The AMA code of ethics was violated by a vaccination provider employed by the Hobart City Council who vaccinated at least 22 children whose parents had refused permission for the procedure to take place. These parents are now consulting with solicitors and several have approached the Federal Police to press charges for assault. These children, who attend Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Hobart, Tasmania, were vaccinated by Dr. Derek Mitchell who is employed by the Hobart City Council. Permission slips had been sent home to be signed by parents, but the instructions were then either misplaced or ignored.
Vaccination is a medical procedure and as such, has no place in schools.
We do not administer antibiotics or surgical procedures in the school environment. Inform and advise their patient of possible consequences, benefits and risks. By vaccinating children in the school situation, parents are being denied their basic rights and the doctor's own duty of care is neglected. The AVN calls for the immediate cessation of all school-vaccination programmes until such time as parents can be assured that similar events will not take place.