A chara, - I read with anger Professor Denis G. Gill's letter (November 27th). He implies that those of us who choose not to immunise our children lack common sense and are therefore irresponsible parents.
After observing the effects of vaccination on my first child - constant ear infections, runny nose, stomach upsets, etc., - I decided to do some investigation of my own into the risks and dangers of childhood immunisation, in other words, what the doctors don't tell you. As a non-medic, it has taken me quite some time to understand the pros and cons of vaccination. However, I am now in a position to make an informed decision about childhood immunisation and I shall not be opting to vaccinate my second child.
Professor Gill appears not to realise that those of us who choose to opt out of immunisation have in most cases been responsible enough to take the time to research one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make as to whether or not to have their child vaccinated.
It should be the responsibility of the Department of Health to advise every parent about all the risks surrounding childhood vaccinations so that they are in a position to make an informed decision instead of promoting only one side of the story. Neither should parents feel bullied into vaccination by the opinions of the respected medical profession. - Is mise,
Ciara Murphy,
Monkstown, Co Dublin.