Description
Informed consent is an important process offering the public full information about the bene ts and possible risks of harm before a medical procedure is performed. Vaccination is a medical procedure. Naturopaths are often asked for guidance by patients regarding vaccination. Administering vaccines is not in the scope of practice of a naturopath. However, understanding the policies surrounding informed consent for the procedure is important to offer patients clear information in a supportive capacity.
What does the public need to know to make an informed decision?
What do we as naturopaths need to know?
Australian medical practitioners must adhere to certain criteria before administering vaccines. These criteria for informed consent are set out in the Australian Immunisation Handbook (Ed.10) and the Good Medical Practice Guidelines. These guidelines were developed to conform to the Nuremburg Code and ethical guidelines adopted by the World Medical Association (WMA) in the Geneva Convention. The guidelines were adopted to prevent forced human experimentation and are international human rights covenants which apply to all countries.
Attendees will gain knowledge of:
• What informed consent is in relation to vaccination.
• What is required to be discussed with patients about the risks and bene ts of vaccines before the procedure.
• Why Sweden has rejected mandatory vaccination.
Who should attend:
• Naturopaths
• Other Health professionals
Dr Judy Wilyman
Judy Wilyman has a Master of Science degree (Population Health), completed in 2007 at the University of Wollongong. She has also lectured in environmental health issues at Murdoch University in Western Australia. In December 2015, she completed a PhD in Public Health investigating the science and politics of Australia’s vaccination policies, covering the history of the decline of infectious diseases in Australia and the human rights issue of informed consent.
