If you decided to delay or to forgo MMR, how did health professionals react?

[usedtogotomars]

Just wondering about this (and haven’t yet decided) - do they respond in a way that respects your view or do they try to persuade you to have the vaccinations given to your child?

They should discuss it with you to identify your concerns and make sure you understand the additional risks your child will assume.

In the US, some medical practices won't accept unvaccinated children as patients or require them to bypass the waiting room because of the risk they pose to other patients.

They will probably also make sure you are aware of the recent measles outbreaks:

www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/24/call-for-all-children-to-receive-mmr-vaccine-after-measles-outbreak

Thank you. But do they actually try quite hard to push you towards one decision or another?

I am based in the U.K., for info.

In light of current measles outbreak, I think they'd be pretty firm in explaining to you that it is very important. It's not about "respecting your decision' when it is potentially causing your own and other children to get extremely ill. It is shocking that we have outbreaks of measles in this country when we have a full, free, vaccination programme and I am certain you will find any professionals you speak to are very unhappy that you might consider skipping these.

From what I’ve seen, yes some may try and convince you to have them done as scheduled unless clear medical reason otherwise. Not just for your own DC protection, but for the herd immunity to protect other immunocompromised individuals. It is part of certain job roles (HV, school nurse, those in public health nurse roles) to encourage and advise everyone to be vaccinated. However if you do refuse despite their encouragement etc then that should be respected.

With horror. As they should.
It's tantamount to child abuse to not vaccinate IMO.

They made some noises at various points, but nothing too pushy. I told them why I had made my decision.

I delayed giving DS2 his second jab and DS3 both jabs 14 years ago when DS2 was DXed with autism. They have now had both jabs. Health professionals, doctors, peads and HVs were all non-confrontational and sympathetic. Some 'friends' were less so, however.

I should hope they wouldn't have to steer you towards any decisions, you should just do it because you are an idiot if you don't

Thank you. So - I know it is an emotive topic, but setting aside people’s personal views for a moment - those who delayed or declined vaccinations didn’t find any adverse reactions from the G.P. or health visitor?

They don't really have to try. If you have half a brain you do it, if not then they normally don't waist their energy on a lost cause.

Only one HCP ever asked why and when we explained that my DB was vaccine harmed they understood.

Their opinion doesn’t matter to me particularly, but I dislike confrontation and so if a confrontation is likely I want to be prepared.

No adverse reactions from any health professionals, no.

Thank you, Ellen

Beggars belief why you wouldn't vaccinate

Going by this thread and some of my friends reactions, maybe don't talk about it with your friends.

I am totally amazed that this discussion is still taking place - unbelievable!

Health professionals know what happens when children get these diseases, so of course they are going to try and explain that to you and help you to understand reality.

Well, it’s those sorts of reactions I am concerned about, to be honest.

Why are you considering declining? Perhaps if you explain your argument we can better steer you in the sort of response a professional will give

Yes, I agree Ellen

It isn’t really anybody else’s business anyway of course, but it’s very hard to have a non emotive and honest discussion about it.

Why wouldn't you though?

If you don’t mind, pest,given the responses upthread, I won’t, as it’s linked in to someone I know well and as such I don’t really want their name and their suffering dragged through the mud. But thank you.

I disagree. I have an immunocompromised nephew whose business it really is if others don't vaccinate

It isn’t really anybody else’s business anyway of course

Well it is, in respect of the fact that some children cannot be vaccinated or have immunodeficiency for various reasons so it's definitely their business if healthy children aren't vaccinated.