The physician community is often poorly receptive to patients, and even other physicians, that have some concerns regarding vaccines. They don’t always respond in a collaborative manner that respects patient autonomy. The vast majority of people aren’t universal ‘anti-vaxxers.’ ‘Healthy’ individuals may not want to live their lives dependent upon taking a daily drug or receiving an annual immunization. I’m referring more so to annual influenza immunizations or COVID-19 boosters, not childhood immunizations. Western medicine isn’t a universal approach. That being said, I recognize you can’t always just eat healthily and exercise your way to perfect health. People do also care about those around them, but also understand that Grandma is going to die someday from something. Respecting difference of opinion is important.
My aside is that I personally also have separate concerns regarding beating the evolutionary abilities of viral disease. There is some utility in population management in a distressed world with a lack of resources. We can’t keep everyone alive or spend infinite resources to do so. Not all may agree with my opinion. That’s perfectly okay. Our health care system is heading for a reckoning though with our approach. This is mostly unrelated to the vaccine discussion, although does overlap regarding the constant desire to treat or prevent something with a medication or immunization.
I don’t think influenza or COVID-19 immunizations are equivalent in efficacy or of the same importance to the MMR or HBV immunizations. However, they are important for the discussion because it relates to adoption by the general public. Several on this forum have alluded to that point.
I think a little levity is always helpful and something we often incorporate in the ED setting amidst constantly dealing with difficult discussions. Do you have $40? I question the utility of urgent care medicine, but there is a point to be made regarding those with diplomas on the wall.
