Is there good evidence that the MMR prevents measles? Yes.
Is there good evidence that the MMR causes autism? No.
If you spend a little time on the ‘net googling the issue you will find that there is much “hysteria” surrounding causality between the MMR and autism.

Could it be that the diagnosis of autism is so devastating that those unfortunate parents will look everywhere for something to blame, and the logical scapegoat is the vaccine. This probably reflects the fact that autism is often diagnosed for the first time in the period around which the vaccine is given. The hysteria was instigated by a paper produced in the late 90s by an author who has subsequently been discredited for receiving funding from a trust which was involved in litigation against producers of the MMR vaccine in the UK.

There is incontrovertible proof that MMR vaccination virtually eliminates measles, and we have a responsibility to those who share our space, wherever that may be, to vaccinate our children. If the health department’s vaccine programme was as good as they make it out to be, we would not have a measles epidemic. There is a concept termed “herd immunity”, and by not vaccinating your children you are causing a chink in the armor afforded by widespread vaccination.

As regards the woman who spoke on 702, it is my opinion that talk radio stations have a duty to balance such statements with expert opinion as now everyone who heard her now has formed biased feelings. (But that is a separate issue)

/rant off

@Mina: thanks for the facts.

@Kate: I would venture that far more people heard the mother on 702, than are reading this blog, and that her concerns would have far more influence than my musings. This piece of writing was merely my thoughts and experience of taking my son for an immunisation, after I had considered the options. There’s nothing in my piece that encourages or persuades or instructs anyone to do the same – it just relates my experience of a free choice that I made. The piece is all about my opinion and experience, which I am completely entitled to blog about. At no point do I pretend to be an expert of any sort – in fact I affirm twice that I’m not. The beauty of blogging is that we can put down our thoughts, and that others can read them, comment on them and debate them.

I love that there’s debate – but feel quite strongly that the debate should be about the issue of immunisation, rather than about my suitability for publishing my own experience – which is what a blog is all about, really. If you feel strongly about it, and have an experience or facts to write a thought-provoking piece that will also stimulate debate, I’m sure the guys at JoziKids would have a look at it, and you could be published too?

There are several other criteria which should be evaluated before a decision is made:

*What is the risk or probability of the child getting the disease?

*What are the health consequences of the natural infection if contracted?

**How safe is the vaccine that is available?

*Is the immunity provided by the vaccine solid and long-lasting?

*Will the vaccine stimulate the appropriate parts of the immune system — is the route of vaccine administration compatible with the route of natural infection?

*Are there alternatives to immunization, and if so, are they safe and effective?

At the moment Thimerosal is the preservative in the vaccines that is the ‘possible’ link to Autism. Because of this you can ask for Thimerosal-free vaccines.
Several studies are underway to examine the possible connection between the vaccines and autism,

Public health specialists say it is better for children to be inoculated with those vaccines than to go without protection.

On a personal note – I own and run a playschool and I had a child that was never vaccinated for MMR and he infected a pregnant mother and her unborn baby received the short end of the stick. The outcome was horrible.
Yes as parents we are concerned about our children. Are we also not concerned about the people around us???

It’s a tough one and a personal choice. I think Kate Jumped the gun and started to attack Kerri’s opinion publicly. By the way….your apology came a little late, Kate.

I am proud of Kerry for taking a stand and stating her beliefs openly. I too have vaccinated both my children and infact MYSELF too, because I am at high risk due to being a teacher.
I am aware of the risks, but until proven 100%. I have very little to go on. I need to protect my children as best I can.

Feel free to voice your opinions….please don’t condemn.
Mina

I appreciate that you are a concerned mother but there are major risk factors either way you look at it. I am concerned that an article like yours in a forum like this can be very influential and that parents take action based on your opinions without doing their own research

There was a mom on 702 just last week in tears about the MMR and her personal opinion ( as Mother) that the MMR vaccination brought on Autism in her young child and pleading for parents to think before they hurridly vaccinate under mass panic around the Measles at present !!! Lambs to the slaughter is an apt description of how parents hurd their children blind sightedly based on the fear factor without doing their homework and forming their own personal opinions.

Sincerley
Kate

If this came from the “department of healh”
“Great job Guys”

Lets keep it up for the sake of our children

Thanks
Jessica