WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsEye On Health: Missing Vaccine Schedule

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) --A visit to the doctors office isn't something most children look forward to, and especially if it involves getting a shot.

Now a recent study shows they aren't the only ones. One in ten parents aren't following the recommended vaccination guidelines for their young children.

"We definitely see it, people who want to have their own schedules or delay shots, or avoid certain shots all together," says pediatrician Dr. Peter Rawlings.

Dr. Rawlings says that's rolling the dice with your child's health and leaving a population of young people at risk for illnesses such as polio and hepatitis B.

"I think what they are trying to do at that point is thinking their child won't get sick, the problem is that if we have a population at risk and one person exposed, that can explode," says Rawlings.

Dr. Rawlings feels so strongly about this issue that he won't see patients who don't comply with the recommendations.

"We feel very strongly that children need vaccines, we'll work with you to modify the schedule but if you don't want any vaccines, the answer is you need to find somebody else", says Rawlings.

For some parents, concerned about the link between vaccines and the rise in certain conditions like autism, getting those shots aren't a risk they're willing to take.

Dr. Rawlings admits there are risks involved with any vaccine, but he feels the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Parents like Ron Elliott agree.

"Any precaution that is prescribed by the doctor touted as a benefit I want to take advantage of it," says Elliott. 

"Some will have more issues as far as fever and illnesses and some can have more significant things, but small mainly relative risks," says Dr. Rawlings.

Most pediatricians are willing to work with parents concerned about any risks involved with vaccinations, but it's important to talk with your child's doctor before skipping any of the recommended shots.