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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you let your 4yo choose whether to be vaccinated?

253 replies

Dramatic · 06/11/2024 17:09

I'm talking about the flu vaccine not the infant vaccines.

Talking to a mum outside school this morning, our kids are both in reception and we were talking about them getting the flu vaccine at school in a couple of days. She then said her daughter won't be getting it because she asked her if she wanted it and her daughter said no. Is this a normal thing to do? I hadn't even thought to ask my daughter, surely they're far too young to understand the decision they're making? Would you put that choice on a child this young?

OP posts:
MissScarletInTheBallroom · 06/11/2024 17:12

No, that's bonkers. You're the parent, so parent.

Beamur · 06/11/2024 17:12

No sensible person would allow their child to make that choice.

Knockon · 06/11/2024 17:11

It’s not normal, and imo is lazy parenting under the guise of treating children like small adults. A four year old cannot consent to treatment. They have no understanding of benefits, risks or consequences of either decision. And the parent saying that the onus is on her child is ridiculous because ultimately if they felt strongly the other way to what the child decided, would override it.