RE: [ozmidwifery] hep B at birth

[Nicole Carver]

Hi Kristin, I give parents information about how a baby might get Hep B (really only if mum is a carrier - and the consequences of this are dreadful) and the fact that there is a full course of Hep B vaccines in the normal immunisation schedule. It soon becomes apparent that it will rarely be necessary. However, only mum knows what exposure the baby may get to carriers in her own household, so she needs to know how teens and adults get Hep B. However, the carrier's blood still needs to get into the baby somehow, so the likelihood of that happening is still slim. If you provide all this info parents can make their own decision. No parent is going to willingly expose their baby to any risk of getting Hep B, so I believe it is safe to let them decide, without judgement, either way. Unfortunately this position has on occasion given me trouble. I have had parents say to their maternal and child health nurse that I said it was unnecessary for the baby to have the vaccine. This would be foolish, and I wouldn't do it because it is not my place to decide for the parents. You will find it difficult to find unbiased literature in the mainstream, but if you get info about Hep B generally, which is available in the mainstream, it still becomes clear that it is hard for a baby whose mother is not a carrier to get Hep B, certainly in the time until the first standard immunisations at 8 weeks, if they choose to have these. Best wishes, Nicole Carver. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Dan & Rachael Austin Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 5:14 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] hep B at birth Hi Kristin,   The Australian Vaccination Network (AVN) (http://www.avn.org.au/) and Think Twice: Global Vaccine Institue (http://www.thinktwice.com/) are 2 online resources that I am aware of.  The Informed Voice Magazine (formally Informed Choice), may have something in back issues worth looking up.  There is certainly another side of the coin when it comes to vaccines and parents should be able to have access to all the literature for and against :)   Kind Regards, Rachael ----- Original Message ----- From: Kristin Beckedahl To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 4:27 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] hep B at birth Does anyone know of an article for parents or a link I could use for the 'other side of the argument' for Hep B shot at birth for my CBE couples..? I can only find the government prodcued brochures etc.. Thanks, Kristin Find your old friends and discover what they're doing now. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.