Mothers Reject Flu Vaccine

BUNBURY mothers are turning their backs on the influenza vaccine for their children in the wake of a health scare which made more than 250 children ill across the State.

Health minister Kim Hames suspended the free influenza vaccine for children under five in April after a significant spike in the number of children who developed a high temperature after receiving the vaccine.

Discussions on a Facebook site called Mums and Bubs Bunbury and Surrounds revealed local mothers are shunning the vaccine due to concerns it might be dangerous.

“Mine would have got the vaccine, but not anymore!” said Rowie Andrews.

The convener of the site said her baby was not vaccinated at all.

“Sorry if people don’t like that but it is my decision, I have done the research….and come to the conclusion that there are way too many unsafe chemicals in them,” she said.

“I’d prefer to see my son alive with the flu than dead after getting an injection,” Kate O’Neill said.

A health department spokesperson said the high rate of side effects had been associated with vaccines from only one vaccine manufacturer – CSL Biotherapies.

“It is not yet known the reason why these vaccines are causing reactions and the investigation is continuing,” the spokesperson said.

The department said the season flu vaccination program for children under five years remained suspended.

“Parents of children aged under five who have an underlying medical condition that puts him or her at increased risk of severe illness from flu should speak with their doctor about immunisation options,” the spokesperson said.

The department said adults and children over five should continue to be vaccinated.

The spokesperson said Bunbury mothers who did not vaccinate their children ran the risk of their children spreading influenza as well as hospitalisation.

“Influenza has a higher attack rate in children than in adults and this results in a higher hospitalisation rate for children under five,” the spokesperson said.

“Those children who require hospitalisation are not only those with underlying medical conditions, but also otherwise healthy children.”

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Related Links:
* Mum Feared Child Would Die After Vaccine
Times Online, New Zealand
* Flu Vaccine Early Warning Signs Ignored As Children Convulse And Die
news.com.au
* Flu Vaccine Killer Comes From Multiple Vaccine Batches
ABC News
* Toddler Ashley Jade Epapara, 2, Dies After Flu Vaccine
Suellen Hinde, Sunday Mail, Australia
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Mothers reject flu vaccine