Immunisations - good or bad?

Immunisations are a considerably necessary part of protecting our children from diseases that in the past caused epidemics, but currently in the western world are 'controlled' because people are protected from them. 

In the UK there are a  series of immunisations given to infants over a period of months.  Then there is another given prior to starting school.  The information I have provided here is UK based, however there are subtle differences in different countries around the world, so please check your local information for specifics.

Although there are several immunisations the MMR is the one that tends to get people particularly worried.  MMR is the jab given at approximately age 13 months for Mumps, Measles and Rubella.  It is considered advisable to give your child this immunisation unless there is a specific reason not to.  Since this immunisation has been available incidence of these diseases have reduced in the general population. 

Should I be worried about subjecting my child to immunisations?

Over the years press concerning immunisations flucuates between good and bad.  It is worth bearing in mind that while there are risks (and recent statistical information can be found when you speak to your local doctor) there are universal benefits that are obvious due to the fact that these diseases, that we are immunising our children against, are virtually non-existent compared to how they were in the past and epidemics are no longer a constant threat giving us increased peace of mind. 

What if my child is not well?

When you take your child for an immunisation it is possible that they may react to it with flu-like symptoms.  This is not a definite certainty - merely a slight possibility.  What you as a parent must decide is whether your childs health is compromised at all. 

Each time we had immunisations due I swear my daughter knew and she would start teething, coughing or have a streaming nose.  The first couple of times I called the nurse and asked advice, she said E would be fine if I was happy.  To be honest I was dubiouis, but hey - I was not working and I am a single mother so if there was a sleepless night I knew I could deal with that and whatever caused the sleeplessness and I was not disrupting a partner from sleep.  We never had an adverse reaction to any immunisation (and she has had them all and then some!)  and no cough or runny nose got worse as a result of my choice to go ahead on the day of the appointment.  That is what happened for us. 

Where can I get more information?

When getting advice it is possible to get up-to-date information from various places.  It is good to speak to someone you can trust to give you the pros and cons; Health Visitors are often a good source of real information and will take time to answer any queries or worries you may have.  Government health websites, Local doctors office (inc.website if they have one), please be careful when searching online - we all know that some information is real and some is designed to confuse or scare. 

Peace. 
EF.x