1 Answer

The decision on immunisations is for the parents (or legal guardians), and there is no legal requirement in the UK to be immunised. In some countries, immunisation is required before a child is admitted to school, and this is something that you should consider if you may be going to live abroad.

If you decide not to have your child immunised, but change your mind later, immunisation can be arranged with your doctor. This delay carries a risk that your child could catch the infection first. There is no convincing research that shows greater benefit or safety from delaying immunisation beyond the recommended age.

Some parents have chosen unlicensed single measles, mumps and rubella vaccines or homeopathic alternatives to licensed vaccines. If you choose these alternatives, you need to consider the financial cost, the fact that some products have not been tested as thoroughly as licensed vaccines, whether there will be more injections, reactions and side-effects, and the probability that your child will not be as quickly and effectively protected. The government's compensation scheme (see below in What happens when things go wrong?) does not apply to homeopathic alternatives.

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