Media Release
From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)Key Points
- To be effective, an immunisation programme requires a high proportion of the population to be immunised
- Early and continued engagement with knowledgeable health professionals helps to build trust of immunisation
- Discussions about immunisation in pregnancy help new mothers to immunise their babies on time.
- Coercive methods, such as mandatory vaccinations, can penalise those experiencing mistrust and hardship.
- Positive experiences of vaccination, such as reducing pain and stress, can improve family confidence of immunisation.
Summary
Almost everyone needs to be immunised for vaccines to work well and to prevent diseases from spreading. Parents are more likely to trust and accept vaccines when they can discuss their concerns early during pregnancy with a health professional. Good experiences, such as less pain and stress during vaccinations, help to maintain positive attitudes towards vaccines and healthcare throughout life. Compulsory vaccination can increase mistrust and penalise those already experiencing hardship and loss of trust. Positive recommendations and well-designed immunisation programmes can help to reach high-level immunisation coverage without mandates.
