Not too many parents ask the question: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate.
Most parents are sensible and when the time comes get their children immunised against measles and other preventable diseases.
And that’s been the case for decades – and we’ve been better and healthier for it.
But there are always going to be exceptions.
Some parents genuinely worry about possible side effects for their children.
And as hard as it is to say this, some of those who don’t get their kids immunised are just bad parents.
Everyone knows what kind of people we are talking about here and there’s no doubt they are the target of the government’s “no jab no pay’’ strategy.
This is what Pauline Hanson says is a dictatorial approach to immunisation, and technically she’s right.
But she has to understand that the government hasn’t gone too many other weapons in its immunisation battle.
Even Pauline Hanson would admit that some of the diseases prevented by vaccination are very contagious.
Children who are not immunised and end up with measles could potentially spread it to many of their fellow students.
Hanson also talks about the possible side effects of vaccines used in immunisation.
Well, I’m sorry, but if there was a serious downside we’d have heard about it by now.
Dr Freelander is right when he advises the One Nation leader to be careful when offering medical advice.
Hanson, the second time around, seems to resonate with many Australians on a number of issues.
Immunisation is not one of them.
She should leave that to the experts, doctors and other health professionals.
Either that or she should take up our good doctor’s offer to have a chat about the facts on immunisation.
But something tells me Dr Freelander shouldn’t hold his breath waiting for a phone call from Pauline Hanson.
