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http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2044918a7144,00.html

Kiwi mums shy away from immunisation

09 September 2002

Ignorance and fear are forcing parents to make emotional decisions about vaccinating their children.
 

Research, released by immunisation advisory centre director Nikki Turner at the New Zealand immunisation conference in Christchurch, shows many Kiwi mums are worried about the safety of vaccinations.

There is no accurate data on the numbers of New Zealand children being vaccinated. Children are vaccinated against several diseases, including mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis C and A, tetanus, TB, and influenza.

Dr Turner estimated 90 per cent of babies got their first vaccination at six weeks, but this dropped to 70 per cent for the last vaccination at the age of two. "We know even parents who vaccinate their children are feeling scared," she said.

One study of 500 Kiwi mums found 20 per cent of them believed vaccination was unnecessary if children were kept clean and well fed.

Twenty-three per cent of mums had received no immunisation information leading up to the birth of their babies, the study found.

Dr Turner said the study showed there was a limited knowledge of the science of immunisation in the community, and anxiety about its effects.

Immunisation was also perceived to be politically driven, leading to a suspicion of the Government and pharmaceutical companies.

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