Kate Couchman

Homeopaths Opinions Regarding Vaccinations Kate Couchman

Vaccinations have always remained controversial as they carry certain risks, yet there are also many concerns regarding not vaccinating infants. The World Health Organisation acknowledges that the safety of existing vaccines has created a climate of concern, as risks accompany every vaccination. An increasing number of parents question the safety, effectiveness and necessity of vaccines. Given the complexity of this matter, many parents turn to their health care provider for advice and are greatly influenced by what their practitioner recommends as literature is ?confusing and contradictory.? This descriptive, quantitative, perception study was conducted, by means of a self-administered questionnaire, to determine the opinions of homoeopaths with regards to childhood vaccinations and their approach, as primary health care practitioners, to patient management regarding the use of childhood vaccinations. This study aimed to establish a basis from which a cohesive opinion amongst registered homoeopaths could exist within the unique South African context with regards to their opinions and intervention protocols regarding childhood vaccinations and the possible alternatives.