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About Vaccines
Dr Peter Baratosy MB BS PhD
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I see many parents who are questioning the need to immunise their children. The
big questions asked are "How safe are they?", "How effective
are they", "How necessary are they?". Many average parents
do not worry about these issues. They take their babies to the local doctor,
and get the "shots" because "every else does it". The
government has a campaign encouraging immunisations. Doctors are paid bonuses
to immunise the population.
These parents do it blindly, following the leader, like sheep: they do not stop
to think about it. Why should they? They are told that it is safe and effective
and neccessary. Where does this information come from? The Government? The doctors?
Ultimately the information comes from the manufacturer. Can you believe them?
Can you trust them? After all, there are few companies that say derogatory things
about their own products. Many facts are hidden and not published. There is a
possibility of a conflict of interest.
More people question the salesman when they buy a new car or washing machine,
than when they have their children immunised! They get 2 to 3 quotes when they
want to build a new car-port, yet when their children's health is at stake, they
just follow the leader.
So, the parents who question immunisations are a breed apart. Perhaps better
educated, perhaps brought up in a family that follows a more natural approach
to health, or perhaps, and this is becoming more prevalent, they are suspicious
of the modern medicine/multi-national drug companies. The average person does
not come to the doctor asking questions about immunisations, they just "do
it".
Those that question the need are thinking, analysing. They already have a suspicion
about vaccines. Perhaps they had a friend whose baby reacted to a vaccine. Perhaps
they know of a vaccine damaged child, there are so many possibilities, but the
bottom line is that they are making a conscious effort to justify to themselves
the need. These parents also have a different outlook on life and health. They
live a healthier life-style. They eat better, use natural therapies, herbs, homeopathics,
etc. The children grow up without the use of drugs and they are just that much
healthier.
Whether this is due to not being immunised, or because of the healthier life-style
or because of the non-use of drugs, I am not sure. Perhaps it is "all of
the above" Whatever the cause, these children are healthy in the true meaning
of the word. This doesn't mean they do not catch any infectious diseases but
means they catch them less often, less severely and their immune systems are
just that much better at coping and dealing with these infections.
From my vantage point, I see the two populations of children, the immunised and
the non-immunised. I have the advantage in seeing the difference. In actual fact,
I see the un-immunised relatively rarely, mainly due to the fact that they are
sick less often and because the parents treat them with simple home remedies,
such as Tissue Salts, Homeopathics or herbs.
Informed choices
The decision is not easy, even with all the literature about. Many are torn in
two directions. They feel that the vaccines are unsafe and they do not want their
children immunised and on the other hand, they still worry about the illnesses
that their children may catch, due to propoganda and dogma released by the government.
They feel damned if they do and damned if they don't.
Every parent must feel comfortable in their own minds about the decision they
make. I, as the doctor cannot tell them what to do. I can only give advice, facts,
and allow the parents to make up their own mind. This is based on an informed
choice basis.
According to the government, if a parent wishes to become a Conscientious Objector,
they have to see the doctor who should "counsel them". Unfortunately,
most doctors give these parents a hard time and in the end refuse to sign. The
people who want to become conscientious objectors have already made up their
minds and have decided not to immunise and no amount of counseling or coercing
will make them change.
Why such rigmarole? After all, anybody who wants to immunise their children
do not go to the doctor wanting a conscientious objection form signed! Points
to consider.
Research the topic. Do not just look at government or manufacturer literature.
Ask questions. Be suspicious. Get involved with groups such as VISA, AVN, etc
to get a wider perspective of the issue. Once you have made your decision, do
not stop there, keep on reading and researching. If you have decided not to immunise,
remember that you are still responsible for the health of your child.
Despite all the hype, there are little, if any long term studies looking at
immunisations. There are no blinded, placebo controlled studies. There are
no studies comparing immunised with unimmunised children. Most studies compare
a group of immunised children with a group of children receiving the vaccine
under study.
Vaccines are a billion dollar industry. There are at least a billion good reasons
why companies would like to continue to vaccinate and make more vaccines.
I will finish off with poem in a limerick form:
Vaccination
An abomination
You have a choice
So use your voice
Involve yourself in Education
Perhaps you can make up your own.
Send them to the VISA . |
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