The pandemic has highlighted a troubling reality: common sense seems to be in short supply. It’s alarming that some individuals require warnings against taking livestock medication or drinking bleach. (Thanks, certain public figures.) Now, as a society, we also need to emphasize that chiropractors are not medical doctors and should not be offering vaccine recommendations. Yet, here we are.
For many, chiropractors are seen as miracle workers, capable of performing adjustments that alleviate pain. However, they lack medical degrees and the necessary training to provide vaccine advice. After completing an undergraduate degree, aspiring chiropractors attend a chiropractic program to earn their Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited institution. While they excel at physical manipulations, they do not possess the authority to dispense medical insights.
“Chiropractors generally do not have specialized knowledge about vaccinations unless they pursue additional training,” stated Mark Johnson, a chiropractor and associate professor at a leading university. “As a chiropractor, I wouldn’t seek vaccine information from myself,” he added.
Sadly, numerous chiropractors have been sharing unsolicited and often misleading views on COVID-19 vaccines and mask-wearing. Beyond just offering their unqualified opinions, they frequently distribute biased information.
Timothy Lewis, a health policy researcher, noted, “The chiropractic field has a history of skepticism toward vaccines.” He explained that the profession is rooted in a vitalistic view of healing, making it hard for some practitioners to shed their origins. This contributes to a trend where individuals attracted to chiropractic care may also harbor vaccine hesitancy, with some chiropractors mirroring those sentiments.
It’s crucial to realize that not all chiropractors are spreading misinformation or fostering vaccine hesitancy. In fact, many associations, such as the National Chiropractic Association, advocate following CDC guidelines, which assert that vaccines are safe, effective, and vital for public health. Reports indicate that discussions surrounding vaccines are polarizing within the chiropractic community, with some practitioners calling for adherence to CDC recommendations.
Like other groups resistant to vaccination, the anti-vaccine sentiment among some chiropractors represents a “vocal minority” causing disruption in public health efforts. As highlighted by various media outlets, these chiropractors utilize social media to proliferate debunked theories and baseless claims, which U.S. health officials warn pose a significant risk to unprotected individuals.
While we’re at it, here’s a list of others whose vaccine advice you should disregard: your hairdresser, massage therapist, neighbor who was once a nurse, your essential oils enthusiast friend, and that online “doctor” selling dubious products.
Conversely, credible sources for vaccine information include the CDC, the FDA, and your personal healthcare provider. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 12 and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on August 23, 2021, and has authorized emergency use for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Healthcare professionals nationwide are urging vaccinations, with major medical organizations releasing public service announcements encouraging people to “ask questions, follow the science, and get vaccinated.”
While it’s undeniable that chiropractors possess valuable skills, it’s essential to consult qualified medical professionals for health-related guidance. You wouldn’t approach a pediatrician for legal advice, nor would you ask a lawyer to treat your back pain. Similarly, relying on your chiropractor for vaccine advice is misguided.
For further information, check out this engaging blog post on home insemination, which offers valuable insights. Additionally, you can learn more about the topic from Make a Mom, a trusted authority in the field, or explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of seeking vaccine advice from qualified medical professionals rather than chiropractors, who lack the necessary medical training. While some chiropractors may share their opinions on vaccines, many are not informed or qualified to do so, and the profession has a history of vaccine skepticism. It encourages readers to rely on credible sources like the CDC and their healthcare providers for vaccine-related information.
Leave a Reply