Help Needed (NON_VAXERS PLEASE)

[stellarella]

DS is 8 weeks and I dont intend to vax him.

We are moving to the NT beginning of next year and will probably be residing in or around some remote communities etc.

Im worried he is at a greater risk living in these areas and wonder if I should vax him for this reason.

What would you do??

Also, anyone living in NT (or remote communities) who doesnt vax?

I dont know what to do :(

[the_queen]

My very very very very anti-vax GP, when I said about how I didn't think DS was at any risk of catching Hep B, said something along the lines of "Yeah, he's not going to be having unsafe sex, sharing needles, or living in remote communities up north where the risk is higher" So if I was you I'd be finding a really good doctor who can give you real facts. :hugs:

[stellarella]

You dont happen to live in bris do you??
Now I need to find an understanding GP....

[DragonFly Baby]

Hi there!

I live in the NT and do not vaxx, and 14 months later we have had no probs.

If I was going to live on an aboriginal community I would selectively vaxx.

I also have some friends who live here and choose not to vaxx.

HTH

[Tannie]

I agree that you may like to consider selective vaccination.........hep B and even in some places Hep A are probably worthwhile considering. Having said that, it would very much depend on "where?" and what type of contact you are thinking your child will have with others? There would be some places in remote Aust that are higher risk........some may be lower because of the remoteness - so could work in your favour too...iykwim?

Hopefully some of the non-vaxers can point you in the direction of an understanding GP or you may like to contact the NT health dept and find out from them how to get more specific disease stats for the area where you will be living to give you a better idea of what you might consider?? What about the reasons why you are moving there - using contacts through yours or partners work? Youwouldn't need to disclose that you aren't vaccinating per see - but perhaps ask others what type of illnesses are most prevalent in the community where you will be living, so what do they suggest? Then just go from there.

Do also bear in mind that depending on how remote you are living (not necessarily NT but anywhere in Oz) that if your child does contract one of these illnesses, you need to consider what the consequences would be if you are a long way from immediate medical attention from specialists & specialist facilities. Just an "extra" that one doesn't really need to weigh in when you live in the middle of the city.

good luck.
Y

[stellarella]

Thanks guys, Its certainly a scary issue. Nice to know someone in NT who doesnt vax, thanks dragonfly. It doesnt really matter thats its NT anyway, its just anywhere remote where health facilities arent as readily available.

Some good advice there. I had not thought of contacting the dept of health. I think I have some research to do.

Thanks so much :)
Ella

[the_queen]

Ella - sorry, I'm in Adelaide.

[JenNT]

I have lived in a remote NT Community for 2 years,I vaxx.

Maybe selectively vaxx for various diseases that children would be more exposed to in that environment. My gf's son caught an STD through having bacteria on his hands and wiping his eyes! Where are you going?

[stellarella]

Hi Jen, We are not sure exactly. My partner is going to teach. We still have some decisions to make as to where and the vax issue will probably play a part in where we go. I think I have decided to stick with a larger town, maybe Katherine or even Darwin, if I think it will be safer.
I just know I really dont want to vax, im prepared to change my plans to protect my little boy.

[JenNT]

The community I lived in was Ngukurr,I would selectively vaxx there. I have been in Katherine now for awhile and if you choose not to vaxx then I would not be so concerned,its pretty good here:thumbsup: Anything you need to know just let me know:yes:
cheers Jen

[Mamaduke]

Sorry to hijack...but I've heard that there's a really great hair salon in Katherine...;)

[JenNT]

lol that too! Thanks MD:D

[Callian]

Hi,

Am currently living in an aboriginal community on the Tiwi Islands. My partner is a remote area nurse here and I have just asked him whether you should vaccinate if going remote. He was adamant with his yes, but in saying that, it is because he has seen what can and does happen to unvaccinated aboriginal children in these areas.
My intention is not to frighten you but to give you an informed opinion. I feel you are doing the right thing by thinking about your son and making his well being a priority if you do not want him vaccinated.
We have 2 young boys and they are vaccinated but that is a choice we made due to the lifestyle we have chosen to live.
Just to add, most remote communties have health clinics and you do get very good medical care. Mind though, I could be seen as being a bit biased:rolleyes:
Cheers
Janine

[the_queen]

The health of one's immune system also depends on the living conditions. Unfortunately, indigenous children in this country generally live in less-than-ideal conditions, which contributes to their low-functioning immune systems. They are indeed at high risk and should be vaccinated.

[stellarella]

Hi,

My intention is not to frighten you but to give you an informed opinion. :rolleyes:
Cheers
Janine

No, thankyou very much for the info, I want all the help I can get on this one. We know in our hearts that taking him to a remote community and not vaccinating him is extremely risky, so I think we have decided to stick to darwin or katherine. maybe when he is older we will selectively vax and then my partner will get a chance to teach in a remote area.