Debate Over Compulsory MMR Vaccination in UK

[Sileree]

Lots of articles about this recently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8080681.stm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...ry-vaccination

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...th-expert.html

[Marnica]

mmmmm...it was only a matter of time before something like this happens....at least they are only thinking of the MMR now and not all the shots like here in the good ole USA

[emma1325]

Originally Posted by Marnica

mmmmm...it was only a matter of time before something like this happens....at least they are only thinking of the MMR now and not all the shots like here in the good ole USA

I'm sure they'll use MMR as a launching pad for mandatory vaccines in the UK. I hope the people there won't stand for it.

[ema-adama]

I am watching this. I think it is different in the UK, as the state education is paid for by taxpayers money - so it is not really free. The parents are paying for their children right to an education.

And this idea of making the MMR mandatory does not enjoy universal approval, even by people who support vaccination. There is the concern that as soon as it is a legal issue the government comes across as heavy handed and essentially unable to win parents over to vaccinating their children with reason and convincing evidence of the safety of the vaccine. It does not make the governement look good. And of course it could backlash, making even more parents question the need to vaccinate with all the press coverage of the debate.

Hmmmm, tricky tricky. How to convince the parents of the *safety* of the vaccine? While addressing their concerns and not ignoring them? Ie not redefining the debate to the tragic stories of children who have died from measles.

It seems the trend is to glamourise vaccines.

[Gitti]

Up to now there have been no mandatory vaccines in the UK. But big pHARMa is pushing drugs into human bodies in any way they can. The more they sell the more their are needed.

If people stand up now and say "NO", then they'll back down again. That doesn't mean no one will vaccinate but it will be of the people's free will and that is how it should be.

Remember there was a man who told his army, "If you meet any opposition in Poland, come back home." They met no resistance and on they went...

People have got to be in charge of their own bodies, not government and not big business. We can't let them use us as their testing grounds.

[Jugs]

Originally Posted by ema-adama

I am watching this. I think it is different in the UK, as the state education is paid for by taxpayers money - so it is not really free. The parents are paying for their children right to an education.

How is that different than the US?

[Ophelia]

Originally Posted by Jugs

How is that different than the US?

That's what I was wondering! My understanding is our property taxes pay for the schools.

[Sileree]

Last year in England another politician made the same threat. It was just hot air and nothing came about from it. What is concerning to me about this new proposal is that in January of this year the government handed over power to the JCVI. As the law stands, they MUST implement any recommendations that the committee makes. And the JCVI has had many ties to the pharmaceutical companies for the past 20 odd years.

In their minutes:

"The JCVI was pleased the recommendations of the committee would have the force of law behind it. The committee asked for clarification on the constitution including what exactly ‘right’ meant with respect to the right of a child to receive a vaccine when their parents were opposed to vaccination and how the constitution affected the recommendations of the JCVI with respect to legal challenge."

http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.c...ompulsory-vax/

[peainthepod]

How frightening! What are they going to do, round people up into camps and forcibly jab them? That won't go over well.

I want to say this could never happen here, but that's not true. Everything could happen here...if we let it.

[ema-adama]

Originally Posted by Jugs

How is that different than the US?

My bad. It never pays to assume something, and here I assumed that parents in the USA are paying for the education of their children through a fee system.



Thanks for clearing that up.

[Whispers]

Unfortunately I have a sinking feeling this law *will* be passed. There are too many people out there who believe not have the MMR is a serious health issue that affects the entire nation.

My ds was due his MMR back in Feb. Since then I've had *concerned* phone calls from my doctor, my health visitor and myriad of letters from our health authority on the dangers of opting out of the MMR will not only have to your child but other children. Had I not been so absolutely adamant about my views on the MMR I probably would have given in. I know a few people who were unsure of the MMR but who have been guilted into giving it to their children.

Personally I am very wary of any the government that tries to force my hand when it comes to my children's health.

Either way even if it does pass, my children are home educated so it's a bit of a moot point for us.