AIHM Student Reasearch Papers
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Safety of Immunisation
Student Name: Judy Crawford
Immunisation Debate
Immunisations: a process by which resistance to an infectious disease is induced or augmented.
Vaccination : any injection of attenuated or killed micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or rickettsiae, administered to induce immunity or to reduce the effects of associated infectious diseases.
Prior to the induction of immunisation programs, many people, including children died or were severely debilitated by infectious diseases. Today we have a comprehensive program that has allowed people the freedom from worry of contracting diseases such as rubella, polio and diphtheria.
Can immunisations overload the immune system?
The immune system is always active as it is constantly being bombarded by substances that provoke reactions.
We can only develop immunity to diseases by being exposed to them if we are not vaccinated. When exposed to these diseases we run the risk of sometimes severe reactions that can be life threatening or even cause death.
Immunisations provide protection from disease in the same way that occurs when we catch the disease.
The risks associated with the disease are high, while those associated with vaccination is extremely low.
Complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis can occur.
There are always questions asked on the relationship of immunisations to SIDS. Despite extensive studies there is no evidence to show correlation between the two.
The same applies to Asthma. Studies have failed to show conclusively that there is any connection between vaccinations and the occurrence of childhood asthma. In fact, it appears reasonable to suggest that an asthmatic child would be severely compromised if it came down with whooping cough.
After many decades of vaccinations there has been no evidence to show that they cause cancer, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis or allergies. In fact, hepatitis B immunisation greatly reduces the risk of cancer of the liver.
Can immunisations change their form and cause disease?
According to the information released by the Commonwealth Health department there is no possible way that this can occur. There is strict protocol about the manufacturing of vaccinations in Australia and all have been researched and deemed acceptable for human use prior to their release onto the market.
Should I wait to immunise my child if they have a cold?
Immunisation should only be postponed if the child is very unwell or has an acute fever of over 38c. If a child has a cold or cough it is safe to give but it would always be wise to seek a doctors opinion before hand.
What if my child suffers from allergies and asthma? Immunisations should be given unless the child has an allergy to egg. If the child has a history of severe reaction to egg i.e. generalised hives, wheezing, low blood pressure and shock then influenza, yellow fever and Q fever vaccinations should not be given. MMR immunisation is given under close supervision but all others are safe to give. If you are unsure at any time, it is essential to either ring the health department and talk to someone in the immunisation clinic or speak to your doctor.
Children with chronic diseases should be immunized as a priority as they often more at risk than healthy babies. Discussion with their doctor is necessary prior to undertaking any procedure.
Reference
The Merck Manual of Medical Information 1997 Home Edition, Pocket Books NY
Health and Aged Care, UNDERSTANDING CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION Dept of Health
and Aged Care 2000.
Mosby’s MOSBY’S MEDICAL, NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH DICTIONARY 6th Edition
Mosby Inc USA 2001. |
