Should I tell them to leave us alone or simply ignore them?

[peasandcarrots]

Unfortunatey, the title does not refer to nosy relatives (got those under control) but to DD's nursery and the NHS.

We decided long ago that we don't want to vaccinate DD, but we have been informed that on the next weeks there will be something like a vaccination day at the nursery and they will look at DDs red book and let us know which vaccines she's missing (like we don't know already ). Also, today in the post we've received a letter from the NHS 'reminding' us that her vaccinations are due, and urging us to make an appointment. My question is whether you think it would be better to simply miss that day on nursery and ignore the NHS letter, or write back and tell them that we have decided to not have DD vaccinated and please leave us alone. Would that work? Has anyone had the same experience?

I would ignore the NHS one - they have targets for lots of things and will send out letters automatically just because you fit their criteria. Even if you point it out to them this time, the next time they send out a letter your name will just appear on the list again I'm sure.

But I think you should tell the nursery that you have chosen not to vaccinate, so you don't wish to participate. You shouldn't have to keep her out that day - its not like they are going to line the children up and vaccinate them, just check their book, which you don't need to send in with her anyway. It would only be tricky I suppose if she's old enough to wonder why she'd not going through the same process as the other children and you haven't reached a stage of discussing vaccinations with her yet.

I'm a little bit intrigued. I've always regarded the red book as a bit of a confidential medical record and don't think I'd be sending it to a nursery either. Hmm.
As for NHS letters, we got them for ages before someone rang me about it. I said DS wouldn't be vaccinated and they haven't written since.

Hi, I did some research and found that, apparently, the usual procedure for the NHS is to sends two or three letters, then call home visitation team and after that, if you don't show up or just say you don't want to vaccinate your child, put him/her name in a list. :S

I also found this very interesting sheet about how talk parents into vaccinating their kids. Uhm :/

www.londonhp.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MMR-communication-pack.pdf

Here's the active link:

www.londonhp.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MMR-communication-pack.pdf

How scary is the part on page 7 that says "if parents still refuse, pass information to health care and document in records"?

This is what I've written... any thoughts?

"Dear Ms (name of the childhood immunisation project support officer):

We are the parents of (name of our daughter) and we are writing to you today in response to your previous letters.

We have made the decision not to vaccinate our daughter and are asking you to respect our decision and stop sending us letters, reminders or any other form of communications.

Yours faithfully"

I'm not sure why you find it scary that they pass the information on to health care and document it in their records? If you look over at the green box for what happens if your child does have the vaccinations, they do exactly the same thing (though obviously noting the vaccination rather than the choice not to have it).

You're deliberately going to write to them to tell them your decision - surely what you want is for them to document it?

You have the choice not to vaccinate, but HCP also have the right to believe that vaccination is a good thing and should be encouraged, and that they should discuss a choice not to vaccinate, to make sure they do what they can to convince you that your concerns are unfounded. If you still aren't convinced then that's your choice, and nobody is saying it isn't. But they believe vaccinating has value and that people should be encouraged to do it.

and if it's dear ms so and so its yours sincerely.

its a bit like smear tests, you can nagged every few months if you are late getting yours done round here. Yes it is my choice not to go but given the risks of not doing i am happy to be nagged. For HCPs the vaccination issue is the same and also magnified by the fact that your choice to not vaccinate will increase the risk of others getting the disease. It is your choice but given that this does have an impact on others I think it is only fair that they are trying to change your mind

I think you should let them know you don't want it. I would imagine they're more trying to get to parents who simply haven't bothered/gotten round to it, than people who've made an informed decision.

Like A Mum in Scotland says, just let nursery know your decision, don't feel you have to keep her off! You won't be the first, I'm sure.

Why does nursery have to look at your red book to tell you what's missing - can't you read or something?! Its none of nursery's business, so tell them nothing.

They cannot vaccinate your DD without your consent anyway.

My GP asked me to write him a letter so he could get the PCT off his back . I very rarely get letters these days.

my hv got in touch with the pct or whoever it is so we dont get letters, or we didnt and then last week i got one for dd to get her meningitis vac, i have just binned it and if i get anymore i will mention it to my hv again.

every now and then its mentioned at a gp appointement as it flashes up on the screen taht they arent vaccinated, but most gps are happy when i say we have done our research and spoken to various drs etc and dont wish to vaccinate.

odd tho having a vaccination day at nursery?!

A vaccination day at nursery is a really good idea, nurseries are where many children pick up infections as well as immunity.

I do think unvaccinated children (other than medically neccessary) children should not be allowed in a nursery or a school.

I think you should just talk to them.

I spoke with my dds gp. We went through it at length. He is very supportive of my decision - totally agrees with me - and we have agreed to meet and just review it every year or so.

Ditto dds nursery and school. I spoke to the people running the nursery. Then I spoke to the head at dds school and spoke to matron too.
They have no problem, they were able to talk to me rather than feeling as if I was being secretive or chippy.

It isn't a problem. Just talk to them. Most people just want to understand that you have made an informed decision and that you are attentive and alert to potential health risks.

Except the arses who want to try and force you. But there are not many of them fortunately.

agree with pagwatch - just talk to them.

both my dds' schools know their immunisation status, and neither have questioned it. I have not had any queries form doctors at all form the last 2 house/gp moves - and usually there would be inquiries forma new gp, to see if we wanted a catch-up so I can only assume there is now a note on their records.

always better to talk things through -at least both sides know where the other stands then, rather than the always-wondering about missed appts, or if letters are getting thorugh etc.

Pagwatch, you have a GP who is spportive? How unusual. I have a 5 week baby and I'm just trying to figure out why my gut instinct is so wholly against vaccination, whereas medical science appears to say it's safe and useful. What were the main points you discussed with your GP? (or is this for another thread?)