Parents make a dash for jab cash - Herald Sun

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This is a shocking article and there is a poll on the site as well. Please make a comment if you feel so moved. My comment is below:As the President of the Australian Vaccination Network, the organisation that lobbied for passage of a Conscientious Objection clause to vaccination requirements so that informed and caring parents would not be penalised for putting their child's health first over government bribes, I find this article to be incredibly offensive.Objectors are not "exploiting a loophole". This payment has always been available to all parents within a certain income bracket. The government had no right to link it with vaccination since vaccines are not compulsory in Australia. This is financial discrimination-plain and simple.Next, if 16,000 exemptions in a country of 22 million people is a problem, how much faith do you REALLY have in the ability of vaccines to prevent disease? Considering the fact that 75% of all children under 4 who get whooping cough are FULLY vaccinated against it while another 14% are partially vaccinated, parent's concerns should be directed towards the vaccine-not the unvaccinated.The AVN, Inc supports everyone's right to make free and informed choices. What a shame the Herald Sun doesn't agree.Meryl DoreyAVN, Inc.Because every issue has two sideshttp://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/anti-vaxers-get-immune-to-logic/story-fndo45r1-1226426118851Parents make a dash for jab cashAnika deKroo gets her 12-month shot. Picture: Hanson Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)PARENTS who refuse to vaccinate their children are pocketing thousands of dollars in Federal Government immunisation incentives.Opponents to childhood vaccines say it is unfair to be denied Federal Government cash because of their beliefs, and are exploiting a loophole to claim more than $2000 a child after registering as "conscientious objectors".In July, the Gillard Government scrapped the $129 Maternity Immunisation Allowance, a specific payment to encourage parents to have their children immunised.In an attempt to boost immunisation rates, it has now linked vaccination incentives to Family Tax Benefit A $2100 to be paid over three immunisation "check points" once children are fully immunised at ages one, two and five.While parents have been warned they will lose their payment and the childcare benefit if they do not fully immunise their children, they are also being told exemptions will be given to objectors.All they have to do to still receive the money is fill out a form supplied by the Federal Government.The Federal Government's Department of Human Services website outlines the immunisation requirements.It reads: "To meet the immunisation requirements, children will need to be fully immunised, be on a recognised immunisation catch-up schedule, or have an approved exemption."The exemption forms are available from the Department of Human Services website.They require signatures of the parent/guardian of the child and recognised immunisation provider a GP or family doctor.Independent Senator Nick Xenophon said it was a bizarre policy."This is a case of everyone wins a prize. It's a bit like getting the Baby Bonus without having a baby," Senator Xenophon said."Anti-vaxers", as they call themselves, are now joining parenting forums to encourage others not to be bullied by the Government and to give tips on how to get objection forms lodged quickly.One person on the controversial Australian Vaccination Network suggested: "Do not take the child to the appointment as it is for information gathering only."Have the Medicare form for conscientious objection already printed out (and) have your friend ready with a recording device in case the doctor starts to behave unprofessionally."In the past eight months, the Government has granted more than 16,000 exemptions from conscientious objectors, children with immunity and families with legitimate medical reasons.Queensland last year recorded 3432 cases of whooping cough and 133 cases of pneumococcal, vaccine-preventable diseases that still kill babies in Australia. Up to 10 per cent of Queensland children are not fully immunised.For some it's a sticking pointMICHELLE Burcin is like most mums. Baby spew is her latest eau de toilette and multi-tasking has become a lifestyle.However, unlike other mums, there's one thing missing from her busy schedule: dates and times for immunisations.The Cairns mother of one and former primary school teacher is an "anti-vaxer" and refuses to be swayed by the majority.She chose not to vaccinate 12-month-old son after doing her own research about immunisations and wants him to build his immune system naturally.She is a registered conscientious objector and has no problem telling people is not immunised."People don't understand it. It's a parent's choice and I think that's why people don't discuss it with me," Mrs Burcin said.It's a stance accepted by Brisbane physiotherapist and mother of three, deKroo."I think people should have the choice. It's a medical intervention and is not without risk," Mrs deKroo said."But the risk is so minimal, so it was a no-brainer (that the children would be vaccinated)."Everything you do, you're trying to keep your kids in good health. If there are diseases that are easily preventable (by having a jab), it was really not a difficult decision for me."Some doctors interviewed by The Sunday Mail said they privately believed vaccinations should be mandatory. However, they conceded that it would never happen because of the controversy.They said some members of the public were being confused by the "ludicrous" information published by anti-vaccination groups.The Australian Vaccination Network, which says it offers the other side of debate to pro-vaccinators, has listed 10 reasons why parents choose not to immunise their children, including: "vaccines have never been tested, doctors and health professionals rarely, if ever, report vaccine reactions", and that some childhood illnesses "have beneficial aspects", such as the measles to help treat eczema.Doctors dispute the claims.What do you think? Tell us in the comments box below, emailyournews@... or write to us at GPO Box 130, Brisbane, 4001.viellarisr@...

Meryl Dorey,SpokespersonThe Australian Vaccination Network, Inc.Investigate before you vaccinateEditor,Living Wisdom MagazineFamily, Health, EnvironmentPO Box 177BANGALOW NSW 2479AUSTRALIAhttp://www.avn.org.auhttp://www.living-wisdom.comPhone: 02 6687 1699 FAX 02 6687 2032skype: ivmmagFreedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose. - C. MillsThe authority of any governing institution must stop at its citizen's skin. - Gloria SteinemWe rely on the help and support of our members and subscribers to continue offering our services freely and without prejudice.Please consider helping us by joining the AVN as a member. Go to http://www.avn.org.au to become a member or donate to support our work.We also sell books, videos and DVDs on vaccination and other health issues. Go to http://shop.avn.org.au/ for more details.