What is important to recognise is that parents on both sides of the fence and even proponents on both sides of the argument are fighting for the same thing, healthy kids and families. The difference lies in each families unique risk factors, personal beliefs and living choices and ultimately what they perceive as the biggest risk.
The pro-vax team has certainly a lot of pro’s on it’s side. No one can argue that vaccinations have saved many hundreds of thousands of lives since they were first used to protect against small pox in 1796. Immunisation programs have prevented many debilitating and disfiguring consequences of some contagious diseases and they have saved the economy a fortune in not having to care for the sick and maimed. However, now in the 21st century we have reached a point where people living in 1st world countries are reconsidering the benefits of vaccination? Why?
Thos who choose not to vaccinate also have some very good arguments on their side. They question the necessity of assailing a newborns immune system with a vigorous series of injected foreign bodies and chemicals, bypassing the bodies natural systems of disease defence. They also question the inclusion of many dangerous chemical compounds included in the vaccinations again, injected directly into a babies internal environment and they are also worried about the effect of the combination of so many vaccinations being given in such a short period of time and the accumulative effect this may be having on the bodies systems into the future. There is much anecdotal evidence that suggests that parents feel immunisations have contributed children’s conditions including autoimmune disease and autism.
As it seems that more and more families are questioning the issue of vaccination we do need to turn our attention to why? Is it possible that the vaccination schedule has gone too far? Is it similar to food additives where we have just kept adding and adding and not really thought through the consequences of our combined actions? Or is it simply a case of modern day parents not being exposed to the horrors of these diseases so we don’t recognise the importance of the life saving vaccines.
We have done up two lists which show the concerns of both parties and some options that available to parents these days.
Options for parents
Firstly find a GP who you can talk to honestly and openly about your concerns. They should be able to supply you with more information about side –effects and risk factors that apply to your family and area. If your GP makes you feel stupid for asking these questions – find a new one! There are going to be plenty more questions in your parenting journey and you deserve a professional who isn’t offended or put out by intelligent families asking questions.
Breastfeed. One thing formula can not do is continue the transfer of IG antibodies which began in the womb across the placenta and protected your baby from birth. Breastmilk contins both IgG and IgA antibodies which assist in fighting infection and developing the babies own immune response. In addition to this breastmilk is also believed to assist in development of gut flora which assists in preventing diseases such as E.Coli and rotavirus. Breastfeeding organisations are continuously publishing data that supports the idea that breastfeeding assists in development of many vital parts of the complex immune response in babies. If breastfeeding is not an option for you consider the use of expressed milk, either your own or in some areas that from a milk bank or donor.
Look at the current vaccination schedule in your area and consider delaying or spacing out vaccines. Sometimes this is applicable, particularly for families who don’t have children in care or at school and who babywear (which prevents exposure to a lot of pathogens). Talk to your dr about which diseases your family is more at risk for in your situation. Eg – whooping cough is particularly rampant at the moment.
Investigate the possibility of separate vaccinations rather than three in ones and don’t worry about the “professionals” who tell you that you are causing your baby more pain by giving them more needles – think long term.
Homeopathic remedies offer some protection from contagious diseases but discuss this thoroughly with a trained and certified homeopath as they work differently to the way conventional vaccines work.
Selectively vaccinate against diseases that you feel are worth the risk and remember your children can always obtain missed vaccinations later in life.
Basic hygiene. Wash hands, throw tissues in the bin, stay away from people who are sick. BUT remember we are building a healthy immune system which NEEDS to be exposed to bacteria and viruses to develop. Being overly clean and and hand sanitizers and antibacterial washes can actually harm the bodies natural defenses making it easier to contract some diseases, skin infections and develop allergies.
Clean out the rest of your life. Getting rid of chemicals in the home and food can give your body the ability to fight diseases more effectively.
Remember to keep sick kids at home, whether you vaccinate or not. Many contagious diseases are only contagious in the first few days before the more obvious symptoms develop and there are many in our communities who CANNOT vaccinate or who have lowered immunity.
Dispelling the myths
You are still entitled to benefits such as child care benefits and family tax benefit if your child is not immunised but you will need to fill out a conscientious objection form and have it signed by a doctor.
Vaccines offer protection from some preventable diseases however they are not infallible. Some vaccines have lower conversion rates meaning not every person immunised will go on to develop immunity. Also some vaccines only protect against certain strains of the disease. Immunity can wear off – remember to have your titres checked via blood test if you are concerned.
There has not, to date been a reliable study that proves vaccines are linked to developing conditions such as autism and autoimmune disorders, however it is a regularly reported coincidence by parents with children with these conditions.
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