Your Health Today
More Pediatricians Enforce Vaccine Policies Amid Rise in Hesitancy and Measles Cases
With vaccine hesitancy on the rise and highly contagious illnesses like measles making a comeback, pediatricians across the country are making major changes to how they practice medicine.
In Castle Rock, Colorado, Dr. Michael Malabsky says conversations around vaccines have changed dramatically. “What used to be productive discussions about the benefits and safety of vaccines have largely stopped,” he said. “Now, I’m often just told, ‘We won’t do this.’”
Years ago, Dr. Malabsky implemented a vaccine policy at his practice—one that requires families to follow recommended immunization schedules or find another provider. He’s part of a growing trend among pediatricians prioritizing the safety of all patients.
“The responsibility of a pediatrician is to every child who walks through the door,” Malabsky explained. “Unvaccinated families pose a serious threat to medically fragile children and infants who are too young to be vaccinated.”
According to a 2019 JAMA survey, more than half of U.S. pediatricians had similar policies in place. The American Academy of Pediatrics has since affirmed that these measures are appropriate when families refuse vaccinations despite efforts to educate.
Malabsky admits the decision wasn’t easy. “It is very hard. But the way I reconcile it is knowing I have a larger responsibility to protect the most vulnerable patients.”
The policy has now been in place for over seven years, and Malabsky reports overwhelming support. “Many families say they chose our practice specifically because of our vaccine policy—they feel safer here.”
As outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases continue, more pediatricians may follow suit in prioritizing public health over personal preference.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 10, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?
James Talarico is advocating for a solution to immigration enforcement that rejects "the extremism on this issue in both parties." Talarico said, "Joe Biden failed us during his administration." And now, under the Trump administration, Talarico said there is a "different kind of extremism" in enforcement.
Jeff Zeleny breaks down Texas Democrat James Talarico's performance at a CNN Town Hall, where voters questioned him on religion, abortion and more.
New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley. A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection. Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick. Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation. #JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings
As discussion around flock cameras continues to spark greater conversations about surveillance and security, the Palm Springs Police Department is expected to provide an update on their flock camera program at tonight’s city council meeting. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we bring the latest details on this discussion #flockcameras #palmsprings #citycouncil #coachellavalley #760
A potent cold front will finally bring widespread fall-like temperatures to much of the central and eastern US.
Republican Rep. Mike Collins and Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff clashed over Jeffrey Epstein during a debate in Georgia. Collins challenged Ossoff over campaign donations from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who has acknowledged meeting Jeffrey Epstein, while Ossoff countered accusing Collins of voting against releasing Epstein-related records, and helping to "cover up" evidence.
A man and his nephew captured the moment a huge whale slammed into the side of their boat while they were fishing off the coast of Long Island, New York.