Physicians handing out Covid 19 vaccination exemptions for school

 

California Medical Association (CMA) President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D., issued the following statement in response to rogue physicians selling bogus mask exemptions:

"We are deeply troubled by reports that a few rogue physicians have decided to ignore the science surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and place the lives of children and their families in danger. There are very few medical reasons and situations that would exempt an individual from masking requirements. It strains credulity to think that a single physician would have dozens or hundreds of patients with valid medical claims for such an exemption. Unfortunately, we know there are bad actors who are willing to operate outside the accepted standards of care in order to turn a personal profit. This needs to stop. Physicians have an obligation and a duty to uphold the oath we all take when we assume the awesome responsibility of practicing medicine. Stories like the one coming out of Roseville undermine the credibility of the medical profession and put members of the public at risk. We need strong, immediate action to ensure bad actors are not given carte blanche to interpret the law as they wish."

So, the official word from the CMA exposes this unethical as well as a potentially dangerous practice.  In addition, any physician who does this risks his medical license and can be sanctioned or face termination of his medical license.  Physicians are placed in a dual role, one of having a good relationship with their patients, especially primary care physicians who see their patients frequently.  They must also use good judgment to not allow a patient to harm themself. The term for this is primum non nocere, a consideration used by all physicians to judge whether to prescribe a particular treatment.  In determining this the physician uses the risk/benefit of a particular treatment or non-treatment.  In the risk of non-vaccination, it far outweighs the risk for treatment.  The risks vary according to age, and chronic conditions. Certain other immunologic conditions in children increase the risk of vaccination. Leukemia, Chemotherapy, previous severe allergic reaction (hives anaphylaxis, measles and mononucleosis). Patients can also check the CDC list of questions regarding vaccinations. (note: You must have Adobe Acrobat to open this link...click here It is a free app that you can download from adobe.com