Data collection (search and screening): Peer-reviewed literature

Data were collected from the peer-reviewed, academic literature using a scoping review methodology. Similar to other review types, scoping reviews aim to survey, synthesize and describe a body of literature regarding a certain topic or series of topics. Unlike systematic reviews, which typically address narrowly-defined research questions based on precise methodological inclusion criteria (e.g. “What is the effectiveness of treatment ‘x’ on condition ‘y’ among population ‘z’ based on results from double-blind randomized controlled trials?”), scoping reviews answer questions that are broader in scope (e.g. “What treatments for condition ‘y’ have been previously reported?”). Also referred to as a kind of “evidence reconnaissance”, scoping reviews can be used to describe key concepts; clarify working definitions; map the conceptual boundaries of a topic; catalogue the range of pre-existing evidence; organize evidence according to time, location, source and other dimensions; and identify research gaps in the evidence base. They can include both qualitative and quantitative data, and the “end product” is usually a broad map of the available evidence organized thematically [30]. Consistent with recommendations from Arksey and O’Malley [31] and the Joanna Briggs Institute [30], our literature search was conducted in four phases:

1. An initial, limited search of two online databases relevant to the topic (PubMed and Web of Science), followed by an analysis of key terms in titles, abstracts, and indexing keywords/subject headings.
2. A second search across multiple databases, including those searched in phase 1, using all identified keywords and index terms.
3. A search for additional studies in the reference lists of all articles retrieved in phase 2.
4. A hand search of key journals to identify articles that may have been missed in database and reference list searches.

We first conducted a keyword search in PubMed, then drew on MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms from that search to search Web of Science in order to uncover additional keywords. With the assistance of a library technician, these terms and search queries were then “translated” for use in the remaining databases, which use different search algorithms and controlled vocabulary. In sum, the following multidisciplinary databases were comprehensively searched between October 9, 2018 and November 12, 2018: Medline via PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Web of Science (see S1 Table for search detail).

Based on the research question, the following inclusion criteria were used to determine article eligibility: (1) published in English or French; (2) published by an academic journal that uses peer review; (3) was authored by, addressed to, or contained within a journal tailored to naturopaths, homeopaths, and/or chiropractors; (4) addressed the topic of vaccination. Articles that did not meet all of the aforementioned inclusion criteria were excluded. No restrictions were placed on the date or type of publication. Sources included original research articles, review articles, commentaries, editorials, letters to the editor and book reviews. Articles were first screened and eliminated based on title and abstract, and after removing duplicates the remaining articles were then screened for full text. Additional articles were retrieved through reference list searches (phase 3) as well as hand searches of 3 key journals: Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, and Homeopathy (phase 4) (see Fig 1 for screening flowchart). Of note, an additional 19 articles were excluded during the screening process due to the following: the articles were sourced from a non-peer-reviewed periodical (n = 12); the articles were not authored by, addressed to, or contained within a journal tailored to naturopaths, homeopaths, and/or chiropractors (n = 6); the article did not address vaccination (n = 1).

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Fig 1. Review decision flow chart for scoping review of academic literature and grey literature scan of organizational webpages.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236691.g001

Data extraction and analysis: Peer-reviewed literature

Data were extracted from the retrieved articles and charted in MS Excel. After charting the data, all statements made with regard to vaccination were analyzed via thematic analysis. Often characterized as a “generic” qualitative method or a process shared across different analytic traditions, Braun and Clarke [32] argue thematic analysis should be considered a distinct method in its own right. In essence, it involves identifying, analyzing and reporting patterns within a dataset. Because of the inherent flexibility in thematic analysis, we feel it is important to make explicit a number of analytic decisions. First, we opted not to base our decision as to what actually constitutes a theme on any absolute frequency threshold–as will be shown, there were several sub-themes that were present only once or twice in the dataset, but nonetheless were of direct relevance to the research question. We do, however, provide frequency counts for each theme in the interest of transparency and offering additional contextual information. Second, since little is understood about CAM providers’ views of vaccination, analysis was entirely inductive; themes were developed “bottom-up” from the data instead of “top-down” from an existing theoretical framework. It should also be emphasized at this point that the aims of the current study are purely descriptive–we seek only to summarize authors’ claims regarding vaccination without any kind of interpretation or evaluation. As such, we do not explicitly adopt any particular theoretical or epistemological framework in our analysis (e.g. post-positivism, constructivism, etc.). Moreover, our analysis was restricted to semantic or manifest themes and avoided potential latent or interpretive themes. In other words, we focused only on the surface meanings of what was written and made no inferences concerning potential underlying assumptions, attitudes or ideologies.

Consistent with Braun and Clarke’s [32] framework for thematic analysis, data were analyzed in the following sequence: 1) immersion in the data; 2) line-by-line de novo coding; 3) integrating codes into broader candidate themes; 4) refining candidate themes and developing a thematic map that illustrates connections between themes; 5) concretely defining themes and supplementing with extracted quotations. In choosing quotes to illustrate our themes, we made our best effort to provide a balanced and diverse array of viewpoints across various disciplines, authors, publication types and stances on any given issue while also ensuring the quotes selected most accurately exemplify the themes being articulated. Analysis was performed using NVivo 12.

Data collection (search and screening): Grey literature

Whereas data were retrieved from the peer-reviewed CAM literature via a scoping review approach, for Canadian professional organization webpages we adopted a method used for scans of grey literature. Our search protocol was based on a template proposed by Godin et al. [33], which was developed and applied to a systematic review of the grey literature pertaining to guidelines for school-based breakfast programs in Canada. Based on Godin et al.’s [33] recommendations, we triangulated sources acquired from three different search strategies in order to minimize the risk of overlooking relevant sources: grey literature databases, Google internet searches, and targeted website searching. Searches were performed from March 2^nd to 24^th, 2019. Databases that compile and index grey literature, including the Canadian Research Index and Public Health Grey Literature Database, were searched using controlled vocabulary, and additional grey literature sources were retrieved by regular and advanced internet searches using the Google search engine. We sorted all Google search results in order of descending relevance and reviewed only the first ten pages (100 results) for each search input. To minimize the influence of personal browser histories and cookies on Google search results, all searches were performed through Google Chrome’s “incognito mode”. Finally, we hand searched a number of webpages that indexed other organizational webpages, including those from the Canadian Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Because of the greater variability of information sources, the eligibility criteria used in the scoping review methods had to be modified slightly to suit a grey literature search. Sources were only included in the review if they met all of the following inclusion criteria: (1) published by a government entity at the municipal, provincial or federal level; nongovernmental organization; regulatory body; professional organization or equivalent within Canada; (2) available in English or French; (3) is the most current version of a published document; (4) intended for use by registered naturopaths, homeopaths or chiropractors. Since grey literature sources rarely have an abstract, we instead based our initial screen on title, organization name, abstract, executive summary or table of contents–whatever was available (see Fig 1). Like the scoping review, data from the retrieved sources were extracted into a spreadsheet template and analyzed via inductive thematic analysis.

Characteristics of included professional organizational webpages

Of the ~1098 sources screened through searches of the grey literature, 45 webpages met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review (see Fig 1). Of these, 34 were curated by professional organizations or associations, 10 by regulatory or licensing colleges, and 1 by research organizations. Most webpages were dedicated to chiropractic (44.4%) or naturopathy (40.0%), with homeopathy comprising a relatively smaller share (15.6%). Over one-quarter (28.9%) of organizational webpages indicated they included all of Canada within their geographic scope of coverage or jurisdiction; others exclusively serve certain provinces, and one source includes all of North America in its coverage. 86.6% of webpages were last updated in 2017 or later, with 44.4% of webpages being updated in 2019 (see Table 1 and S2 Table).

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Table 1. Overview of characteristics of professional organization webpages.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236691.t001

Themes from organizational webpages

Naturopathic organizations

Like chiropractic organizations, the majority of webpages for Canadian naturopathic organizations do not address vaccination (n = 13 of 18). Those that do, like the Colleges of Naturopaths of Alberta [41], Ontario [42] and British Columbia [43], make similar claims as chiropractic organizations regarding providers’ scope of practice vis-à-vis vaccination. They also note that:

• Both benefits and risks are inherent to vaccination, but the benefits significantly outweigh the risks (n = 1);
• There exist no known alternatives to vaccination that produce equal or similar results (n = 2);
• Patients have a right to accept or refuse any form of medical treatment, including vaccination (n = 2).

In an editorial titled Ten Healthy Brain Tips, The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors [44] implied vaccines are a common source of mercury, which results in brain disease.

In addition to the aforementioned directives from chiropractic practice guidelines, naturopathic organizations stipulate providers must:

• Inform clients they are not authorized to prescribe or administer vaccines (n = 1), unless officially certified by the province to do so (n = 2);
• Inform clients there is inherent risk of infection if they forego vaccination (n = 1);
• Counsel patients on the benefits or risks of vaccinations, or lack thereof, so that they may make an informed decision (n = 2);
• Familiarize oneself with the provincial routine immunization schedule, and accurately relay the immunization schedule to clients (n = 1);
• Inform clients their choices concerning vaccination will not impact the client-provider relationship (n = 2).

Additional restrictions on practice include:

• Administering vaccines (n = 2), unless providers are officially certified by the province to do so (n = 2);
• Advising against vaccines unless they have a sound and properly documented medical reason for doing so (n = 1);
• Providing clients or the general public with materials that advise against or address the harms/risks of vaccination (n = 1);
• Including ‘anti-vaccination’ content or since-discredited vaccine-related evidence in advertising or marketing materials (n = 2);
• Informing clients vaccines are a likely cause of autism, or offering or advertising CEASE (Complete Elimination of Autism Spectrum Expression) therapy (n = 1);
• Advertising, offering or recommending alternatives to vaccination (n = 3).

Homeopathic organizations

4 of the 7 Canadian homeopathic organizations address vaccination on their webpages. Apart from the aforementioned statements made by chiropractic and naturopathic organizations, organizations like the College of Homeopaths of Ontario [45] noted:

• One could reasonably expect advising clients against vaccination to result in bodily harm (n = 1);
• Nosodes are not equivalent to vaccines in biomechanics or effectiveness (n = 1).

The Manitoba Homeopathic Organization [46] posted an editorial titled “Exposing Fraudulent Arguments That Favor Forced Mass Vaccination” that contains a number of vaccine-related claims, including:

• Certain vaccines cannot prevent infectious disease transmission, either because they are not designed to do so or because the diseases they target are non-communicable;
• The claim that vaccine-related adverse events are uncommon is unsupported by evidence;
• The low severity and susceptibility of certain vaccine-preventable illnesses makes vaccination difficult to justify in light of its adverse effects;
• Because the risks of adverse events from vaccination is so high, vaccination should remain voluntary;
• To prohibit school admission for not being vaccinated against certain diseases would constitute discrimination.

The BC Association of Homeopaths [47] also provided a link under their “resources” page to Vaccine Risk Awareness Network, operated by Vaccine Choice Canada, a non-profit organization that recently came under public scrutiny for paying to erect over 50 vaccine-critical billboards in Toronto, Ontario in February 2019 [48].

Characteristics of included peer-reviewed literature

Of the 3890 articles initially screened through database searching, 52 were included in the final review. An additional 10 articles were included from reference list searches as well as 3 articles retrieved from hand searches of key journals. In total, 65 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review of peer-reviewed literature (see Fig 1). Of these, 28 were review articles (which ranged considerably in the degree to which methods were specified); 23 were commentaries, editorials or opinion articles; 7 were original research articles that involved primary data collection of some kind; 5 were letters to the editor; and 2 were book reviews. Over half (56.9%) of all included articles were contained within journals specializing in homeopathy, while approximately one-quarter (26.1%) were sourced from chiropractic journals. Other subject areas from which articles were sourced include general medicine (6.2%), vaccines (1.5%), and bio- or medical ethics (1.5%). The majority of articles were contained in journals published within the United States (40%) or Germany (32.3%). Articles’ first authors most often resided in the United States (44.6%), Australia (16.9%), the United Kingdom (7.7%), Canada (6.1%), India (6.1%), and Brazil (4.6%). Nearly half (46.1%) of all articles were published in 2010 and beyond, 46.2% were published between 2000 and 2009, and only 7.7% of articles were published prior to 2000 (see Table 2 and S3 Table).

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Table 2. Overview of characteristics of peer-reviewed literature.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236691.t002

We also sought to examine the common sources of evidence cited by the included articles. After randomly selecting 30 of the 65 articles and screening at random up to 20 sources included in each of their reference lists, we found an average 8.95 sources (44.75%) originated from peer-reviewed CAM journals, non-peer-reviewed CAM periodicals, books dedicated to CAM, or CAM conference proceedings. A slightly smaller proportion originated from scientific journals unrelated to CAM (7.98 per 20 sources, or 39.88%). Other less frequently cited sources included news articles, historical documents, government publications, self-published manuscripts, internet webpages and personal correspondence.

Themes from peer-reviewed literature

Vaccine safety

39 articles made claims related to vaccine safety. Vaccines were purported to be a primary cause for a number of acute and chronic conditions (n = 24), including chronic autoimmune and allergic diseases (n = 9), autism (n = 9), attention deficit disorder (n = 1), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 1), behavioural problems (n = 3), learning disabilities (n = 2), ‘criminality’ (n = 1), scurvy (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), a variety of cancers (n = 2), recurrent miscarriage (n = 1), brain damage (n = 1), temporary coma (n = 1), physical disability (n = 1), AIDS (n = 3), and death (n = 5). The burden of vaccine-related illness was suggested to be so great that it has resulted in dramatic shifts in the epidemiologic profile of entire populations (n = 5). Moskowitz [51, p. 19] argues:

Far from being inexpensive, let alone an unmixed blessing for the public health, vaccination represents an enormous hidden cost and risk factor to the medical system as a whole, a hugely expensive and dangerous experiment that has already overburdened and sickened the population, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. Only our blind, quasi-religious faith in it, unique in all the world, will suffice to explain the scandal that the United States spends so exorbitantly on medical care, yet lags so far behind all other developed countries in every standard health measure.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

A number of mechanistic explanations are offered for how vaccinations actually result in illness (n = 15). Some suggest that it is not improper prescription or administration but the composition of vaccines themselves that result in toxic effects (n = 2). According to this view, there are no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to administer vaccines, as all vaccines are inherently dangerous. In the same vein, it is argued that vaccine-related illness is not isolated to specific vaccines, but are a result of the general process of vaccination. Others claim vaccine pathogenicity is due either to the deliberate use of chemical additives (n = 5), like thimerosal, mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde, or unforeseen issues in the manufacturing process, such as biologic contamination (n = 3), which are usually the result of poor quality control (n = 1). Conversely, some assert the issue is not with vaccine composition, but improper administration (n = 4). Vaccine-related illness is posited to result from administering vaccines too early in the lifespan (n = 1), administering vaccines too frequently (n = 1), or administering too many vaccines at the same time (n = 4).

On the other hand, a portion of authors tended to qualify or under-emphasize alleged links between vaccines and side effects (n = 9). Some note that vaccine-related adverse events are infrequent and the more common issues, like fever and soreness at the injection site, are rarely serious (n = 3). When problems do occur, it is argued they almost always result in a full recovery (n = 1). While it is acknowledged all interventions have a risk component, some assert vaccines do not carry any greater risk than the average medical procedure (n = 2). As well, like other medical procedures, vaccination becomes ever more safe with continued improvements to manufacturing, administration and evaluation (n = 1). Others scrutinize claims from their colleagues that vaccines are linked with certain illnesses, often pointing to the methodological and empirical limitations of the evidence these authors cite (n = 6). Ferrance [52, p. 171] notes, for instance:

Both SIDS and autism are tragic, and any potential cause needs to be investigated fully. That has been done in the case of vaccines, and quite simply, the data is not there to support a causal link, no matter how strenuously the National Vaccine Information Center might argue in their literature and on their webpage.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

Medical vaccine research

A number of claims concerning vaccine safety and effectiveness are premised on the quality and appropriateness of current research (n = 13). For example, some sources critique the methodology of research demonstrating effectiveness and safety of vaccines (n = 5). Some of the cited shortcomings include the inability to infer causation from correlational data (n = 2); the paucity of longitudinal evidence in observational studies (n = 5); the disproportionate focus on quantitative data collection and analysis that obscures the unique, qualitative features of vaccine reaction (n = 1); the limited external validity of randomized controlled trials (n = 1); the focus on proportional values over crude rates in epidemiological figures, which obscure the absolute impact of vaccine damage (n = 1); and the subjectivity inherent in establishing inclusion criteria for systematic reviews, which can result in biased interpretations of quantitative data (n = 1). Some posit the current composition of the literature, which overwhelmingly contains evidence that validates rather than falsifies claims of vaccine safety and effectiveness, is a result of systemic editorial bias (n = 2). Vaccine researchers are also accused of various forms of academic misconduct, including unduly manipulating or falsifying data (n = 2), failing to properly disclose financial conflict of interest (n = 2), and obfuscating possible alternative interpretations of statistical data through partial presentation (n = 1). Ferrance [53] is more defensive of the methodological rigour and integrity of vaccine research, asserting researchers have, as a whole, been impartial and honest about the risks and benefits of vaccination, and that research is continually increasing in both quality and quantity.

It is also speculated that a number of institutional powers are directly invested in managing public awareness of vaccine-related adverse events (n = 11). Providers of evidence-based medicine are accused of routinely dismissing patients’ concerns of vaccine damage (n = 2), as well as under-reporting adverse events to state-level monitoring and surveillance systems (n = 4). Some posit providers pharmacologically suppress vaccine-related symptoms to avert detection by patients (n = 1). Even when they acquire data from monitoring systems that would draw concern, major public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), influenced by competing interests from vaccine manufacturers (n = 2), allegedly conspire to systematically cover up the extent of vaccine damage by obfuscating and expunging confirmatory evidence (n = 2). Kent and Gentempo [54, pp. 15–16] employ the following historical example to support this argument:

J. Anthony Morris, one time head of influenza control in the U.S., warned his superiors in the federal government that the vaccine was dangerous and probably ineffective. When they refused to act, he went directly to the media. Morris advised the public that the vaccine was unsafe, and an epidemic was unlikely. As a result, he was fired from his position at the Food and Drug Administration. His experimental animals, representing years of research, were destroyed. Publication of his findings were blocked by his superiors.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

Alternatives to vaccination

Several strategies besides vaccination are positioned as being appropriate for augmenting immune function, particularly for vaccine-hesitant clients, including homeopathy (n = 4); chiropractic (n = 1); environmental interventions, like sanitation measures and improved access to nutritious foods (n = 1); and lifestyle-related preventive strategies, like diet, exercise, and stress prevention (n = 3). Conversely, it is also argued that while vaccination is not perfectly effective or safe, it is superior to alternatives (n = 1).

The use of homeopathic therapies for disease prevention, also referred to as homeopathic prophylaxis or homeoprophylaxis, is positioned by several authors as a viable alternative to immunization via vaccination (n = 7). Some, like Golden [55, p. 123], claim the effectiveness and safety of homeoprophylaxis rivals, if not exceeds that of vaccination (n = 12):

This fact highlights the potential value of homeoprophylaxis (homoeopathic immunization) in the public health debate. With HP [homeoprophylaxis], parents can obtain a significant level of protection against diseases that concern them (around 90%—comparable to vaccine effectiveness), without any risk of toxic damage. My latest research has also demonstrated that appropriate HP does not cause any long-term energetic/constitutional damage.

[narrative review with unspecified methods]

Other benefits of homeoprophylaxis beyond safety and effectiveness are emphasized, including affordability, flexibility and rapidity in developing new solutions in response to emerging conditions, as well as ease in its generally non-invasive administration (n = 2). Bio-mechanical explanations for homeoprophylaxis’ purported superior effectiveness and safety over vaccination suggest that unlike vaccination, which reportedly forces the immune system into a state of chronic generalized response, homeoprophylaxis gently enables the body to ‘educate’ itself on how to heal from infectious disease (n = 3). While some argue the effectiveness and/or safety of homeoprophylaxis has been supported by evidence (n = 8), others note the literature is more nascent and equivocal than supporters would care to acknowledge (n = 4).

Ethical and political perspectives on vaccination

Vaccination is also discussed in ethical and political terms, particularly with regard to mandatory vaccination (n = 9). Some employ a utilitarian framework in defense of these programs, arguing mandatory vaccination, like seatbelts and smoking bylaws, maximizes collective wellbeing(n = 3). Others claim programs of this type infringe upon individual civil liberties and are part and parcel of an excessively authoritarian government regime (n = 5). These same authors assert that debates around vaccine safety and effectiveness remain tangential to the more pressing issue of individual autonomy–regardless of its collective benefits, the decision on whether to vaccinate should rest with the individual and not the state. By extension, critiques of public anti-vaccination views are framed as an attack on individuals’ right to free speech (n = 1). Vernon and Kent [56, p. 43] argue restricting individual rights is only justifiable insofar as noncompliance with a particular regulatory project poses direct harm to others, and that certain vaccine-preventable illnesses are not adequately injurious, widespread or readily transmissible to warrant mandatory vaccination. They explain:

Experts have argued that in light of the low mortality and morbidity associated with chicken pox, as well as the unknown long-term efficacy of the varicella vaccine, that it may fail the definition of ‘‘serious consequences if transmitted.” The same argument is made by medical ethicists with regard to the routine immunization against hepatitis B. Because this is a disease that is spread through sexual contact and intravenous drug use, and has a potential for serious adverse reactions, some experts argue that this vaccine should be limited to high-risk populations and should not be given on a routine basis.

[narrative review with unspecified methods]

Homeopathic and chiropractic philosophy

A number of vaccine-related arguments involve discussion of whether vaccination and the germ theory of disease on which the procedure is based are commensurate with traditional chiropractic and homeopathic philosophies as articulated by foundational works in each field (n = 10). Opinion seems divided on whether homeopathy’s principle forbearer, Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843), was partial to vaccination. Some claim Hahnemann was explicit about the positive impact of the smallpox vaccine on population health (n = 2), while others assert Hahnemann condemned vaccines for their toxicity and incompatibility with the homeopathic directive to administer individualized treatment (n = 4). The topic is similarly polarizing in the field of chiropractic, with some noting the discipline’s founder, Daniel David Palmer, was in no uncertain terms opposed to vaccination (n = 3), and another positing vaccines’ mode of action does not necessarily conflict with the original principles he set forth regarding appropriate methods for treatment and prevention (n = 1).

As this debate continues between some authors, others question whether the biomedical principles of vaccination need be compatible with traditional homeopathic/chiropractic philosophy to accept their importance in safeguarding public health (n = 3). These authors argue it is essential to distinguish between taking philosophical/ideological and evidence-based positions on vaccination, the latter suggested to be more productive for determining how best to protect population health. Cooperstein [57, p. 28] articulates this point as follows:

Again, I argue against seeing the vaccination question as a matter of philosophy, but if I must, I am forced to conclude that vaccination procedures are very much in keeping with our philosophy. I must reiterate that I am neither advocating nor attacking vaccination. Rather, I am respectfully asking that doctors of chiropractic view this as a scientific matter and a question of public health, not a philosophical matter.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

Professional boundaries of chiropractic and homeopathy

Arguments concerning providers’ obligation to inform themselves and their patients on vaccination are periodically premised on assumptions of their scope of practice (n = 6). Some authors note that chiropractors are not trained or authorized to administer vaccines; nevertheless, as representatives of ancillary health care services and, for many patients, the primary point of contact with the health care system, it is argued they must be capable of providing reliable consult on contemporary health issues, including vaccination (n = 3). However, claims that providers should discuss vaccination do not imply their explicit goal should be to increase or decrease uptake, per se. Johnson et al. [58, p. 497] specifically assert chiropractors have a responsibility to complement evidence-based medicine in vaccine promotion:

Health care providers are in a position to advise and influence the decision-making process of their patients, the public. Although medical practitioners and nurses are uniquely positioned to directly participate in the immunization process, DCs [Doctors of Chiropractic], as representatives of a large alternative and complementary primary contact health care profession, have the opportunity to contribute to immunization programs through the process of responding to patient queries about issues related to vaccines with evidence-supported information.

[narrative review]

Though some claim chiropractic and homeopathic practice should be based on sound evidence, even if that means adopting treatment and prevention strategies from evidence-based medicine (n = 2), it is also suggested CAM providers have a moral obligation to resist biomedical hegemony by rejecting its techniques (n = 1).

Views on vaccine-related attitudes and practices

A number of authors also offer their views on the vaccine-related attitudes and practices they observe among the general public and within their own professional circles (n = 19). With regard to critical perspectives of vaccination, it was argued that: they are not necessarily irresponsible nor do they pose a direct hazard to others (n = 1); they are motivated primarily by concerns of safety, reciprocity and full disclosure in the medical encounter (n = 1); they are rooted in a desire to minimize one’s own or their children’s risk of harm from infectious disease (n = 4); they emerge as clients become increasingly knowledgeable about vaccines’ purported ineffectiveness and adverse effects (n = 3); and they involve engaging critically with issues of biomedical hegemony, medical paternalism and behavioural regulation vis-à-vis disciplinary power (n = 2). Saltzman [59, p. 37] exemplifies the last premise when she posits:

It is our society’s blind allegiance to authority or “the experts” on many different levels, whether it’s parents’ unquestioning faith in their doctors, their doctors’ trust in the CDC, or the public’s deference to the medical establishment/ pharmaceutical industry in general, that is literally killing us.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

Conversely, others note that these positions: are socially, ethically or professionally irresponsible (n = 2); contradict leading evidence (n = 4) and are based on belief systems that necessitate unscientific reasoning (n = 3); threaten public health, particularly with the risk they pose of reintroducing previously eradicated infectious diseases to the population (n = 3); undermine the legitimacy of complementary and alternative medicine (n = 2) and impede the health promotion objectives of allied health disciplines (n = 1); are a result of information literacy deficits (n = 1); and stem from an unreflexive disavowal of any interventions associated with evidence-based medicine (n = 2).

Recommendations concerning vaccination

Some articles offer explicit recommendations concerning vaccination to both clients and fellow service providers (n = 21). Two sources outright advise readers against all forms of vaccination (n = 2). Master [60, p. 4] notes:

If I weigh all this then I can’t see any reason why I could recommend vaccinations. I have refused vaccinations for many years and if a patient absolutely wants to get vaccinated then he has to resort to another person.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]

Others recommend receiving only certain vaccines or getting vaccinated only under certain conditions. Parents are encouraged to avoid combined vaccines (vaccines that immunize against multiple antigens simultaneously) and to only vaccinate their children after 18 months (n = 1). Patients are also advised to consider chiropractic services, homeopathic services, and lifestyle modifications as supplements or alternatives to vaccination, which may amplify its protective benefits, or, in the case of total substitution, offer protection without the risk of vaccine damage (n = 2). Finally, patients are advised to consider seeking legal exemption from mandatory vaccination programs (n = 1).

Authors advise their colleagues in CAM to: first consider whether vaccination is necessary before recommending it to clients (n = 1); not feel forced to advocate vaccination so as to achieve professional legitimation under the auspices of biomedical hegemony (n = 1); advise homeoprophylaxis alongside or as a standalone alternative to vaccination (n = 5); and treat vaccine damage with homeopathic preparations (n = 1). Other sources encourage providers to: explicitly promote vaccination to patients (n = 3); avoid advising clients against vaccination (n = 1); avoid advising clients to violate compulsory vaccination laws (n = 1); offer counsel for vaccination in adherence with recommendations and provisions from state laws, public health authorities, and evidence-based medicine (n = 3); keep up-to-date on the current state of vaccine research (n = 1); and present vaccine-related information in a way that is consistent with leading evidence and free from personal bias (n = 4). Khorsan and colleagues [61, p. 501] assert:

In circumstances where chiropractors or other health care providers are consulted about vaccination, they have a professional responsibility to provide current, accurate, unbiased (both positive and negative) information based on sound scientific evidence. This information is necessary in supporting the patients’ ability to make a truly informed choice.

[commentary/editorial/opinion]