Mrs. Ruth is a mother of three boys of ages 7, 5 and 3. She brings all three kids to your practice for sick visits. You have been educating her on the importance of immunizations to her and her three children. She refused all immunizations because she heard that vaccines can cause genetic defects. You’ve spent considerable time in clearing the misconceptions about immunizations. You’ve explained where the disinformation about vaccines comes from, and emphasized the collective benefits of vaccinations. You showed her clinical trials which showed how vaccinations work and prevent their targeted diseases. Then, one day she brought her 5 year-old unimmunized boy to your office for an illness visit. The boy has a 3 day history of fever, cough, rhinorrhea, rash and watery eyes. On examination, his temperature is 101.5 F. The boy appears ill but is in no acute distress. He has a red raised rash on his face. His conjunctivae are injected. There are small white papules with bluish-white centers on the buccal mucosa. You noticed a blanching, erythematous, palpable rash over his chest, abdomen and back. You diagnosed him with measles. The mother informs you that her other two boys,who are at home with their dad, are also having similar signs and symptoms, though mild. What would be the best approach to this mother who still refuses immunizations?
