Obstetrics Gynaecology IVF / Infertility Laparoscopic Surgery Adolescent Gynaecology Dr Penelope Isherwood is happy to see you for Obstetric, Gynaecology and IVF-infertility consultation and treatment. Her wish is to provide her patients with the best care possible, tailored to their circumstances and preferences. Phone. Email. Web. (07) 5597 2660 Fax. (07) 5597 2667 reception@drpenelopeisherwood.com.au www.drpenelopeisherwood.com.au Children ’s Hea lth Other views consider the ‘No Jab – No Pay’ measure unnecessarily punitive and believe it could push committed ‘anti-vaxxers’ further towards objection, as well as cut low-income families from the financial support that would assist their visit to the doctor in the first place. Removal of income could also impact on a family’s ability to send their child to day care or educational facilities, which is devastating for their consistent social and intellectual development. Some children may be unvaccinated due to a disjointed family situation, or because they’re parents are uneducated about vaccination. Nonvaccinating parents who aren’t objectors tend to be from low-income households and low education backgrounds (34% have Year 10 or less education). Conversely, the ‘No Jab – No Play’ measure is acknowledged as an encouragement approach. Rather than chastise and deny anti-vaxxers financially, this is a financial and practical disincentive as parents are forced to seek other childcare facilities or miss work to care for their unvaccinated children when they are sent home from day care. Moreover, in order to enrol their unvaccinated child, parents must have their objection document officially recognised by a doctor. This meeting provides another opportunity for face-to-face discussion and for the GP to reason with the parents on their views. Many objectors have gone on to vaccinate their children after these meetings. 2012 research shows that openness and trust between the health service provider and parents are pivotal in guiding parents towards a comfortable decision about immunisation. Most importantly, it should be acknowledged that objecting parents aren’t acting out of self-interest. Like pro-vaxxers, they are concerned for the welfare and safety of their child against the potential, but very rare, side effects of immunisation. To jab, or not to jab? The decision doesn’t have to be made on assumptions or misinformation. By visiting your GP and discussing the benefits of immunisation, and the implications of recent policy, parents can feel informed about their vaccination decisions and confident about their child’s health. pm pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 49
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
To see the actual publication please follow the link above