Herd immunity and vaccinations

[tigercametotea]

Reminder for DS's MMR booster came through recently. Now I've had all my 3 children vaccinated up till now. 2 of them completed their preschool courses and it's just DS's MMR booster left now I think. It wasn't an informed decision, I just used to do it because they said to. After reading more Mumsnet threads about vax I am now hesitating about going for the booster. The "vax for herd immunity" argument to me now seems quite weak because I've looked at HPA stats for past years and realised the UK's never achieved the 95% vax takeup rate for herd immunity to take place, so does it mean herd immunity has never existed here? Also DS has some kind of rash that has been spreading across his limbs. It looks like the same sort my eldest had since she was a baby. The GPs always said it was eczema, and prescribed lots of creams but nothing seems to get rid of it. Eldest also has selective mutism. I'm not sure what to make of this but we have a strong family history of allergies. So I am inclined to not take him for it. Does vaxing really decrease the chances of complications in the event he catches the illness? And do you think this rash that comes and goes by itself without any obvious reason could be a sign of autoimmune disorder?

If allergies are a serious enough reason not to be vaccinated (in case of allergic reaction) you would be referred to the hospital for vaccination and observation incase your child had a reaction. If that's not the case, there's no reason not to vaccinate.

If vaccination rates aren't high enough to provide herd immunity, you should seriously consider the risk you'd be taking by not vaccinating. You should also consider the risk you pose to others. If I found out a friend with a nursery/school age child hadn't vaccinated, I wouldn't want them anywhere near my 3m old baby.

I agree, when vaccination rates are low you actually have more to gain as an individual by being vaccinated.
Why do you think that the rash isnt eczema? It does tend to come and go.

I have had eczema all my life and their rashes don't look any like mine. Mine tend to be raised red bumps that weep. Theirs are huge swathes of red patchy scaly dry skin but no weeping or bumps. I've always felt dubious abou the dr's diagnosis of eczema but then I'm not a dr so I don't question it.

What do I have to gain by vaxing though, if there isn't herd immunity? Does vaxing guarantee they won't catch the illness in an outbreak?

Hmm and I moisturise their skin all the time but haven't found the cream that won't sting them upon application. That's also another concern of mine because if they are also allergic to the creams, what then? DS always cries or moans when I put cream on him after baths.

Herd immunity means those who can't be vaccinated for medical reasons or who are too young will be safe. The only other way to ensure your child will not catch measles is to vaccinate at a year and follow up with the booster at 3. Some children don't get immunity from the first dose, which is why a booster is necessary. All you have to gain by not vaccinating is measles - and making someone else's child sick.

It might be worth your getting a handbook on eczema/dermatitis, tiger, as it's not a specifically defined condition. You may have a family vulnerability to sensitive skin that shows itself in different ways - without meaning to sound patronising, have you tried things like different detergent, no fabric conditioner, and so on for DCs? Triggers can be many & varied (or none) but it's always worth trying the obvious first.

Lots of babies hate having cream applied! I had one who made such a fuss, I ended up using warmed olive oil as he was happy with that (not my own; I was a nanny.)

With regards to eczema, which creams are you using? Aqueous creams make it worse and apparently doctors should know not to prescribe. Homeopathic creams/remdies might be worth a try - they work for a lot of people. Just because it doesn't look like your eczema, it doesn't mean it's not eczema.

Right now he's using Aveeno. He didn't used to have a problem with it before but now he says it makes him sore. I know aqueous cream is a definite no no with my DCs. Have also tried Oilatum bath oil and oilatum cream. I don't use fabric conditioners or bio detergents because of our skin conditions. Also only use Halos and Horns body and hair wash at the moment because SLS/SLES make their scalp and skins itchier. I don't really know what is causing this. I don't know what is causing mine either. Eczema seems to come and go regardless of what we eat or drink. Right now DS has the worst case. Both legs covered with the damn splotches and they are starting to appear on his arms as well, which has never happened before. I bf-ed him until he was 1.5 yrs old to try and avoid this scenario but it's still like this. Steroid creams only work so much, afterwards they don't work. I am just afraid of him getting a bad reaction to the vaccine now when his skin is at its worst ever. I wouldn't have minded that much if his skin was clear. Also he had some things in the past, like throwing up and nausea the next day every time after eating smoked salmon (only tried on 2 occasions, don't dare to try ever again), hospitalised for asthma attack once though dr said it was prob a viral induced attack so may not be anything long term, and everytime he falls ill with a cold or flu it's really bad and lasts for weeks unlike his siblings, and he seems to have gotten my allergic rhinitis as well, he's often sneezing even when he's not ill and sniffing. I suppose I am just a bit worried he would react in a bad way given he seems to have a "sensitive" constitution. Oh and he's quite small for his age as well, small and skinny.

Oh and no wool for my DCs either.

You should discuss with your doctor. However, if he is 'more ill' than your other kids, he is unlikely to have an easy time if he gets measles.

I actually don't believe in homeopathic treatments though, I never felt inclined to use them. I remember also reading about studies which show they don't really work? Personally my mum always believed in these things and always gave me herbal and homeopathic remedies when I was younger as I was a sickly child. I just didn't seem to feel they did anything for my health or skin.

Agree homeopathic remedies do not work - ingredient is 100% water

Your DC needs a referal to a dermatologist - your eczema sounds more like my psoriasis. I get both psoriasis and eczema and the treatment for one is not suitable for the other. The best thing I've found is zinc bandages plus fucibet - they itch when first put on but they are referred to as 'magic bandages' in my house.

OK back to the MMR booster - yoout children have had the jabs without side effects so there should be no problem with the booster.

There have been measels outbreaks in the UK and France in recent years - do you want your child to have the maximum protection if there is an outbreak?