Case Study on Immunisation

Running Head: IMMUNISATION
Case Study on Immunisation
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1IMMUNISATION
Answer 1
It is the legal and professional responsibility of all healthcare providers to obtain
appropriate informed consent of individuals, prior to immunization or vaccination. Vaccinating a
child is one of the most essential things that can be done to protect their health. Young children
and infants are particularly vulnerable to a range of vaccine preventable diseases, owing to the
fact that their immune systems do not attend enough maturity (Gostin 2015). Hence, vaccination
is considered as a legal right of all children and is the most effective measure, related to primary
prevention of a range of diseases. Consent refers to the principles where the individuals are
required to give their permission before a medical intervention, or procedure related to
immunization is implemented. Owing to the fact that in most legal systems existing across the
world, the legal age at which an individual can provide consent coincides with age of majority
(18 years), consent regarding vaccination is generally taken from the legal guardian, or parent for
minors. In the above case scenario, Albert cannot provide the sole consent regarding Mia’s
vaccination, without the consent of her mother.
This can be attributed to the fact that most healthcare laws and governmental guidelines
suggest that the only person, who can provide consent for their child to have vaccinations, is the
mother. A father can only provide his consent, if he has parental responsibility. Policies and
legislation also state that both parents of a child, aged less than 8 years, share equal parental
responsibility for the child, following their separation (Gilmor 2017). Hence, it is presumed that
separated parents will have equal responsibility and role, in making decisions about major issues
that can create adverse effect on the health of the child. Taking into consideration the fact that
Mia lives with her father and mother for equal time span every month, it is of utmost importance

2IMMUNISATION
to seek consent from her mother, before any vaccination for purposes or influencer is
administered upon her (Kabakama et al. 2016).
Therefore, following completion of the brief explanation assessment, and obtaining
consent from her father, it is imperative to establish contacts with her mother Rose and provide
her sufficient information about the immunization, to assist her to make an appropriate decision.
This would include providing her information on the type of vaccine that is proposed to be
administered, and the reasons for immunization (recent outbreak of pertussis and a family all
history of influenza). Moreover, the risks and benefits of vaccination will also be explained to
her mother in order to help her gain a deeper understanding of the adverse health impacts that
can affect Mia in the long run. Hence, an informed and open decision making partnership will be
created with both the parents that will form the basis of informed consent, which is required prior
to administration of the vaccines (Brunson 2013). Disclosure of the vaccine risks and benefits
will be essential in avoiding confusion, and promoting the overall integrity of the consent
process. It will also help in building trust of both the parents in the immunisation program.
Answer 2
Despite the huge body of scientific research that has been done to evaluate the benefits
of immunization and the overwhelming effects of vaccination that support its effectiveness and
safety, there are various parents who so hesitant in having their child immunized (Jung, Lin and
Viswanath 2013). The reasons that make parents hesitant regarding vaccination range from fear
about allergic reactions or hypersensitivity, autism, or concerns about their safety. In this case
scenario, ignorance or deficiency in knowledge of Mia’s mother regarding the contraindications,
and adverse effect of the proposed vaccine might lead to several immunization error. She

3IMMUNISATION
considers mild illness and allergic reactions as the primary reason for not giving her consent to
up to date immunizations (Brunson 2013). She should be provided with correct information
about the benefits and risks of vaccine. Although she would like to know about the adverse
effects more, health benefits of immunization should be emphasised during the discussion,
without comparing it to the major risks that might be involved. Communication with the parents,
and delivery of appropriate sources of information about major factors that might affect parental
practice regarding vaccination is essential. Engaging in an effective communication will improve
her perception on the potential benefits. This will make her more likely to continue with the
proposed immunization programme. While counselling her mother about the safety of vaccines,
it is required to uniformly state that there is no association between development of autism with
vaccination. A discussion regarding the common misconceptions about immunization needs to
be initiated, to change her attitudes and beliefs (Nyhan et al. 2014).
Moreover, it needs to be evaluated whether Mia’s mother has distrust in government
sponsored information, regarding immunization. There is a need to show empathy to the parent,
to demonstrate a willingness of protecting the child. Empathy will be displayed by addressing the
concerns of the parent directly and demonstrating active listening skills. This will make her
perceive that her concerns are being noted and respected. Follow up time will be set aside, on a
regular basis to receive feedback from the parent regarding her opinion on vaccination. Such a
partnership should be established much prior to the immunization visit. In addition transparency
should be maintained regarding the decision making process. Displaying honesty about the risks
and uncertainty of immunization will help in motivating and engaging the parents during
dialogue. Motivational interviewing will also be adopted to change her behaviour. Respecting the
differences that exist in opinion about immunization and determining the origins that lead to