Package inserts - please save and share this link
This is an important link to have - http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm. This site contains a list of most US licensed vaccinations. Since we in Australia get the majority of our vaccines from the same multi-national pharmaceutical companies as the US, our vaccines will, for the most part, be the same (though there are more vaccines given in the US and more options for some of them). Please be sure that if you are considering getting vaccinated or giving your child these shots, that you first look at the inserts for the vaccines being offered. The most important things to consider are:
1- The ingredients (are there heavy metals, toxins, contaminants, antibiotics, etc. in the shot? If so, where is the proof of safety of those ingredients? What are the safety limits for the age group being vaccinated and have they been studied for their individual and cumulative safety?)
2- The listed side effects. The information given to doctors in Australia is incredibly incomplete. Please take a look at my earlier blog post - Does the Doctor Really Know Best - to see that though the government tells doctors about 3 very mild reactions to the Gardasil vaccine, the manufacturer's information (and the manufacturer has done the studies of this shot - not the government) lists 26 far more serious and even life threatening reactions. This is yet another reason why you must take responsibility and do this research for yourself - not just listen to your doctor who may be less informed then you are about this issue.
3- The contraindications or reasons why the vaccine may not be appropriate for everyone. This is important information to have. Is there a family history of sensitivities or reactions (such as seizures or severe allergies) that you should be concerned about? Has your child reacted to certain vaccine ingredient (such as egg or msg) before and therefore, should not be receiving a particular shot? In general, doctors do not give this information out to parents before vaccinating their children and if your child is vaccinated in a school setting, they will NEVER be given this information to bring home to you in order to allow you to make an informed choice. Therefore, having access to this information can be very important.
Keep it and share it with others. We also have links to most of the current Australian vaccines on our website but this list is more complete.