This week the Ministry of Health confirmed new cases of measles in the Bay of Plenty, warning more are inevitable as the Waikato continues to deal with an outbreak.
A 'flurry of new cases” is reported in the BOP, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki regions, following the recent confirmation of more than 80 cases in the Waikato.
The announcement prompted Toi Te Ora BOP Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health, Dr Neil de Wet, to warn people to be cautious and ensure their children are immunised.
But immunisation is not something everyone supports.
SunLive took to the streets to seek your thoughts on immunisation, its role in avoiding illnesses such as measles, and if you support it.
Here's what you had to say.
13 comments
Make immunisation compulsory.
Posted on 06-07-2014 09:58 | By GreertonCynic
"It's our philosophy", but you're putting our children at risk because of your deluded decision. There are very few circumstances where children should not be immunised(suppressed immune system, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc), YOUR decision not to immunise puts these kids at risk. "It's science". Yep. "It's dangerous". Nope. Polio has almost been wiped from the face of the planet, except for some recalcitrant villagers in the back blocks of Pakistan.
Smoking should be compulsory
Posted on 06-07-2014 12:31 | By Conzar
The AMA has certified that smoking is good for your health and therefore should be made compulsory. Oh wait, they were wrong about that weren't they? But GreetonCynic says its "science". Sorry, modern medicine is anything but science. Look up the scientific method and please use that to evaluate vaccines.
seesee
Posted on 06-07-2014 13:08 | By SeeSee
By not having themselves immunised they are not only putting them selves at risk but also any unborn child they may be carrying
Personal Choice
Posted on 06-07-2014 17:13 | By Bobby
Well cynic, its your choice to vaccinate your kids, as it is my choice not to. If the vaccines really are as safe and effective as is claimed, you shouldn't have a problem with those of us who choose not to, as you and your lot should be immune.
USERS
Posted on 06-07-2014 22:41 | By FunandGames
Those who don't immunise only get away with it because the vast majority have.
Scientists say it's science
Posted on 07-07-2014 09:22 | By GreertonCynic
It's not just me, mate. Scientists say it's science with peer reviews, etc. "modern medicine is anything but science."...Surely you jest? As for personal choice, if your offspring comes into contact with measles, he/she may infect babies that haven't yet been scheduled to receive their vaccines. He/she may also infect the small percentage of kids for whom their immunisations don't work, as immunisations aren't 100 percent effective. Also the few kids that cannot be immunised for medical reasons. @FunandGames: There's at least 100 people that aren't.
Facts
Posted on 07-07-2014 17:27 | By Bobby
Here's some science for you then cynic. Up until fairly recently mercury was added to most vaccines (thimerosal). The World Health Organisation has stated that there is NO safe level of mercury in the human body. Nowadays, instead of mercury, Aluminium salts are used. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimers disease in several studies. I'm guessing that you probably also support adding industrial waste to drinking water for its alleged dental health benefits (Hexafluorosilicic acid)
Scientific Facts.
Posted on 08-07-2014 07:51 | By GreertonCynic
Dentists used Mercury(with no anesthetic) once upon a time. Not so much anymore, it's called progress. There's so much evidence showing thimerosal is a red herring (Search the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) websites). Alzheimer's has also been linked to Herpes and air pollution. You need to read all the science, not just the tiny percentage that support your argument.
??
Posted on 08-07-2014 18:19 | By GreertonCynic
Is the science argument being censored?
Re Scientific Facts
Posted on 08-07-2014 20:04 | By Bobby
Well cynic, you have your opinions, and I have mine. I respect your opinions, even though I believe they are wrong. However, you have no right to force your misguided opinions on others by advocating that 'Immunisation should be compulsory'. I don't tell you that you should be forced not to vaccinate, I say have your jabs, and good luck to you....
compulsory
Posted on 09-07-2014 15:04 | By GreertonCynic
I've had mine. But dealing with a some young and very young kids with suppressed immune systems for various reasons, I'd rather call it a social responsibility.
To prick, or not to prick....
Posted on 02-08-2014 02:36 | By GreertonBoy
That is the question?? Well, polio used to be rampant, thanks to a prick, it is all but unheard of now. Measles was once a horrific disease, now, hardly hear of it thanks to another prick. I guess if the people not wanting to immunise would happily go to asia and not get a malaria shot? I guess if a deadly pandemic occurred, they would say no to a vaccine? I say let those who don't want to immunise their kids (or themselves) alone, let them do as they wish. It is Darwins theory of evolution at work.... let them be, but if they refuse to let their kids be immunised, they should be banned from any immunisation themselves, no tetanus, no malaria shots, no flu jabs.... if their kids aren't worth immunising, the parents shouldn't be either...The parents should follow the Jahovas and anti-blood transfusion theory?
@Bobby
Posted on 02-08-2014 18:04 | By Papamoaner
You mentioned Fluoride in water. How come all those people who have been drinking fluoridated water for 70 odd years, enjoy such good dental and general health, unlike earlier generations that were widely blessed with false teeth top and bottom? Immunisation? Since I started getting flu jabs years ago, I don't get colds any more either. As to the scientific method, I guess you could call this empirical data.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.