(WXYZ) — A local pediatricians group has just changed its policy when it comes to patients and vaccines. If you aren't vaccinated, you'll now have to find somewhere else to go.
The new policy was just sent out to patients Wednesday, and the office has already received a lot of feedback.
"I know those policies are going around a lot lately," said Mehan Imirie. "I support it. I agree with it."
Imirie is a mom of three who's talking about the new policy at southfield Pediatric Physicians that says, "we will no longer accept unvaccinated children."
Imirie says it gives her peace of mind.
"Especially the young ones," she said. "My daughter at 10 weeks isn't old enough for the measles vaccine yet."
Dr. Robert Blum is one of the pediatricians here. He says they've debated this policy for years, however, the recent measles outbreak was the deciding factor.
"We were really worried about someone coming into office that could come in and infect... especially little babies... first year... worry about being exposed to it."
Dr. Blum says he does worry about patients who will have to find somewhere else to go, but they had to draw the line when it comes to the health of patients.
"This really comes down to a handful of families that are totally anti-vaccine and won't do it no matter what and those are really the ones we worry about it," Blum said.
Rection to the new policy came quickly. The office manager says most of it has been positive, with comments like, "thank you for putting the health of children ahead of illogical fear."
Along with, "that's awesome" and "I support this decision 100 percent."
But some have expressed their opposition saying, "very disappointed in your practice's decision" and another parent saying, "shame on you!"
Br. Blum says many other local pediatricians offices already have policies in place that require patients to follow the full vaccination schedule. He says at Southfield Pediatric Physicians, they'll work with families to find a vaccination schedule they feel comfortable with.
"We'll work with them to find a schedule," Blum said. "Eventually, get all of them but on a more modified schedule."
He says they didn't come to the decision easily but it had to be done.
