A very important decision we need to make for ourselves or as new parents is whether to vaccinate fully, partially or at all. All of these choices are valid and we need to be able to make our choice with the best available information.

In 2012, by the time an Australian child is 12 months old, they will receive 23 vaccines and by the time they start school, that number will more than double. We owe it to ourselves and our children to be fully informed about all aspects of vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Should you choose to vaccinate the following suggestions may assist you and your baby at this time

  • Ensure that whoever is receiving a vaccine is perfectly healthy & has been for at least 30 days prior to vaccination. They should not have had a course of antibiotics in the last 30 days nor should they be just recovering from an illness.
  • Giving paracetamol to prevent fever after routine vaccinations may lessen the effectiveness of the immunisation, according to a Lancet study. Although it reduces fever, the study found it also interferes with the body’s immune response. Antibody responses to several vaccines were significantly lower in the group given paracetamol
  • Give Vit C powder (check dosage with your local herbalist or naturopath) daily for 2 weeks before and after vaccination
  • Apply EMLA patches for babies (anaesthetic patches available from chemists) 1-1 ½ hrs before vaccination on the area to be injected (usually thighs)
  • Give Thuja (homeopathic remedy – again check the dosage with your local herbalist or naturopath) on the day of vaccination and 3 times daily for 2 weeks after
  • Keep note of any changes you see in yourself or your child following vaccination. Look for things such as changes in sleep, feeding & bowel patterns, notice behaviour, temperature & skin changes such as rashes or swellings.
  • Any adverse reactions should be reported to your doctor and the Adverse Medicine Events (AME) Line (1300 134 237). You can also report them to the Australian Vaccination-risks Network.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can also be of assistance to support your immunity and should you or your baby have any reaction to the vaccinations.

If you feel you are in need support with any of the issues mentioned above then book an acupuncture appointment today.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and has spent 6 years lecturing at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.