Homoeopathic vaccination. What does it mean? Immunisation Interest Group of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.

OBJECTIVE

To document and review the theoretical basis of vaccination practices and policies of homoeopaths in Sydney.

METHODS

After preliminary interviews, a questionnaire was designed and mailed to all 29 homoeopaths listed in the Sydney telephone directory and practising in central Sydney.

RESULTS

Six homoeopaths (21%) returned the completed questionnaire and 10 others were interviewed. Their attitudes to vaccination varied widely. The two medically qualified homoeopaths recommended orthodox vaccination routinely for most children. Five of the six respondents did not recommend routine vaccination by any method. We could not obtain any scientific data about the contents of homoeopathic vaccinations. No reports evaluating homoeopathic vaccination were found in the peer-reviewed medical literature from 1982-1993.

CONCLUSIONS

Homoeopathic vaccination practices are variable, with no statutory body regulating them in Australia. Medically qualified homoeopaths frequently recommend orthodox vaccination.