The discovery of vaccines and widespread immunisation has helped all but extinguish many infectious diseases like tuberculosis and polio, once common causes of death or disability in children. However, some parents are now opting out of immunising children because they fear side effects. They argue that vaccines, or rather ingredients in vaccines, can cause damage of their own. The internet is rife with alarmist speculation regarding links between autism and mercury in vaccines; a leading theory is that mercury may be responsible for a rise in the incidence of autism in the United States and Britain. But the autism-vaccine connection has never been proven in any reputable study. Most doctors and public health officials say that, while there are some small risks inherent to vaccination, complications are rare to the point of being practically non-existent. They dismiss media scares on the side effects of vaccine as false controversy. Doctors also suggest that the general public has forgotten how devastating certain infectious diseases can be and that, by refusing to immunise their kids, they’re are playing with fire. The real risk, they say, is an unvaccinated young population contracting and spreading dangerous diseases.
Immunise Australia Program
“Responding To Arguments Against Immunisation”
“Most of the arguments against immunisation appeal to parents’ understandable deep-seated concerns for the health of their children… In discussing concerns about immunisation, with parents or adults, it is important to recognise that a logical demonstration of the weakneeses in arguments against immunisation needs to be combined with listening and other good communication skills. ” …read the full article
Australian Vaccination Network
“Compulsory Vaccination”
“Having the freedom to make an informed choice about vaccination – indeed, about any medical procedure – should be considered a basic right for an individual living in a country that calls itself a democracy. No free society has the right to demand that one of its citizens place their life or the lives of its children at risk in order to protect others. Especially not when the means of protection – vaccination – is questioned by many, including a significant minority of health professionals. ” …read the full article
Raising Children Network
“Immunisation”
“After immunisations, some children may have a reaction. Most reactions, such as feeling unwell, being irritable, fever, and soreness around the injection area occur within 48 hours of having the immunisation. They are usually mild and do not last very long. If the child becomes obviously unwell it is probable that the child has a different health problem (e.g. a cold or other viral infection), and it may be wise to have the child checked by a doctor. ” …read the full article
Better Health
“Immunisation- Childhood”
“In the first months of life, a baby is protected from some infectious diseases by antibodies transferred from mother to baby during pregnancy. When these antibodies wear off, the baby is at risk of serious infection. Most childhood immunisations are given as an injection in the arm or leg, except Rotavirus which is administered orally. Vaccines may protect against one specific disease or provide immunity for several diseases if a combination of antigens are combined in the same vaccine. This can help reduce the number of injections your child needs to have. ” …read the full article
Homeopathy Online
“Vaccinations and Their Side Effects”
“Many homeopathic physicians are concerned with the effect of vaccinations on the state of health of their patients. In everyday homeopathic practice, we all know the obstacle to cure that vaccinations can pose. If you are like me, you may have wondered whether any non-homeopaths have ever taken notice of the risks involved in immunizations.” …read the full article
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Babble
“Calling The Shots”
Rolling Stone
“Deadly Immunity: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. investigates the government cover-up of a mercury/autism scandal”
Immunisation Australia Program
