I think it’s good to talk to other people that have went through it, because I know that even going through the three immunisations that I’ve been through before and, and I clearly remember the panic a week before, how I was feeling. Maybe it was just my fear of needles but I don’t know, how I was feeling until how I felt after it. And because it’s in the past it’s, you know, nothing happened, ‘That’s him immunised, I don’t have to worry about any of them diseases. I know that hes fine, hes had his immunisation against it, I know hell be healthy. So just, I think you can benefit a lot from speaking to people, saying, ‘Oh, yes, I know, I feel your worries and it’s okay if you’re scared. But I put my kid through it and look what happened’ they’re fine you know. I think it’s good to know that it’s safe to, it’s natural to worry because you love your child so much that you would do anything to protect them. It’s fine to worry, but speak to others that have went through it and they’ll tell you they worried just as much as you and they got through it.

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.

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, theres 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 shes now protected against those illnesses.

Mother’s I think research. Just keep reading everything you can get your hands on and make your own view. You know, there are some very good websites that have balanced information. You do just have to go through it, you have to trawl and make your own judgements about what you think’s right and what’s wrong. And ultimately it’s your gut instinct as a parent. I truly believe that parents do have that instinct for their children and you have to look at your child and decide. Make sure you understand what the potential side-effects are but look at your child and think, ‘Are they well enough? And do they need this vaccination? Do I understand the illnesses it’s vaccinating against and, you know, the complications or otherwise of that?’ And, and then make, make your own choice based on that. So were not saying, ‘Absolutely don’t vaccinate but, ‘Just make sure you understand the risks.

Father’s And double-check the information as well, that as much as you can’t trust information necessarily from websites. You obviously go to technical papers and they have to go through peer reviews and you get people who disagree with those anyway, scientists in a similar field. But also it’s to be aware that information that comes from the government as well is also trying to achieve a purpose, and to actually try and read between the lines. Because you’re not trying to fulfil some government quota or doctor’s quota, what you’re trying to do is to protect your child. So you need to determine what’s the best way to protect your child.