Vaccinations, are they necessary?

[drcookie]

Hi Joannek

The measeles epidemics (probably more correct to say outbreaks) have been very local in the groups who weren't immunised. As far as I recall no immunised children were affected, however there were some young babies affected as of course MMR is for toddlers. I can not recall exactly as these were a year or so ago they made the press, but the areas with low uptake were as I said the well educated parents areas, and this was where the outbreaks were.

Likewise the only whooping cough I have seen was in those babies younger than vaccination age- I think they contracted it at 6 weeks if I recall correctly. Again unusual but they are of course at greater risk.

The whooping cough vaccine is certainly not 100% effective (this is one of the early vaccines in terms of age of receiving it with diphtheria and polio) however it definitely reduces disease severity considerably.

Hope that answers a few more questions

 

[bekyboo44]

This is an interesting article on what happens when children aren't immunized and how it puts all children at risk,

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070330/hl_nm/vaccine_exemptions_dc

 

[geiboyi]

Sorry - didn't read whole thread, just wanted to comment on the Hep B being a STD comment. In HK about 10% of the population carry Hep B. If your child is in an accident, however minor, where there is blood around then they run the chance of getting it. Do them a favour - get the jabs.

 

[joannek]

for everyone info, my daughter has all the recommended vaccinations plus more (chickenpox, pneuco-whatever, etc). her next recommended jabs are at 4yo. i just needed more info in case i will get pregnant again.

and thanks everyone for your input.

 

[reei]

may i know what are the vaccinations provided by public hospitals? i think pneumoccocal is not compulsory in hk, but it is in australia.
anyone have the list of vaccinations.. please advise. thanks.