Immunisation

Of course it's your own decision and you have to decide what's right for your child but I think it's definitely worth it to think about the fact that immunisations really are miracles and they have decreased the death rate of all these, the rates that people get these diseases has gone down so incredibly, we are so lucky to have them because we would be facing so much more worry if we didn't have them. And so I think of course you have to decide for yourself for your own child but, but I think, you know, really immunisations are great and if you ever want to travel in developing countries, you know, that's another thing you never you, you certainly should have your children immunised then and also I think it is a matter of responsibility to the general public and to other children, that I think that should be considered as well.
 

It isn't pleasant you know different babies react differently to them if you're not sure then speak to the nurse before she does the injections to reassure you and don't hesitate to speak to them afterwards if the baby is fractious but it is quite normal for them to be a little bit off colour certainly after the first set. But it does only last a very short time. And it's horrible hearing your baby cry but they stop crying and they forget and I don't remember having any injections done when I was little so you do forget. But you know they need to be done because all the things they're being immunised are horrible things to have and your baby is going to be far worse if you don't immunise them than, than if you do. So not pleasant but necessary.
 

I think a lot of it is definitely media hype, but I think an awful lot of people now are going back to the MMR, from what I've been talking to parents and things like that, because there is so many things that have come out of it. There is an increase in mumps, there is an increase in chicken pox, there's a huge increase of measles, and I think people are more scared of that now, than they are the MMR. And in a way I'm glad that they're going back to it because this will sort of stabilise all those things that could have been prevented in the first place. But I think if you've got any concerns about the MMR then you really need to discuss them with either your health visitor or your GP and get some expert advice on it.
 

Mine was not a difficult experience. Both my girls went through it fine. I mean I had the obvious anxieties like any new mum, you know, worrying and you don't want your child to go through anything, you know, they're very precious to you. But you have to do what you feel and what you think is right, because you'd never forgive yourself if you had made a wrong decision either way.I think it's a very personal thing. And you need, I think you do need to make sure you are informed and listen to what the professionals say. And if you're still in doubt make more make more time to sort of think about it further either by looking, reading on the Internet or in books or whatever. It's not a decision to be taken lightly but it's a decision that needs to be made.
 

I think the only advice I used to say to parents whose children I had to vaccinate because that was part of my job was that the guidelines for the ages at the eight weeks, twelve weeks, sixteen weeks and then again later on for the MMR, they are only guidelines and people often feel railroaded into the day their baby is eight weeks old they have to go and have them vaccinated. And I would say to parents if you're not sure then, then don't do it until you've read some information or you've acquired some information that makes you more sure.
 

I would say, 'Try and find as much information as you can. Try and talk to as many people as you can, older people that didn't have the immunisations available to them and obviously contemporaries. And try and find a health professional who will sit and talk to you. And try and ask peoplewhat they've done. Just get as much information as you can. And don't be frightened one way or the other. If you make a decision then that's absolutely fine. You know, if you go ahead and have the injections  then that's good too because you're happy with that choice. Don't feel pressurised by anyone else, you know. Feel happy with your decision'.
 

I'd say ask for a second opinion, if you're not satisfied, with the information that you're being given. Go back to your GP, if necessary, because they'll be very helpful. And if necessary ask to speak to a specialist immunologist. I had a five-minute, less than ten-minute call, with this paediatric immunologist, and it just was like a breath of fresh air. It was a huge relief because I felt I could then make the best decision that I could make, under the circumstances, being always aware that there was a risk and it actually went extremely well. So and I'm very pleased that I went ahead and actually I'm pleased that I made the decision. And I'm pleased that it went well at the hospital and that's she's now protected against those illnesses.