Making a decision

MMRV vaccine decision aid

Advantages

My child will be better protected from common symptoms of these diseases such as rash, high fever, red and painful eyes, swollen glands and joint pain.
My child will be better protected from the potentially serious complications of these diseases (e.g. encephalitis or death).
I will not have to take time off work to care for my child if they get one or more of these diseases.
My child won't face the restrictions set by some schools and childcare centres, which exclude children who have not been vaccinated.
If there is an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella, my child will be able to keep attending school or childcare.
My vaccinated child is less likely to pass on diseases to the small number of children and adults who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons (such as babies under 1 year of age, pregnant women, and people having chemotherapy).
My family won’t face the restrictions set by the Australian Government on receiving family assistance payments, which require children to be fully vaccinated.

Disadvantages

My child may have some localised swelling where they received the injection, have a non-infectious rash, mild cold and flu-like symptoms or a fever 7 to 12 days after the vaccination.
My child may be 1 in 1 million children who experience a serious complication such as a severe allergic reaction.
If my child experiences a severe complication I may feel guilty or responsible because I had them vaccinated.
Even though the association between MMR and bowel disease and autism has been disproved I might feel some concern about these diseases and vaccination.
If I choose to vaccinate my child I may feel uncomfortable if my friends, family or members in my community strongly disagree with my choice.