Choosing not to vaccinate places individuals at higher risk for serious, potentially fatal diseases like measles, meningitis, and polio. It also jeopardizes vulnerable populations—newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised people—who cannot be vaccinated, and may result in exclusion from schools or childcare during outbreaks.

Who chooses not to vaccinate?

Religious Reasons. One of the most common reasons parents offer for choosing not to vaccinate their children stems from their religious beliefs.

Can a pediatrician kick you out for not vaccinating?

They can't ``force'' you to vaccinate and they're not trying to. They're simply inconveniencing you to have to look for a new provider. But you also can't force them to care for your child if you refuse their guidance on something as well documented as vaccinations.

Can you be reported for not vaccinating?

Representatives from child welfare agencies in Texas, California and Michigan have said that they would not have the authority to investigate a family for medical neglect purely on the grounds of vaccine refusal.

How to decline a vaccine?

Give the appropriate Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the parent or legal representative before each vaccine is given. This is required by federal law. When parents refuse a recommended vaccine, document that you provided the VIS(s), and have the parent sign the “Record of Vaccine Declination.”

If You Choose not to Vaccinate Your Child

What states have gotten rid of vaccine mandates?

Both Idaho and Florida have banned vaccine mandates, and other states seem likely to follow — something that health experts warn will negatively impact people's health and could lead to the resurgence of several infectious diseases.

Do unvaccinated kids get sick more?

The prevalence of allergic diseases and non-specific infections in children and adolescents was not found to depend on vaccination status.

What if one parent wants to vaccinate and the other doesn't?

This means the two of you must agree in order for your child(ren) to receive the vaccine. If the two of you cannot come to an agreement, the parent who wants to vaccinate the child(ren) will have to seek permission from the court in order to do so. This is where the forum and judge may matter.

What percentage of people choose not to vaccinate their child?

1 in 6 parents reject vaccine recommendations: Poll

About 1 in 6 parents have skipped or delayed vaccinating their children against diseases other than COVID-19 or the flu, according to a new poll from The Washington Post and health care policy nonprofit KFF.

What to do if parents refuse the vaccine?

If parents decline immunizations after your strong recommendation and conversation about their concerns, use the following strategies: Continue the conversation about vaccines during the next visit and restate your strong recommendation.

Do I really need to vaccinate my child?

Research shows that following U.S. vaccine recommendations is beneficial for children, their communities and the economy: A 2024 CDC report indicates, “Among children born [in the United States] during 1994–2023, routine childhood vaccinations will have prevented approximately 508 million lifetime cases of illness, 32 ...

What is the downside of vaccines?

Vaccines do have some risk for adverse reaction, the most common being redness and soreness at the injection site, fever, or allergic reactions.

Why do people refuse vaccines for babies?

Although there are cases in which children have medical reasons for not being vaccinated—such as anaphylactic reactions, underlying immune deficiency disorders or undergoing chemotherapy treatments—the majority of exemptions fall under the religious or personal belief categories.

What baby vaccines are actually necessary?

From birth to age 6 years old, infants and children get the following immunizations: hepatitis B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), Haemophilus influenzae type b, polio, pneumococcal disease, COVID, flu (influenza), measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox ( ...

What happens if a baby is never vaccinated?

Unvaccinated children can infect pregnant women, the elderly, and immune-compromised people who may not be able to get vaccinated or would have a weak immune response. During disease outbreaks, unvaccinated children may be excluded from school or child care to protect them and others.

What would you tell a mother who refuses to immunize her baby?

If a parent refuses to vaccinate, you can share the fact sheet If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child, Understand the Risks and Responsibilities (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/conversations), which explains the risks involved with this decision including risks to other members of their community, and the additional ...

How long does a vaccine stay in your body?

How long do spike proteins last in the body? The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) estimates that the spike proteins that were generated by COVID-19 vaccines last up to a few weeks, like other proteins made by the body.

Do unvaccinated children get sick less?

The best protection against complications and death from these diseases are vaccines. Waiting to vaccinate a baby or child against these diseases puts them at increased risk of becoming severely ill, or even dying, if and when they are exposed.

Can a pediatrician call CPS for not vaccinating?

Pediatric providers (or other mandatory reporters) also may not report vaccine refusal to CPS because they do not—or do not think CPS will—consider it neglect. Similarly, CPS may not be investigating the reports.

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