10 Vaccination Tips

One of the magazines we subscribe to for our reception area is the Living Wisdom magazine. When I was opening the mail last week I found a postcard sized list of ‘things to consider when vaccinating’ thrown in with the magazine.

I don’t mean to open the vaccination bag of worms which I know is one of the most controversial topics among many parents… but I wanted to share seeing as they are things that I hadn’t really considered before and thought maybe there are other parents who would find them as interesting as I did.

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So, thank you Living Wisdom and the Australian Vaccination Network! I have altered it slightly as most of the tips suggest consulting your health practitioner to discuss further – I’m sure you are all able to decide what you need to discuss with whom so I’m not going to put those bits in.

1. Is my child perfectly healthy? If not, should I consider delaying vaccines until my child’s body can handle them better?

2. Has my child had a course of antibiotics in the past 30 days? If so, should I consider delaying vaccines?

3. Do I or anyone else in my family have a history of seizure disorders, severe food or environmental allergies or other autoimmune issues?

4. Has my child had a serious reaction to a previous dose of any vaccine?

5. Have I seen the manufacturer’s information on the vaccines I’m considering? Have I looked at the list of ingredients, side effects and contraindications before making my decision?

6. Do I know the symptoms of a vaccine reaction? Do I know how to report a reaction should it occur? (FYI – 1800 007 468 [in Australia only] or HERE)

7. Has my doctor or clinic sister noted the vaccine lot and batch number on my child’s record?

8. Do I know my rights? Am I aware that vaccination is not compulsary in Australia and that I can send my child to school, preschool, childcare or playgroup whether they are fully or partially vaccinated or completely unvaccinated?

9. Do I know that I will not lose any government entitlements should I choose not to vaccinate? I will still get childcare benefits and the maternity immunisation allowance once I’ve registered as a conscientious objector.

10. Do I know the actual risks of the diseases I am vaccinating against? What are the chances that my child will get these illnesses despite vaccination or, in the case of live-virus vaccines – because of vaccination?

Again, I found these useful to read through.

We chose not to vaccinate our daughter because that’s what works best for our family and our children based on our values, beliefs and research.

I know many people who choose to vaccinate similarly based on their values, beliefs and research.

Based on my own experiences with vaccinations I recommend that everyone finds out the reasons behind both sides of the vaccination debate. It’s that old saying… “Investigate before you vaccinate”.

BUT I am not here to tell you whether or not to vaccinate – once you have done your investigations, make the choice that best suits you and your family. Here’s to healthy and happy children for everyone!