The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians position statement on childhood vaccinations advocates "informed consent," "more research," and "parental choice. These may sound legitimate, but the real message is an unbalanced attack on immunization based on delusional philosophy rather than science. The prevailing scientific view is that a few minor problems exist and are being addressed, but the benefits of immunization are so much greater than the risks that immunization should be universal. (In other words, the public health value of immunization is so well established that it would be senseless to debate whether or not it is worthwhile.) In contrast, the AANP paper exaggerates the risks and suggests that "some" of the current vaccinations are ineffective.
WHEREAS the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(AANP) is a strong proponent of preventive medicine and of the
protection of children and adults from WHEREAS naturopathic physicians, as primary care providers,
are morally obliged and legally mandated to uphold and carry
out the public health laws and should be WHEREAS all physicians are ethically obliged to give parents
accurate and current information on both the benefits and risks
of childhood vaccinations, i.e., parental WHEREAS it is well documented that some of the current childhood vaccinations have been associated with significant morbidity and are of variable efficacy and necessity. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it is the position of the AANP that: I. Safer, more effective vaccinations should be developed,
and more research should be conducted on possible short-term
and long-term adverse effects of vaccines II. All physicians should be attentive to the proper use of
vaccines, avoid their administration to individuals with conditions
that contraindicate their use, and accurately chart III. All physicians should obtain from parents signed informed
consent by providing printed information describing the risks
of the infectious diseases, the risks and IV. All physicians should respect that the parents or guardian
have both the responsibility and freedom to decide within the
range of options provided for by state law
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