I am a registered childminder and a former pharmacy lab assistant at our local hospital. When my 19-month-old son Samuel was due to have his vaccinations, I had all the 'inside' information and made what I felt was the right choice. He was vaccinated and he remains a very happy and healthy little boy.
The vaccination debate has been going on for years. When I was born in 1976, my mother was frightened by the arguments against the whooping cough vaccine and decided I should not have them. I caught whooping cough when I was two years old, was hospitalised and nearly died. Two years on I contracted mumps.
My mother agreed with Sam being given his jabs and said that if she could turn back the clock I would have had them too.
The choice is a result of the parents' thoughts and experiences. When it comes down to it, with anything concerning your child, you make what you feel is the right choice at the time. I vaccinated my son because I felt it was the right thing to do after looking at all the information. It was my choice and I shouldn't be either applauded or ridiculed for it. I just hope that I made the right decision.
Registered childminder, East Sussex.
