Immunisation

**Ffrenchknickers** · 05-01-2005 00:14

Who does, who doesn't!

**jakobsmum** · 05-01-2005 00:22

I have, just the main ones you get done. None of the optional ones.

**kurtsmum** · 05-01-2005 07:30

I have with my previous two, my baby is not due yet for another month but I will be getting him immunised as well.

**willsmum** · 05-01-2005 08:36

We do everything available - as far as we are concerned, why take the risk? The risks from not immunising outweigh the risks associated with the vaccines as far as we are concerned, so all the scare tactics about autism etc should be weighed up against the possible nasty outcomes from contracting measles, chicken pox etc and an educated response taken regarding which are the better odds - adverse reactions to vaccines or adverse outcomes from the actual illnesses.

We've made our choice and have nothing against those who choose differently so please don't think I'm having a go at people who don't immunise - that is their choice for their family just like we made our choice for ours.

**Lucybelle** · 05-01-2005 09:47

I think the scare tactics are on both sides. Some awful childhood illnesses have been succesfully eradicated due to vaccination. I class chickenpox and measles as normal childhood illnesses. kids do not die from either (fact). There can be complications with but very rarely. The term immunization gives the impression to concerned parents that the child will be immune from disease, this is not true, in fact I can think of 3 friends kids off the top of my head who have contacted measles/chickenpox despite vaccination. There questions re: quality control and ingredients in the vaccinations.
If you choose to vacc, you can do it when baby is a little older and their bodies not so new and fragile.
Make an informed, educated decision for yourself and your peace of mind. This is a huge emotive issue so be prepared for strong opinions on both sides of the fence.
I do have further info and a website with info for and against. (NOT SCARY)
On that note I must say that I cannot believe I was asked to vacc my newborn for hepatitis B. This is PRIMARILY a disease contracted by IV dug users AND the vacc needs a booster within 6 years!!

**Eleni's Mum** · 05-01-2005 09:48

We've had most to date - you need to way if your family has a history of side effects, that's the main one for me. No history of problems for us though.

Big concern now is that a lot of schools are beginning to not enrol children if they aren't immunised. Not a reason to be immunised but a reson to be concerned if you have specific schools in mind.

**Elfin** · 05-01-2005 09:50

I have immunised my kids including the optional ones. I got chicken pox at 24 and was severely ill. I guess I don't want my kids to suffer things they don't have to.

I used to work with a man and had a school teacher that had polio. When you see this, it brings it home how horrible these diseases are and how lucky we are now to be able to avoid this suffering. Polio was pretty prolific in the 1950s.

I agree with everything that Willsmum said. There is a lot of scare mongering about immunisation but at the end of the day I couldn't live with myself if my child got a disease that could have been easily prevented.

Easterlily

**Lucybelle** · 05-01-2005 09:54

You cannot and shouldn't be discriminated for any choice you make for your children. This makes me sad.
P.S There is an incentive to immunize- Maternity Immunisation Allowance, from Centrelink. You do not have to vaccinate to receive this, if you conscientiously object or of vacc is contraindicated for your child.

**bubbalove** · 05-01-2005 10:53

mmm, i agree that this is going to get heated! SO everything here in is just my opinion, and all are entitled to theirs...
Aidan has had all his vaccinations, including chicken pox and pnumococcal. While people say that chicken pox is just a 'normal' childhood disease, it can have some pretty horrific side effects, and if you missout on it as a child and end up with it as an adult, you can get seriously ill from it. Also, I don't want Aidan to have to unecessarily suffer, and if a vaccination is going to help prevent him from contracting an unecessary disease, then I'm all for it.

**mamafelix** · 05-01-2005 14:27

We did the immunisations but we waited 6 months to start.
I just wasn't happy with my small baby getting all these chemicals and microbes injected into him, and after doing the research and finding that in other country's the schedules are ofetn quite different (for example I think in Japan? they start at 2years old), I didn't have any problem in waiting a while.

I agree that the hep B at birth is pretty ridiculous. Obviously aimed at a small minority of babies who might be sexually abused/bitten, since it is transferred by blood/sexual activity. I think each parent needs to make up their own mind, but it's definately worth doing some research so you are fully informed.