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To: Ozymandias Ghost
I understand the term “herd immunity” but how is the doctor office any different then the local walmart, bank, church, etc.? I think the assumption in this discussion is that the people in the doctor office are there do to an illness that they could have been vaccinated for...I just don't see that as a credible assumption.
232 posted on 02/17/2012 1:04:29 PM PST by WorldviewDad (following God instead of culture)
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To: WorldviewDad
“I understand the term “herd immunity” but how is the doctor office any different then the local walmart, bank, church, etc.? I think the assumption in this discussion is that the people in the doctor office are there do to an illness that they could have been vaccinated for...I just don't see that as a credible assumption.”
_______________________

First of all, I hope I am interpreting your question correctly.

That said, here goes: A doctor's office is uniquely different from establishments like the “local Walmart, bank, church” etc; in that it is for the express purpose of providing for the medical needs of the community. You cannot receive these medical services w/o visiting the office of a doctor or similarly licensed health professional.

Many people who are chronically ill w/certain types of diseases; or, those who require immunosuppresive drug therapy (such as transplant patients), cannot be effectively immunized; therefore, they must rely upon “herd immunity.” So, if someone arbitrarily refuses to be vaccinated they create a greater risk of infection to those who have suppressed immunity.

I am not a physician; however, I would imagine that any doctor who takes his/her Hippocratic Oath seriously (i.e.: “above all do no harm”) would strive to provide an office environment that was as safe as reasonably possible for their patients.

If a physician knowingly allowed a patient with suppressed immunity to be exposed to individuals who were not properly vaccinated that might constitute an ethical violation. In addition, I would imagine that in our highly litigious society, no doctor wants to place himself/herself in a position that would create a significantly greater risk of being sued for malpractice.

Take care,

-Geoff

235 posted on 02/17/2012 2:06:07 PM PST by Ozymandias Ghost
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