SPOKANE, Wash. — As Washington joins forces with other states to define its own vaccine and health care recommendations without CDC input, families are left puzzled about what it all means and who to trust.
This sudden change can be hard to grasp. On Thursday, Hawaii also joins this pact, and one of our community’s doctors suggests that conversations are key to understanding not just what this means, but also finding trust in vaccines.
“We have conversations about vaccines multiple times a day. And a lot of that conversation stems around what we do recommend, which we know is evidence based and then concerns that parents and children have about the vaccines,” said Dr. Sarah d’Hulst, a MultiCare pediatrician.
American Board of Pediatrics certified Dr. Sarah d’Hulst works at the MultiCare Rockwood Clinic in Spokane. She’s seen views on vaccines change in the last few years.
“There is some friction right now between government agencies and our medical societies. And so we’re hoping that we are the experts when it comes to making medical decisions and helping families make sound medical decisions,” d’Hulst said.
Decisions are becoming more confusing for families in the wake of several states, including Washington, pulling away from CDC guidance.
“There is the concern that people are getting conflicting information,” d’Hulst said.
She says to get clarity, start with a conversation with a medical provider you trust.
“I really think it’s so important not to be afraid to have the conversation with your doctor,” d’Hulst said.
She hopes families can find what’s best. D’Hulst mentions a vast majority of pediatricians vaccinate their own kids and can share their family experiences.
“Whether you are certain you don’t want to be giving vaccines to your child, whether you are afraid not to give vaccines to your child, have that conversation because we want to have that conversation with you,” d’Hulst said.
The medical community is assessing the new alliance through ongoing conversations at MultiCare, a sentiment echoed by a Providence representative.
“If we can understand where you’re coming from, you can understand where we’re coming from. Maybe we can meet somewhere in the middle in a way that is the absolute safest and feels the most comfortable to all of us,” d’Hulst said.
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