The source for some of these questions are from Myths and Realities – Responding to arguments against immunisation – A guide for providers, 3 rd ed, Immunise Australia Program, 2001.

1. Are vaccines unsafe?
2. What if my child misses out on the free vaccinations of Hepatitis B, Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and Chickenpox vaccines at school?
3. My child is allergic to eggs, is it alright for him to have a MMR vaccination?
4. Can you give some ideas to prevent or reduce side effects from vaccination?
5. Are different combination vaccines used elsewhere in Australia?
6. How do I report an adverse or unexpected reaction to a vaccination?

1. Are vaccines unsafe?
A major concern of opponents of immunisation is that they consider vaccines to cause harm, whether or not they prevent disease. In general, no biological product can be considered 100% safe. However, all vaccines available in Australia are required to pass stringent quality, safety and efficacy requirements before being approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

2. What if my child misses out on the free vaccinations of Hepatitis B, Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and Chickenpox vaccines at school?
These vaccinations will be provided at school by some metropolitan Local Government Authorities (Councils) and by community nurses. Children who are not vaccinated at school can be vaccinated by their local Community Health Centre, at their local immunisation clinic or at their local government council.

3. My child is allergic to eggs, is it all right for him to have a MMR vaccination?
Egg allergy, even anaphylactic egg allergy, is not a contraindication to vaccination with MMR. At the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Aickin et al administered MMR vaccine to 400 children who had a history of egg allergy and a positive skin prick test. Only 4 children had minor reactions and none had any adverse event that required treatment. Therefore children with egg allergy can be safely given MMR vaccine.

4. Can you give some ideas to prevent or reduce side effects from vaccination?
Our general advice post vaccination is as follows:

• To reduce pain give paracetamol – check appropriate dose for weight directions.
• To reduce fever – give extra fluids (e.g. more breast feeds or water), remove clothes, use a fan in the room, sponge or bath baby with tepid (warm) water (if baby shivers then water is too cold).

If a reaction is sever or if any symptoms occur that you are worried about, contact your doctor, community nurse or local hospital.

5. Are different combination vaccines used elsewhere in Australia?
Yes. Each State/Territory is responsible for purchasing their own vaccines and so the schedule can vary in Australia depending on the brands and combinations used.