Concerns have been raised about making vaccination compulsory but according to Katherine Smith, spokeswoman for No Forced Vaccines, parents should make their own decision about medical treatment.
“Vaccination is a serious medical intervention, most people only get mild side effects, but some people get serious side effects," says Katherine Smith.
Tony Kake of Papakura Marae insists that parents only decide upon the treatment when hearing advice from their GP.
Mr Kake says, “We here at Papakura Marae are very supportive of immunisation, we have whānau who have the choice but we encourage them to take up vaccination for their tamariki, for their future.”
These concerns come as Immunisation Week begins which has raised some awareness of the importance of immunisation to protect children against serious illnesses.