Pediatricians Offer 'Last Resort' Care for Vaccine-Skeptical Parents

A small group of pediatricians across six states have created what they call a "practice of last resort" for families hesitant about vaccines. Rather than turning patients away, they focus on listening to concerns and providing information without outright dismissal.

Reporter Eric Boodman spent a day shadowing Dr. Aaron Bornstein at Middleboro Pediatrics, observing a meet‑and‑greet with a mother who felt pressured by her previous doctors to follow a strict vaccine schedule. The mother described how the new practice gave her space to ask "why" without feeling judged.

The doctors interviewed emphasized that building trust is the first step toward any eventual acceptance of recommended immunizations. By prioritizing respectful dialogue, they hope to keep children in regular care and gradually address vaccine gaps.

Boodman’s piece highlights nine pediatricians who share this approach, suggesting that such models could become more common as vaccine hesitancy remains a public‑health challenge.