Why I vaccinate

[elleandsam]

I've read many posts about why people don't, so here's my reason why I do...

As a child I suffered rubella, measles and mumps. Each were painful, horrifying for my mother, and rubella almost killed me. My earliest memory is being 4 and lying on the couch screaming in agony as I was so ill with rubella. According to my mum I was hallucinating and would scream in my sleep. She thought I was going to die. I was in hospital for 3 months. In isolation and my mum was the only person allowed to come and visit me.

When I was 6 I had the chicken pox so bad that they were all the way down my throat and they were inside my vagina. I remember telling my mother that my insides were itching. Again, I was in agony.

I am so glad that my daughter won't have to go through that as modern medicine will prevent those horrible diseases and she won't have to go through what I went through. I'm so lucky that I didn't die from the illnesses I suffered.

That's why I vaccinate.

[dreamtobeamummy]

good on you for coming out and saying it.

I will be vaccinating, I still don't understand why people don't.. we were all vaccinated as children and it never did any harm to us.

But lets not derail the thread :D

[elleandsam]

good on you for coming out and saying it.

I will be vaccinating, I still don't understand why people don't.. we were all vaccinated as children and it never did any harm to us.

But lets not derail the thread :D

I got all of these before the MMR vaccination came out and before the Chicken pox vaccine became mainstream.

[ManekiNeko]

good on you for coming out and saying it.

I will be vaccinating, I still don't understand why people don't.. we were all vaccinated as children and it never did any harm to us.

But lets not derail the thread :D

I think the choices we make as parents are relative to the experiances we have in life. Yes I've seen first hand the devestation of vaccine preventable disease both my mother and father almost died of poilio and my mother is actualy crippled by the disease. I can totally understand why my mother vaxed us because she has said several times she would rather be dead then live the life she has as disabled.

On the other hand I have a child who is mentally disabled and has brain damage for reasons not completely known to me. Just because your life goes down a certain path it doesn't mean another's will. I think if we want people to respect and understand our individual choices we need to return that to people who choose otherwise. That is why I will never begrudge someone for their choice because we do what we think is right as parents and who am I to say what is right for me is right for another.

[meggs]

:yelclap: elleandmum i totally agree with you!

[elleandsam]

I think the choices we make as parents are relative to the experiances we have in life. Yes I've seen first hand the devestation of vaccine preventable disease both my mother and father almost died of poilio and my mother is actualy crippled by the disease. I can totally understand why my mother vaxed us because she has said several times she would rather be dead then live the life she has as disabled.

On the other hand I have a child who is mentally disabled and has brain damage for reasons not completely known to me. Just because your life goes down a certain path it doesn't mean another's will. I think if we want people to respect and understand our individual choices we need to return that to people who choose otherwise. That is why I will never begrudge someone for their choice because we do what we think is right as parents and who am I to say what is right for me is right for another.

We each make our own choices for ourselves and for our children. I respect others right to make decisions for their children and I expect that others would respect my choices for my child.

Everyone's experiences are different. But I suspect that my reaction to chicken pox could possibly be passed on to my children, and I don't want that for them.

I'm simply sharing my reasons for my choices if nothing more than to dispel the stereotype that people who vax do so just because doctors tell them to or do not research their choice first.

[ManekiNeko]

We each make our own choices for ourselves and for our children. I respect others right to make decisions for their children and I expect that others would respect my choices for my child.

Everyone's experiences are different. But I suspect that my reaction to chicken pox could possibly be passed on to my children, and I don't want that for them.

I'm simply sharing my reasons for my choices if nothing more than to dispel the stereotype that people who vax do so just because doctors tell them to or do not research their choice first.

I completely understand and respect your choices and I think it's great your sharing your story. If my children were healthy and hadn't had any problems I would have continued to vax with no concern. I was just responding to a comment not understanding why people wouldn't vax. It does how ever make me somewhat annoyed people are insinuating all people who vax make unimformed decisions because I don't hink that's the case. If I were you I would feel exactly the same as what you have described. :hugs:

[elleandsam]

I completely understand and respect your choices and I think it's great your sharing your story. If my children were healthy and hadn't had any problems I would have continued to vax with no concern. I was just responding to a comment not understanding why people wouldn't vax. It does how ever make me somewhat annoyed people are insinuating all people who vax make unimformed decisions because I don't hink that's the case. If I were you I would feel exactly the same as what you have described. :hugs:

I am very thankful for my daughters health, and I completely understand others choices for not vaccinating when there have been issues and problems. The unknown is sometimes a very scary thing and not knowing wether or not something has harmed your child must be so frustrating, upsetting and confusing.

But with everything in life, not every choice is an easy one, not every story has a happy ending and not everything you say is going to be agreed with.

I just felt after hearing all the anti-vax stories I would share my pro-vax story, so maybe then people can see why I choose to 'jab my child with garbage.' (That's how another user described it, which is why I felt compelled to write our story.)

[ManekiNeko]

OP I think it's great your sharing this because well I can't really say I'm anti vax and some of the anti vax sentiments being bandied about are a little bit off. I agree with you people need to be shown both sides of the coin and educated to make the decision that is right for them. Trying to scare people into not vaxing is irrisponsible imo. I only have to look at my mother and see the pain she has suffered through out her life physically and mentally due to contracting polio at age 2 to value the importance of vaccination.

[kuddles]

I vax too!

[ManekiNeko]

Oh deary, sorry!! I will retract and edit. :hugs:

That's ok lol.

[Bo0tifuL]

Im a big Vaxxer! Before this website i had no idea people werent doing it? But still, i didnt change my mind, if there is something out there thats going to help my child i will do what i can!

[ManekiNeko]

deleted!

Just re the scare tactics though, I think it's better to be informed than misinformed...

I also consider the non-vaxing opinion...esp when it comes to the ingredients within the serums...but also I think of the ingredients of a hot dog and haggis...

My grandma had polio, she recovered, but she doesn't have the full use of her left arm.

I've stopped vaxing one child and am delay vaxing the other so theoretically speaking I guess I am a non vaxer. I still as a non vaxer am upset about the anti vax threads. I do really think to myself what would happen if NO ONE vaxed at all. Polio as I'm sure many other vaccine preventable disease are horrible to see and experience first hand. I think about how my grandmother and grandfather felt nursing a child close to death due to polio.

[elleandsam]

I've stopped vaxing one child and am delay vaxing the other so theoretically speaking I guess I am a non vaxer. I still as a non vaxer am upset about the anti vax threads. I do really think to myself what would happen if NO ONE vaxed at all. Polio as I'm sure many other vaccine preventable disease are horrible to see and experience first hand. I think about how my grandmother and grandfather felt nursing a child close to death due to polio.

I think anti vax threads get very heated and can be very upsetting. We aren't deliberately hurting our child, we are doing what we feel is right for them. Anti vaxers make it sound as though we injecting our kids with poison, it simply isn't true and comments like that are very hurtful.

[RedPanda]

I vaccinate because I don't want my children to get preventable diseases or pass preventable diseases onto those who cannot be vaccinated for whatever reason (too young, repressed immunity etc). To me the risk is smaller than the risk of the disease having lasting or significantly negative effects. I have spoken to health professionals who I trust completely and have decided that's what's right for my family.

[ManekiNeko]

Perhaps maybe ManekiNeko you should not inhabit the "pro vaccination" thread if it upsets you..the op merely wanted to know why people vaccinate.

It doesn't upset me the anti vax thread receantly posted is what I'm talking about. I'm a little confused because I've mentioned many times that I wouldn't say I'm anti vax. I agree how hurtful it is to say vaxers are poisoning their children... It also makes people who delay or not vax at all look like nut cases. Still though it's not the idea of vaxing or not vaxing that is up setting its either side insulting eachother because we all do what we think is right for our children.

[elleandsam]

I vaccinate because I don't want my children to get preventable diseases or pass preventable diseases onto those who cannot be vaccinated for whatever reason (too young, repressed immunity etc). To me the risk is smaller than the risk of the disease having lasting or significantly negative effects. I have spoken to health professionals who I trust completely and have decided that's what's right for my family.

Great reasons also. :yes: Some of these diseases have devastating consequences for children.

[elleandsam]

Still though it's not the idea of vaxing or not vaxing that is up setting its either side insulting eachother because we all do what we think is right for our children.

:iagree: very well said.

[hailsntwang]

:yelclap: elleandmum i totally agree with you!

:iagree: Thanks Meggs for saying my thoughts!!:yes:

[Fuchsia!]

I think anti vax threads get very heated and can be very upsetting. We aren't deliberately hurting our child, we are doing what we feel is right for them. Anti vaxers make it sound as though we injecting our kids with poison, it simply isn't true and comments like that are very hurtful.
Those nasty comments come from both sides, and IMO the most hurtful are the ones that some vaxxers say.

The names and insinuations and the insults i have copped its unbelievable.

Glad you are happy with your decision :)

[kay11]

It doesn't upset me the anti vax thread receantly posted is what I'm talking about. I'm a little confused because I've mentioned many times that I wouldn't say I'm anti vax. I agree how hurtful it is to say vaxers are poisoning their children... It also makes people who delay or not vax at all look like nut cases. Still though it's not the idea of vaxing or not vaxing that is up setting its either side insulting eachother because we all do what we think is right for our children.

ManekiNeko, from what I've seen of your posts you are asking very good questions. I think it is right for parents to ask the questions that you are asking. I hope you find some answers. Vaccination isn't a black and white issue, anybody that tries to make it one is a nut case.

[elleandsam]

Vaccination isn't a black and white issue, anybody that tries to make it one is a nut case.
Very well said, I think both anti and pro vaxxers can agree with that.

[missie_mack]

I always find it interesting that people claim to be informed about vaccination and chose to vaccinate to protect not only themselves but others who are frail or cannot be vaccination.

I wonder how many people realise that the varicella vaccine is expected to increase the amount of people who contract shingles and kill more people than ever in the first 70 years after introduction. Statistically the shingles rate is already starting to increase and is more devestating to society as a whole than chicken pox :confused: Infact based on this research the UK decided not to introduce this vaccine at all

As for the rest I appreciate that people decide to vaccinate regardless of their reason. I however tend to find it sad that not everyone makes an informed decision about vaccination and understands what causes particular vaccine preventable virus/diseases when so much of the information is so readily available and people go to great lengths to research other stuff.

In regards to the comment about everyone being vaccinated as children. I don't know how old everyone is but I know when I was a child many of the vaccines weren't available and many of these virus' were considered part of everyday life....

[reAllytee]

I always find it interesting that people claim to be informed about vaccination and chose to vaccinate to protect not only themselves but others who are frail or cannot be vaccination.

I wonder how many people realise that the varicella vaccine is expected to increase the amount of people who contract shingles and kill more people than ever in the first 70 years after introduction. Statistically the shingles rate is already starting to increase and is more devestating to society as a whole than chicken pox :confused: Infact based on this research the UK decided not to introduce this vaccine at all

As for the rest I appreciate that people decide to vaccinate regardless of their reason. I however tend to find it sad that not everyone makes an informed decision about vaccination and understands what causes particular vaccine preventable virus/diseases when so much of the information is so readily available and people go to great lengths to research other stuff.

In regards to the comment about everyone being vaccinated as children. I don't know how old everyone is but I know when I was a child many of the vaccines weren't available and many of these virus' were considered part of everyday life....

:iagree:


I do not think badly of anyone who chooses to vax but I am always wary of hearing that they are informed as this usually means they have read the pamphlet given by their CHN or G.P.

Same goes with those who choose not to vax & are spouting a lot of very scary stuff passed around the net etc.

Although I have one child vaxxed & one who is only partly vaxxed I stand in both camps.


My mum caught Polio at 5yrs of age.

It is a highly contagious disease yes but there is much more to it than that.

New research has found that those who contracted the disease seem to be missing something in their DNA which could mean there is a reason that some contract it & some don't.

My mum was the only person to catch Polio within the area she & my Grandparents lived in & within a broad section of Sydney.

Weird considering she had two younger siblings & had contact with a large number of children daily including those that came to visit her while it was still thought she had a bad dose of the flu !

Many say that sanitation, hygiene etc helped but again funny how most who contracted it were from well to do suburbs & were fairly well off.

There are sooooo many things we still don't know about these diseases & why some people catch them when others don't especially when they are so highly contagious.

Yes vaccinations can & do work for many, the problem is that they don't always work either & can cause more harm than good to others.

A lot more children are having issues just as we now vaccinate so many more kids & against many more diseases than we ever did plus we lump them all in ogether which is another issue ...

Anyways I think as long as we can all have respect for each other is the main thing because we are all trying to do the right thing with the info we have.

[Josh]

I vax because I too have seen the adverse effects of not vaxing, my dd is disabled from CP, but also some of the diseases scare the cr@p out of me,whooping cough comes to mind..however there are some vaxes that have got me suspicious and I am still researching this.

[lucky stars]

OP i see why you have vaxxed and dont disagree with your reasons at all, but just a reminded vaxxed kids can still get the diseases. Just heard a friend's 3 yo nephew contracted measles...even though he's had the MMR vax. Mind you, he did catch it in south africa while they were on holiday and the measles rate is much higher there. At first his mom did not suspect measles because he's been vaxxed and she like alot of people thought that meant he had 100% immunity. Not the case unfortunately.

[trishalishous]

My DH was born in a country which still has many of the diseases which are non-existant in Australia. (ie small pox)
When we lived there I had all my additional immunisations (I even had a rabies shot after I was bitten by a monkey) and took anti-malaria drugs (which I wont take again, the side affects were shocking, and I now know the symptoms/prevention)
I was so grateful I grew up in Aus, but even so I had whooping cough at 6 weeks, due to contact with non-immunised kids, and nearly died. I then had severe chicken pox, with sores internally and even on my eye balls (I couldnt pee with out agony as they were in my urethra)
Im so glad they can immunise now!
Im also waiting on a Dengue fever vaccine, as I have had 1 strain, Im more likely to contract another, maybe fatal strain.
We are travelling overseas next Dec, with a 7 month old baby, and Peanut will have had as many immunisations as possible before we leave. I wouldnt even consider NOT immunising.

ETA: I have a BSc, and while my major want biomedical, I still had 2 years of experience and access to university research and database. I never once found ANY peer-reviewed articles which clearly demonstrated a link between vaccinations and add/sids/autism etc. Yes something like 0.001% of vaccinations will cause an adverse reaction (other than the regular swollen injection site etc) but the majority of specialists in this field will unequivocally advise to immunise.
I am having dinner with a immunologist who is working on cancer vaccines, and Ill ask her for some research links tonight.

[dad2bee]

I always find it interesting that people claim to be informed about vaccination and chose to vaccinate to protect not only themselves but others who are frail or cannot be vaccination.

I wonder how many people realise that the varicella vaccine is expected to increase the amount of people who contract shingles and kill more people than ever in the first 70 years after introduction. Statistically the shingles rate is already starting to increase and is more devestating to society as a whole than chicken pox :confused: Infact based on this research the UK decided not to introduce this vaccine at all

As for the rest I appreciate that people decide to vaccinate regardless of their reason. I however tend to find it sad that not everyone makes an informed decision about vaccination and understands what causes particular vaccine preventable virus/diseases when so much of the information is so readily available and people go to great lengths to research other stuff.

In regards to the comment about everyone being vaccinated as children. I don't know how old everyone is but I know when I was a child many of the vaccines weren't available and many of these virus' were considered part of everyday life....

Just to clarify that the uk studies did find and increase in shingles however similar studies in Australia and north America showed the varicella vax to be Safe which is why it is on the schedule. The increased morbidity may only be for 20-30 yrs and will be addresses by a varicella vaccine for older people in Australia that will be introduced in the near future.

[Josh]

OP i see why you have vaxxed and dont disagree with your reasons at all, but just a reminded vaxxed kids can still get the diseases. Just heard a friend's 3 yo nephew contracted measles...even though he's had the MMR vax. Mind you, he did catch it in south africa while they were on holiday and the measles rate is much higher there. At first his mom did not suspect measles because he's been vaxxed and she like alot of people thought that meant he had 100% immunity. Not the case unfortunately.

As far as I am aware if a vaxed child gets a disease then it will only be in a mild form, but if a non vaxed child gets a disease then it could be fatal.

[elleandsam]

As far as I am aware if a vaxed child gets a disease then it will only be in a mild form, but if a non vaxed child gets a disease then it could be fatal.

That's also my understanding from what I've read, seen and heard.

[Fuchsia!]

It depends on the child, I have known a couple of children who were vaxxed and got CP and they copped it really bad, and a few unvaxxed kids got it not so bad.

My brother and i both got CP when we were teenagers. I got about 10 spots, my brother was covered in from head to toe and suffered really badly. Neither of us were vaxxed.

[missie_mack]

Just to clarify that the uk studies did find and increase in shingles however similar studies in Australia and north America showed the varicella vax to be Safe which is why it is on the schedule. The increased morbidity may only be for 20-30 yrs and will be addresses by a varicella vaccine for older people in Australia that will be introduced in the near future.

Brissons study actually stated 80 years to be precise. For children in general the Australian Department of Health admit that it is 'generally a benign, self limiting disease' that effects adults far worse than children (infact 25 times worse in most cases). Hence in the study done by Brisson on the econimical cost to society of the vaccine they were of the opinion financially it would be more beneficial to vaccinate those adults that do not carry immunity. Infact in a country the size of the USA he felt that the introduction of the vaccine would prevent 186 million cases of the disease and prevent approx 5000 deaths over 50 years HOWEVER it would lead to 21 million more cases of shingles and 5000 more deaths from shingles.

Herpes Zoster or shingles causes far more deaths in society and has seen an increase with each year since the Australian CDA decided to make notifications compulsary (which did not occur until 2006 despite introducing the vaccine to the schedule in 2005) and despite the rate of infection for shingles being on the steady increase the government are still yet to introduce Zostavax to the PBS despite it being registered with the TGA in 2006 and a submission (which was declined as being not cost effective) was placed in 2007. Zostavax has a RRP of over $200 which is quite costly to those who are in high risk categories of over 55's many of whom would be on government support/welfare such as the aged pension.

So evidently vaccinating against Chicken Pox is far from protecting the weak and those at high risk. Infact based on scientific study it will rapidly increase hospital costs on society and maim and kill more than the actual inital virus does If indeed Brissons study (which was completed in both the UK and Canada) is correct the decision to vaccinate against this will not only effect our parents, ourselves and our children but quite possibly also our grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren.

[giordysmum09]

Everybody will have a different opinion and each will have a reason for doing so. Each to their own.
To answer the original question 'Why I vaccinate?', I do so because after a troublesome pregnancy and then problems with both me and bub resulting in an extended stay in hospital I simply can't bear the thought of my little girl being seriously ill from a disease that I could have prevented with a vaccination. Not so much Chickenpox, and no I don't worry about her getting the flu or anything; but things like Whooping Cough, Polio etc. I had a mild case of Whooping cough when I was young. Mum says its because my immunisations werent complete, due to an allergic reaction to one of the injections. I can still remember what I went through and I wouldn't wish it on my precious little girl, nor anyone elses child...it's not 100% effective; afterall, both my brother and I contracted Chickenpox and we were vaxxed, then there was the whooping cough, but I feel it is still a better chance than not being vaxxed at all.

[elleandsam]

Brissons study actually stated 80 years to be precise. For children in general the Australian Department of Health admit that it is generally a benign, self limiting disease that effects adults far worse than children (infact 25 times worse in most cases). Hence in the study done by Brisson on the econimical cost to society of the vaccine they were of the opinion financially it would be more beneficial to vaccinate those adults that do not carry immunity. Infact in a country the size of the USA he felt that the introduction of the vaccine would prevent 186 million cases of the disease and prevent approx 5000 deaths over 50 years HOWEVER it would lead to 21 million more cases of shingles and 5000 more deaths from shingles.

Herpes Zoster or shingles causes far more deaths in society and has seen an increase with each year since the Australian CDA decided to make notifications compulsary (which did not occur until 2006 despite introducing the vaccine to the schedule in 2005) and despite the rate of infection for shingles being on the steady increase the government are still yet to introduce Zostavax to the PBS despite it being registered with the TGA in 2006 and a submission (which was declined as being not cost effective) was placed in 2007. Zostavax has a RRP of over $200 which is quite costly to those who are in high risk categories of over 55's many of whom would be on government support/welfare such as the aged pension.

So evidently vaccinating against Chicken Pox is far from protecting the weak and those at high risk. Infact based on scientific study it will rapidly increase hospital costs on society and maim and kill more than the actual inital virus does If indeed Brissons study (which was completed in both the UK and Canada) is correct the decision to vaccinate against this will not only effect our parents, ourselves and our children but quite possibly also our grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren.

While I find your information very interesting, I still reserve my right to choose what I think is best for my child.

When having all of my immunisations done to join the Navy I was told by one of the Navy's top nursing officers that most reactions are noticed within 15 minutes of injections with the rest coming out within 24 hours. If something else happened after 24 hours a majority of cases had other factors come into play like other medications reacting with injections or environmental factors.

I trust him, he has given vaccinations to more people than I have met in my life. He's seen bad reactions to experimental vaccines, but most people have had no reaction at all.

So when I had my daughter I consulted this nurse, who I trust, and got his honest opinion on vaccinations and how they work.

There are so many studies supporting vaccinating and so many dispelling, I think you have to consult a health professional that you trust and then go with what you think is right.

[cheeky_cheek]

yes we vaccinate our daughter because i cannot bare the thought of her becoming deathly ill with a disease we could have prevented or at least tried. i was very sick as a child with several illnesses and i do not wish that upon anyone so we will continue to vaccinate her and future children.

each parent has the right to decide if they want to vaccinate or not but if we didnt vaccinate and she made another child sick or lose their life because they got something from her. i could never forgive myself. thats my opinion ;)

[dad2bee]

Brissons study actually stated 80 years to be precise. For children in general the Australian Department of Health admit that it is 'generally a benign, self limiting disease' that effects adults far worse than children (infact 25 times worse in most cases). Hence in the study done by Brisson on the econimical cost to society of the vaccine they were of the opinion financially it would be more beneficial to vaccinate those adults that do not carry immunity. Infact in a country the size of the USA he felt that the introduction of the vaccine would prevent 186 million cases of the disease and prevent approx 5000 deaths over 50 years HOWEVER it would lead to 21 million more cases of shingles and 5000 more deaths from shingles.

Herpes Zoster or shingles causes far more deaths in society and has seen an increase with each year since the Australian CDA decided to make notifications compulsary (which did not occur until 2006 despite introducing the vaccine to the schedule in 2005) and despite the rate of infection for shingles being on the steady increase the government are still yet to introduce Zostavax to the PBS despite it being registered with the TGA in 2006 and a submission (which was declined as being not cost effective) was placed in 2007. Zostavax has a RRP of over $200 which is quite costly to those who are in high risk categories of over 55's many of whom would be on government support/welfare such as the aged pension.

So evidently vaccinating against Chicken Pox is far from protecting the weak and those at high risk. Infact based on scientific study it will rapidly increase hospital costs on society and maim and kill more than the actual inital virus does If indeed Brissons study (which was completed in both the UK and Canada) is correct the decision to vaccinate against this will not only effect our parents, ourselves and our children but quite possibly also our grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren.

Despite everything written above he has recommended varicella vaccination in Canada, USA, Australia and instituting a vaccination program between 65-75yrs (all published in different studies btw 2005-2008). What does that tell you?

[kay11]

The chicken pox vaccine leading to shingles is a very interesting question. Next cab off the rank for us is chicken pox vaccine. From what I understand the vaccine can lead to shingles and so can the chicken pox virus. So deliberately vaccinating for the chicken pox virus could lead to DD later developing shingles.

It seems counter-intuitive to possibly cause harm but then my mum deliberately let me play with the kids up the road that came down with chicken pox. I guess you just way up the risks once again. I'm still inclined to vaccinate and will ask my DDs GP (whom I trust) her thoughts when I next see her.

It seems that some of the vaccines (eg the Hep B one) are not just about protecting people from diseases but also about the 'greater good' of eliminating diseases from society eg small pox.

[missie_mack]

While I find your information very interesting, I still reserve my right to choose what I think is best for my child.

And I am not disputing anyones right to do that:no:. The original post (if you go back and have a look at it) referred to those who claim to vaccinate to protect those who aren't and I am simply stating that this isn't the case with this vaccination. But I would assume that anyone who claims to have well researched vaccinations and their impacts would be fully aware that this is the possible outcome.


Despite everything written above he has recommended varicella vaccination in Canada, USA, Australia and instituting a vaccination program between 65-75yrs (all published in different studies btw 2005-2008). What does that tell you?

I don't actually believe Brisson recommended vaccination in all those countries :confused:
Either way it says we should all expect to see more deaths from Shingles and more cases of it, which is what the statistics are already showing :cool:

[Benji]

I vaccinate because it is my right to do so. I shouldn't have to justify myself to non-vaxers, nor be called "uninformed" because my decision is different to theirs.

A family friend of mine cannot walk thanks to polio. I certainly don't want to go back to those days when it was rife :no:

[Josh]

It depends on the child, I have known a couple of children who were vaxxed and got CP and they copped it really bad, and a few unvaxxed kids got it not so bad.

My brother and i both got CP when we were teenagers. I got about 10 spots, my brother was covered in from head to toe and suffered really badly. Neither of us were vaxxed.

Chicken Pox is one of those diseases that can sway both ways unfortunately, some people can get a little bit sick and some can almost die from the horrid complications like my dd who still suffers to this day 10 yrs later so dont underestimate the power of the pox:yes:..... other VPD's probably dont have the luxury of swaying most of them are just straight up deadly.:yes: