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Doctor Refuses To Treat Non-Vaccinated Patients In Person As Local Covid-19 Cases Skyrocket

Doctor Refuses To Treat Non-Vaccinated Patients In Person As Local Covid-19 Cases Skyrocket

She said it's a 'public health emergency' and she needs to protect herself and her practice.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

A doctor in the US has boldly explained why they won't be treating anyone who hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Linda Marraccini, who is based in South Miami, said there is no reason why patients can't get the Covid-19 vaccine now that the US FDA has approved the Pfizer jab for everyone.

She stressed that if people weren't vaccinated, either by choice or medical issues, then she will unfortunately have to refuse to see them in person.

The doctor has sent a letter to all her patients explaining her decision.

Vaccine
Vaccine

The message, obtained by NBC Miami, said: "This is a public health emergency - the health of the public takes priority over the rights of any given individual in this situation.

"It appears that there is a lack of selflessness and concern for the burden on the health and well-being of our society from our encounters."

Her move will kick into gear on September 15 and she has agreed to continue seeing unvaccinated patients until they have found a new practice, but it will have to be via telehealth.

However, some have criticised the decision and said it violates her Hippocratic oath to protect all patients, regardless of their background.

Linda has rejected this notion and said she is trying to ensure the safety of herself and everyone at the practice.

"The Hippocratic Oath is very science-based. I am following the science. I'm applying this to the benefit of the sick," she told Newsweek.

"It's not fair for people who are unvaccinated to harm other people.

"Responsibility has to do with each individual. This is a global health issue, and everyone owns part of that responsibility."

PA

She said the response from her patients has so far been 99.9 per cent positive, however there's understandably been some who aren't happy about having to find a new doctor.

Linda's decision comes amid a worrying spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in Florida.

During August, there were tens of thousands of new infections every day in the Sunshine State, with the peak being more than 56,000 in a single day.

There's no denying the Delta variant of the virus has spread rapidly through the community.

Considering less than 50 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated, it is putting pressure on health services as thousands of people get sick.

Linda isn't the first doctor to institute a ban on seeing unvaccinated patients in the US and she probably won't be the last.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News