The Smith family has brought their 2-week-old son into your family practice office for his 2-week checkup. He is their first son, and they are very anxious. They have already expressed multiple concerns to you concerning sleep, feeding, and crying, but their concerns have been about things that are typical for a newborn. You try your best to calm their fears, and they are receptive for the most part. However, when it comes time to discuss vaccination with them, they refuse to vaccinate their son because they report they have heard vaccines can cause autism in children. The morning after the Smith's son is vaccinated, Mrs. Smith calls you at the office to report that their son has now developed a low-grade fever. She is afraid that he is developing meningitis from one of the vaccines, because he is also fussy. What is a proper response?
A. "I understand you are frightened. However, site pain and low fever are common side effects. You can help minimize both with Tylenol."
B. "I'm very sorry I didn't listen to your concerns earlier. Bring your son to the closest ER for evaluation immediately?"
C. "You sound upset. Please remember how harmless I told you vaccines were. How can you be sure he has a fever?"
D. "This fever and fussiness are probably from an unrelated illness, and it's just a coincidence he just received vaccinations."