BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physicians dismissing families who refuse vaccines from their practices is controversial. We assessed the following among pediatricians (Peds) and family physicians (FPs): (1) reported prevalence of parental refusal of 1 or more vaccines in the infant series; (2) physician response to refusal; and (3) the association between often/always dismissing families and provider/practice characteristics and state exemption laws. METHODS: Nationally representative survey conducted June to October 2012. A multivariable analysis assessed association of often/always dismissing families with physician/practice characteristics, state philosophical exemption policy, and degree of difficulty obtaining nonmedical exemptions. RESULTS: The response rate was 66% (534/815). Overall, 83% of physicians reported that in a typical month, ≥1% of parents refused 1 or more infant vaccines, and 20% reported that >5% of parents refused. Fifty-one percent reported always/often requiring parents to sign a form if they refused (Peds 64%, FP 29%, P
CITATION STYLE
O’Leary, S. T., Allison, M. A., Fisher, A., Crane, L., Beaty, B., Hurley, L., … Kempe, A. (2015). Characteristics of physicians who dismiss families for refusing vaccines. Pediatrics, 136(6), 1103–1111. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-2086
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