Chiropractors for and against vaccines

Area of Science:

• Medical Anthropology
• Public Health Policy
• Alternative Medicine

Background:

• Conservative chiropractors exhibit strong opposition to immunization programs.
• This opposition stems from historical conflicts with the medical establishment and adherence to outdated disease causation models.
• Their stance is further influenced by cultural and political factors, creating a schism with mainstream medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the underlying reasons for conservative chiropractors' opposition to immunizations.
• To understand the anthropological and historical context of these beliefs.
• To examine the scientific validity of claims regarding chiropractic manipulation and immunity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of publications from philosophically conservative chiropractors.
• Tracing historical and political influences on professional attitudes.
• Examination of the explanatory models of disease causation used.

Main Results:

• Opposition to immunization is based on perceived vaccine imperfections (efficacy, safety, necessity).
• A belief persists that chiropractic spinal manipulation can achieve immune status, unsupported by scientific evidence.
• This opposition is framed as a cultural symbol, despite lacking scientific validation.

Conclusions:

• The opposition to vaccines among conservative chiropractors is rooted in historical grievances and unscientific beliefs.
• Chiropractic spinal manipulation as an alternative to immunization is not scientifically validated.
• This stance carries significant public health risks by promoting non-immune status in a disease-prone world.