27 October 2007
Vaccine Scaremongering Irresponsible
Using the MeNZB campaign for political point scoring is irresponsible to say the least and a former cabinet Minister
should know better, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart.
“The time to debate the wisdom of this particular campaign was before it started – not once the decision was made and
the vaccine had been administered.
“Many parents would have thought long and hard before giving permission. Those people do not deserve to have unnecessary
fears raised about the possible consequences of their decision to have their children vaccinated.
“The Ministry of Health has a moral obligation to put as much effort into keeping parents informed of any adverse
consequences as it put into publicising the vaccination programme. As parents we will expect no less.
“If there is any health stone which needs turning over right now it is the question of what exactly the Ministry of
Health is doing about the growing number of tb cases in this country.
“Two Palmerston North intermediate school pupils have tested positive. This follows over 200 positives at Palmerston
North Boys’ High with 12 students confirmed as having the disease.
“The re-emergence of tuberculosis into the community, especially in schools, should be of immediate and grave concern to
everyone with the best interests of our children at heart,” said Mrs Stewart.
ENDS