Every parent has the right to choose not to have his or her child immunised. However, if you are considering opting out of all or part of the immunisation programme just make sure you have all the facts clear. You need to be fully aware that you could be adding diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, haemophilus (which can cause septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis), mumps, measles, rubella, meningitis C and pneumococcus (which can also cause septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis) to the above list of “bugs” your child may have to contend with. These are all infections which can and do kill children. Visit immunisation.nhs.uk for more information about vaccinations.

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