Vaccination Saves Lives
Posted on December 29th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
There is a towbanner soaring 500ft above Woodford as this is published, displaying this message proudly.
There is no debate. There is no conspiracy. There is no doubt. Vaccination saves everyone in our community. From suffering. From death.
I’m turning 23 next month and I’m so grateful to live in a time where I do not have to watch my family and friends suffer from polio. Where the medical advances so many of us take for granted are saving lives right now. Our grandparents tell us of the horrors they and their loved ones before them faced when they had no defense against diseases like measles that took so many lives. It seems to us younger ones living now, that it’s all just a thing of a past.
But it won’t be if we don’t keep an active fight against the diseases that caused the suffering of so many in the past and unfortunately is still causing deaths of our most vulnerable today.
My qualifications are not in medicine or in science. So instead of getting into the details where others can do a far superior and qualified job of doing so, here are some quick facts on vaccines and the Australian Vaccination Network.
Some things to know about vaccines
- It’s all about herd immunity. Do your part for the community so we can all be healthier.
- Adults require boosters. Shots as a kid do not last your lifetime.
- They are not 100% effective. The diseases they assist with preventing can be fatal. No protection is risky business.
- Serious reactions are extremely rare. Most reactions are mild and go unnoticed. Your GP is happy to discuss the risks with you prior to choosing to vaccinate.
Some things to know about the AVN and Meryl Dorey
- In July 2010, the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) released a public health warning against the AVN. The AVN has failed to comply with the conditions stated in this warning and are currently taking action against the HCCC in court.
- Then AVN promotes their organisation as ‘pro-choice’. In the HCCC investigation (final report available here as a .pdf), it was found that the AVN’s website is clearly promoting anti-vaccination.
- The NSW’s Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing revoked the AVN’s charity status in October 2010.
- Ms Dorey is a self-proclaimed expert. She has no actual qualifications relevant to health.
The information I have provided here is just a tiny snapshot of what Stop the Australian Vaccination Network have been running campaigns for and has been growing in strength since 2009. I hope for those out there currently seeking answers regarding vaccination that you do use your freedom of choice to come to an conclusion that you are confident in for yourself, family and community. StopAVN will try their best to assist by providing evidence based information so you are fully informed on vaccination.
Thirty-four citizen activists contributed with individual donations from $15 to $300 to cover the $2,800 cost of the plane and towbanner (that’s not even 1% of the AVN’s audited revenue for 2010).
Anyone can be a part of spreading this positive message. If you want to raise awareness, you can be part of StopAVN. If you wish to assist, please visit StopAVN’s Vaccination Saves Lives campaign page. Also, visit here for blogger resources.
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