By the Medical Section of the Goetheanum and the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA)
Vaccines, together with health education, hygiene and adequate nutrition, are essential tools for preventing infectious diseases. Vaccines have saved countless lives over the last century; for example, they allowed the eradication of small pox and are currently allowing the world to approach the elimination of polio.
Anthroposophic Medicine fully appreciates the contribution of vaccines to global health and firmly supports vaccination as an important measure to prevent life threatening diseases. Anthroposophic Medicine is not anti-vaccine and does not support anti-vaccine movements.
Physicians with training in Anthroposophic Medicine are expected to act in accordance with national legislation and to carefully advise patients (or their caregivers) to help them understand the relevant scientific information and national vaccination recommendations. In countries where vaccination is not mandatory and informed consent is needed, this may include coming to agreement with the patient (or the caregivers) about an individualized vaccination schedule, for example by adapting the timing of vaccination during infancy.
Taking into account ongoing research, local infectious disease patterns and socioeconomic risk factors, individual anthroposophic physicians are at times involved in the scientific discussion about specific vaccines and appropriate vaccine schedules. Anthroposophic Medicine is pro-science and continued scientific debate is more important than ever in today’s polarized vaccine environment.
For further information, please contact:
Elisa Baldini, elisa.baldini@ivaa.info
To download the statement, click here.
About the Medical Section of the Goetheanum
The Medical Section of the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, is the international center for Anthroposophic Medicine. It promotes the further development of Anthroposophic Medicine through conferences and international postgraduate medical trainings and plays a coordination role for research and trainings in Anthroposophic Medicine. https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/en
About IVAA
IVAA, the International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations, promotes the recognition of Anthroposophic Medicine and its implementation in health care systems. IVAA’s aim is that the benefits of Anthroposophic Medicine are widely recognized, and that patients and practitioners have ready access to complementary anthroposophic medicines and treatments. www.ivaa.info