Chief Health Officer warns parents to beware of 'fake' immunisations

2 August 2013
Chief Health Officer warns parents to beware of ‘fake’ immunisations
Queensland parents are being warned of the risks surrounding so-called homeopathic
vaccinations.
The State’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, said she was issuing the warning
after becoming aware of a child whose parents reported she had been protected by
“homeopathic” immunisation.
Dr Young said in scientific terms the notion of homeopathic vaccinations was nonsense.
“The Department of Health becomes aware of this as an issue from time to time,’’ she said.
“It is really frustrating to see cases where parents think they are doing the right thing by
their child and, in fact, they’re not protecting them at all.
“We’ve recently been told by a doctor of a parent who reported their child had received
homeopathic vaccinations from a homeopath, believing this was an acceptable alternative
to mainstream immunisation.
“This is totally wrong and the whole science behind homeoprophylaxis, or homeopathic
immunisation, is incorrect.
“Anyone offering remedies in place of standard vaccinations is dangerously misleading
parents into believing their child is protected against serious diseases.
“Homeopathic vaccinations are no substitutes for standard vaccination.
“Such so-called vaccinations are a serious breach of trust and should not be tolerated from
a health care provider.’’
Dr Young said immunisation was considered one of the most important achievements of
modern medicine and had saved millions of lives worldwide.
“Immunisation underpins a healthy community and is a core responsibility of the healthcare
sector,’’ she said.
“The immunisation program remains extremely important and highly effective at preventing
serious and life-threatening infectious diseases.
“Thanks to the immunisation program, diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, measles, influenza
Type B, meningococcal C, and polio do not occur or occur rarely in Queensland.
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“Always talk to your GP or immunisation provider if you have any concerns as there is a lot
of information readily available for parents on the importance and value of immunisation.’’
ENDS
Media contact: 3234 1439
Queensland Health is highlighting one parent every week on Facebook talking about their
experience with immunisation.
In most areas of Queensland, more than 90% of children are fully vaccinated, but for better
community protection and to ensure that everyone is protected from preventable diseases, the rates
need to be even higher.
You can share your story too – check out ‘Queensland Health’ on Facebook.
Immunising your child is one of the most important things you can do to protect them and the
community from preventable disease.
Like any decision about you and your family’s health, it’s always a good idea to talk to your primary
health nurse or GP. You can also get more information by calling 13 HEALTH or visiting
www.health.qld.gov.au/immunisation
Are you following us on Twitter or Facebook?
https://twitter.com/qldhealthnews or https://www.facebook.com/QLDHealth