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Hepatitis B is uncommon in the US because of routine, safe vaccinations. Most states do require it for entrance into school. Of course, this doctor's actions are inexcusable, but that does not reduce the value of vaccinations, which save an estimated 750,000 lives a year.
I can't believe everyone is so judgmental about what other people chose for their own children!!! Shame on everyone who can't behave like a grownup and respect other peoples right and beliefs!
For anyone who was linked to this article and doesn't know, Hep B is ONLY transmitted through sexual contact and blood. It is not transmitted in day cares or parks or play dates. Unless someone engages is risky sexual behavior or needle sharing, Hep B is not a necessary vaccine. I turned down my Hep B vaccine in 6th grade for the same reason, since I knew I was not going to expose myself to those risks. Ultimately I got it before going to China, where blood transfusions would carry the risk.
I am relunctant to believe this couple. Child Protective Services would never remove a child for such a reason, and MD's know that parents have the right to refuse any treatment. The only circumstance I could think of this happening might be if the MD was young and perhaps not educated in state laws, or US laws. At any rate, the couple should have asked to speak to a superior and got other medical staff to witness this claim at the time.
It may not be illegal to refuse vaccines, but it should be. Those who refuse vaccines put all of us in real danger.
screw the family, they should probably lose their child for not wanting it vaccinated in the first place.
Son#2 had a bad vaccine reaction that required hospitalization with lasting effects. Hep B is an STD and I opted against giving my premature son the vaccine in the hospital since I know he will not have sex for some time and is not a junkie sharing needles. This is not something like Polio. Those rare parents who experience irreversible damage from vaccines think twice about the risks. My youngest baby is on a slow schedule and hep B is last on that list for obvious reasons. Respect parents.
Rick
To those who say that Hep B virus is an STD, that is true, however, do note that HBV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, contact of nonintact skin, mucosal membranes, or saliva. Hepatitis B is associated in the long term with liver cancer, which has a high mortality rate. HBV vaccination is one of few cancer-preventive vaccines in existence, so please think of the household, community at large, and your child when considering not vaccinating against HBV.
June 24, 2014 • Columbus