Concerns about immunisation

Abstract

Methods Our approach is based on a number of surveys showing the reasons for non-immunisation,4 5 books,2 6 articles written by those antagonistic to vaccination,7 8 and personal experience of talking to thousands of parents. Information used to respond to parental concerns (box 1) is based on extensive knowledge of both “mainstream” and “fringe” literature. Box 1 :Parental objections to immunisation and response to these objections The disease is not serious Measles can kill healthy children. The disease is uncommon Diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio are common in unimmunised populations and are easily spread worldwide. The vaccine is ineffective Before their introduction all vaccines undergo rigorous trials to show that they are effective. The vaccine is unsafe Before their introduction all vaccines are assessed for safety, and monitoring continues after their introduction. Other methods of disease prevention, such as homoeopathy, are preferable to immunisation The Faculty of Homoeopathy supports the use of orthodox vaccines—there is no evidence that homoeopathic vaccines confer long term or short term protection. RETURN TO TEXT Further reading Bedford H, Elliman D . Childhood immunisation: a review for parents and carers. London: Health Education Authority, 1998. Mayon-White R, Moreton J . Immunizing children. A practical guide. Oxford: Radcliffe Medical, 1998. Kassianos GC . Immunization. Childhood and travel. Oxford: Blackwell Science, 1998. Department of Health . Immunisation against infectious disease. London: HMSO, 1996. Department of Health . Measles mumps and rubella vaccine. Immunisation factsheet. London: Health Education Authority, 1997. Department of Health . Polio vaccine. Immunisation factsheet. London: Health Education Authority, 1997. Department of Health . BCG vaccine (against tuberculosis). Immunisation factsheet. London: Health Education Authority, 1998. Department of Health . MMR Factsheet (2). London: Health Education Authority, 1998. Department of Health . DTP—Hib Factsheet. London: Health Education Authority, 1999.