Help with UK laws and non-vaxing

[AutumnAir]

I was under the impression that the right to informed consent/refusal of medical treatment, including vaccines, was still upheld in the UK. However, I've recently heard from a couple of different sources that that may not be the case. I've googled and searched this forum, but haven't come up with anything concrete.

We have just moved here and haven't put ourselves on the radar with doctors yet. My DH would like to have an established GP to go to, and I see his point, also keeping in mind the 'keeping up of appearances' we so often need to think of in this day and age.

I'm wondering what my actual rights are and where can I find proof of them should I need them? DD had the Hexavac (6 in 1!) vaxes at 2 and 4 months, when she had an adverse reaction. (Became lethargic and unresponsive for a few days and stopped babbling consonants for over a month afterwards when she had been happily babbling for a few weeks at that point). That really shocked me - I started researching and have decided that I will not give DD any more vaxes. The doctor we were going to (in the Czech Republic where vaxes are mandatory) dismissed DD's reaction (of course) but can I tell a doctor here that DD has suffered an adverse reaction and expect them to accept that as a decent reason not to further risk her? Or would I have better luck claiming that vaccinations go against my religious beliefs? (Not to upset anyone who actually belongs to an organised religion which preaches against vaccinations, but my child's health and life are on the line and I will happily lie to protect her if need be.)

Looking at the vax schedule for the Uk we've missed a couple due at 12-13 months (DD's 18 months now) and the next lot aren't due until age 3 or so, so maybe I don't need to worry right now (though of course I don't have 'proof of vaccinations' beyond her 4 month ones, so they might want to 'catch us up' :

Any help, advice, links etc. really appreciated. TIA

[Sileree]

There are no laws about vaccination, for school or otherwise. You don't need any exemptions. I go back and forth between Scotland all the time since my DP is from there.

ETA: You probably heard about MP's and others trying to make MMR compulsory for school a few months ago but it never came to anything.

[AutumnAir]

So if I take DD to a doctor and just state that I'm not going to vax her how much of a problem could there potentially be? Could they get Social Services involved on the basis of that alone? Could they threaten to take DD and could they actually do so? I just can't find anything that upholds my right as a parent to refuse treatment.

(I'm coming from the background of Ireland, where although they push vaxes they also inform you of your right to choose right there on the vax information website, so I'm just concerned that I don't know the legal ins and outs of the situation in this country).

[tessie]

Originally Posted by AutumnAir

So if I take DD to a doctor and just state that I'm not going to vax her how much of a problem could there potentially be? Could they get Social Services involved on the basis of that alone? Could they threaten to take DD and could they actually do so? I just can't find anything that upholds my right as a parent to refuse treatment.

(I'm coming from the background of Ireland, where although they push vaxes they also inform you of your right to choose right there on the vax information website, so I'm just concerned that I don't know the legal ins and outs of the situation in this country).

Not vaxxing isn't something a dr would call social services for. And even if they did that alone is not something they could remove a child for. I would imagine that many drs will try and convince you to vax but ultimately it's your choice as parent.

I did choose to vax but was a little behind schedule and nobody so much as blinked over it.

[zoe196]

I live in the UK with my 3.5 yo and I have never been pressured by my GP to vax. They are not mandatory here. I have, however, been lectured relentlessly by medical staff when I have taken my ds to the emergency room (despite vaxing having no bearing on our reason for being there). The same ER staff gave me a hard time because I was breastfeeding a 15 month old.

You will probably deal with a health visitor as your child is under 5 and again, some will lecture you and try and tell you you are in the wrong.

Best of Luck,

Zoe, mama to Thomas 1/06

[Helen_A]

You only get 'assigned' a HV if you register for Child Health Services via the GP registration.

On the back of the GP reg. form there is a place with a box to tick and the GP to sign to say that the GP has 'accepted the child for CHS'. If you obliterate this - I'd also advise writing on it that you do not consent for CHS, just to make it completely clear, lol - they cannot legally register your child with the CHS. This should mean that you don't get any 'reminders' about vax as well.

If you *want* a health visitor then you can still obliterate this portion of the form, but then seek an appt. with the HV through the surgery. Any age related check ups wouldn't be sent through either though - but your child is past the age where most of them are actually 'check ups' in most parts of the UK anyway.

Withholding consent for registration with CHS does not affect your childs' registration with the GP, as it is a seperate thing :-)

You need to actively withhold consent as otherwise consent is assumed.