives have been saved due to vaccines. Anti-vaccine movements have spread doubts about the safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccines, leading to some parents refusing to vaccinate their children. This refusal raises a conflict of values between the right of parents to the upbringing of their children according to their beliefs and justice, putting the immunity of the group at risk. In Spain, the law protects this ability for parents to decide not to comply with the official vaccine program. Pediatricians play an essential role in a parent's decision, and must provide accurate information about vaccination. It is necessary to explore The values of the parents, their concerns need to be empathetically examined, in order to reach an agreement. Respect for freedom does not exempt us from using discussion and persuasion to achieve attitudes and healthy choices for children. Our commitment to responsability promotion is essential for maintaining high vaccination levels that protect the health of children.
