A mother's choice over divisive immunisation issue
NO matter how small, there are risks that some mothers are just not willing to take.
Edge Hill mum Michelle Burcin is among the growing number of parents opting not to immunise their children, and are instead registering themselves as conscientious objectors to vaccination.
Related
Anti-immunisation rate a threat to public health, say scientists
Latest statistics indicate one in 12 Australian babies are not fully immunised.
Mrs Burcin and husband Chris recognise the issue is divisive, so they did their own research when son James was born, rather than following the majority of parents into immunisation.
"We don't immunise because of what is in the vaccinations. We've done a bit of research about how it's produced and what's in it, and I don't like the idea of injecting him with that," she said.
"The other thing is that a lot of vaccinations are grouped, so you go in and get vaccinations for three or four things at once.
"And even though it's a debatable thing, I've done research on vaccinations causing autism and I don't want to go down that path and be exposed to that risk."
The Burcins don't discuss their personal preference with other parents but they expect it to arise down the track when they enrol James at school.
"We wonder if it will be an issue when we look at daycare or kindy or school (but) I wouldn't change my mind. I just have to find somewhere that accepts it," Mrs Burcin said.
tag Have your say online at cairns.com.au
NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the
condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will
not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.
Share this article
Conscientious objector: Michelle Burcin has decided against immunising her son James, 1. Picture: BRENDAN FRANCIS.
















