Immunisations gone wrong...

[visitor1]

I was just looking through a few websites on immunising children and reading alot of stories where these have gone wrong.

What im wondering is (and please no one take offese..if you do i apoligise now) but is it a proven fact that it WAS the vaccine or are parents/carers blaming the vaccines because theres so much pressure to have our kids done and alot of attention is bought to the fact there are risks and dangers involved?

[MantaRay]

Kimbaz, I don't think anything has been conclusively proven, but there is certainly enough evidence to say that at least in some cases, the vax is most likely the cause. Recently the US government conceded that thiomersal (mercury) probably did cause autism. Thiomersal is no longer in vax in Aus, but the ingredients that are left can almost certainly cause a reaction in a small number of cases. There is also the question of the long term harm done by artificially boosting our immune systems. However, the diseases the vax protect against do also cause harm in a small number of cases. Personally I don't think there is a cut and dried answer as to whether or not we should immunise. I think every parent should research the issue and make up their own minds. Of course when you do this, take into account the source of the information - some are more credible than others - on both sides of the debate!!

[Charlyfrog]

we've just been recently discussing this in our baby buddies thread as all our little ones recently hit the 12month mark so of course, all due for their jabs. I agree with Mantaray that each parent needs to do their own research and ensure the information supplied is credible.

Personally I am pro-immunising as certain diseases have been practically eliminated through vaccines so I am keen to give my child the best chance to fight others iykwim. Plus, I just don't want to risk my little ones being severely effected by illnesses, whilst not totally immune just by having their shots (I am aware of this), I've done all I can to prevent my child from suffering the illness. However, my own conclusion is kind of similar to "damned if you do, damned if you don't" if that makes sense?? As there is so much information that is pro immunising and so much information that is pro not immunising.

Really it comes down to personal choice imo (and both sides have their passionate advocates! )

[Trillian]

I do think that there have unfortunately been instances where things have gone wrong - not only autism, but other issues which are more often than not related to an allergic reaction to one or more of the components of the vaccine. It is a risk we take if we choose to vaccinate our children, so you do need to weigh up the pros v cons for your situation.

[visitor1]

Thanks everyone for their input, appreciated.

Ive just always wondered about it, thats all...and reading stories today made it get the better of me and i wanted to know!

[{sarah}]

I think it's a hard one to call Kim. The main reson being that children with autism tend to reach milestones etc at the same rate as other children, but stop or go downhill at around 18 months which coincides with the MMR injection. Some children will develop autism without the MMR immunisation as well, so I'm not sure personally about the link.

[BeautifulMadness]

Hm thats a tough one. I think you just have to weigh it up. ITs a chance you take and i personally have been jabbed with every jab i can as has my son who is 19mths old. I just wanna give my son the best chance of not getting seriously ill

[Muppity]

I agree that it is a really hard one too. I am not sure that we will ever have a conclusive answer because research on humans is so difficult and fraught with ethical dilemas.

I do, however, have a friend who has a younger brother who had a serious reaction to the measles jam (granted 30 years ago). He was a happy normal child the day before his jab and hours hours was convulsing and unfortunately has a mental age of about 3.

But even after knowing this I still think that the benefits outweigh the possible risks. If they didn't we wouldn't get into a car and drive on the roads.

[Mumma2three]

Iv'e immunised both my girls but after learning some things I will not be immunising number 3 until after they turn 2. One thing I was amazed to learn is that Japan do not immunise their bubs until 2 and they have the lowest infant mortality rate in the world! That alone is enough for me. xoox

[Chocaholic]

We have just had 2 confirmed cases of measles in Townsville after 10 years of being measles free. It is a brother and sister (2 yrs old and 1 yrs old). I don't know how serious the particular cases are but it is such a contagious illness.

You have to decide whether the cons outweigh the pros for you personally.

IMO I prefer to have my children vaccinated as I don't think I could live with myself if they caught a preventable illness that caused permanent damanage. Personally I believe the risks associated with the MMR vaccine (i.e. autism etc) are relatively low but you can delay the vaccination until after the child is 2 years old. Vaccinations have virtually irradicated some illnesses (such as polio and measles) but they are now making a comeback due to unvaccinated children and countries where vaccinations are not common.