Can I vaccinate my own kids?

[harvey23]

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E-8.19 Self-Treatment or Treatment of Immediate Family Members

In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available, physicians should not hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another physician becomes available. In addition, while physicians should not serve as a primary or regular care provider for immediate family members, there are situations in which routine care is acceptable for short-term, minor problems.

 

[bks524]

E-8.19 Self-Treatment or Treatment of Immediate Family Members

In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available, physicians should not hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another physician becomes available. In addition, while physicians should not serve as a primary or regular care provider for immediate family members, there are situations in which routine care is acceptable for short-term, minor problems.

Where did you get this? And is this your burning question? To answer sure, why not? I have treated both my wife, my friends and myself for various illnesses. Antibiotics and such only- don't get messed up with pain meds and the like. Just think responsibly and don't prophylax!

 

[drbon]

I think the question was is it ethical to vaccinate your own kids?

 

[bks524]

I would still say that it is OK to treat your family for certain illnesses as above.

I would ask, what is the difference between calling your friend and saying "Can you call this in for me?" That happens often enough

I get calls with some frequency with the above or others that lead you down - I want a certain type of treatment.

Just last week, i had to tell a friend that they didn't need anything for their cold- I don't think they understood.

So in short, I would say that it is OK to perform medicine on yourself and others- you must however remain objective. When you cannot, then take them to someone else.

I am interested to hear other thoughts

 

[oldbearprofessor]

The quote comes from a compendium of AMA ethical position papers. You can Google it. The fundamental idea behind it is well accepted. In general, you shouldn't be your own or your family members physician.

Most if not all of the general pediatricians I know send their own children to another pediatrician for care, either in their own group or to a different group if they are in solo practice. This is readily done in a city. I suppose it might be different in an isolated setting in which one was the only pediatrician available.

Regarding the original question, providing routine vaccinations to one's own kid is probably not a big ethical problem although I personally would prefer that someone else gave the shot.🙄.

Treating an occasional ear infection or mild dermatitis is common and may not be optimal by AMA standards but is widely done. Beyond that, a bit of caution is in order.

 

[bks524]

I would agree with OBP completely. I will not or would not see my own children for check ups. I would not even take or see my close friends children. I do think that you lose objectivity and often do (or don't do) for them what you would for others.

Having said that, I will definately treat ear infections, constipation, give advice on fevers etc to my own family and friends. Or even call in some prescriptions. But I hesitate with anything complex and don't make a habit of it. But then OBP said it so well, that I would defer to him.

 

[oldbearprofessor]

Here is a classic SDN thread about this issue as related to residents although the opinions covered a range of topics.

There are requirements which may vary among states and between pharmacies related to this and to documentation. It is a very good idea to provide some documentation for any prescription you write, regardless of who the patient is.