This article is not about immune compromised adults such as us, but babies younger than 6 weeks old - before they have their vaccination to protect them from a devastating Pertussis (Whooping Cough) infection.
'No Vax, No Visit is a movement being propagated through social media and social pressure. Expectant parents are demanding that all visitors who wish to visit their newborn are recently vaccinated against whooping cough. If visitors can’t prove they’re vaccinated, they’re refused permission to visit the baby in hospital or at home until after the newborn’s two-month vaccination (which can be given at six weeks).'
The adverse impacts (unintended social consequences) of this social media movement are explained by Samantha Carlson, Social Science Research Officer for the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kerrie Wiley, Research Fellow, National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance, and School of Public Health and Peter Bruce McIntyre, Professor and Director for the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine, all of University of Sydney: theconversation.com/no-vax-...
'While some parents will find their family and friends are happy to be vaccinated, we are also hearing stories of isolation of new parents, division in social groups, and guilt of friends feeling irresponsible. Some new parents are even too scared to take their baby to the “disease-riddled” shopping centre, school or playground.
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While there’s no evidence that No Vax, No Visit will offer any additional protection for the newborn, there is evidence that social isolation can lead to postnatal depression.
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So, what else can parents do to protect their newborn before the six-week vaccination if mum was vaccinated during pregnancy, and dad, siblings and grandparents are all up to date with their vaccines? Ask visitors to postpone their visit if they are sick, and hand-washing before cuddles is essential.'
Now if only our visitors could be convinced of the need to postpone their visit if they are sick and wash their hands before hugging, etc, when we are particularly immune compromised...
Neil