For physicians who are not immunized, voluntary safety measures include refraining from direct patient care.
Ethical problems arise when physicians without underlying medical conditions decline safe, effective vaccinations, according to the AMA.
“Physicians and other healthcare workers who decline to be immunized with a safe and effective vaccine, without a compelling medical reason, can pose an unnecessary medical risk to vulnerable patients or colleagues,” said Michael Suk, MD, AMA board member. “Physicians must strike an ethical balance between their personal commitments as moral individuals and their obligations as medical professionals.”
The guidance was approved by physicians at the AMA’s House of Delegates meeting.
More articles on infection control:
Vermont hospital to close OR after staff mysteriously fall ill again; won’t reopen until cause is found
Washington hospital battles 2nd COVID-19 outbreak
Half of isolation gowns from global suppliers don’t meet US standards, report finds
