Anti-vax mum changes her mind after children fall ill

Kristen O’Meara was once an argent anti-vaxer.

She had done her homework, read everything she thought there was to read to make her decision, and she believed – and trusted – the research.

But then her three daughters fell ill and everything changed, ABC News America reports.

Her children – all aged under seven – were struck down with rotavirus, a condition which causes severe stomach distress.

She and her husband also fell ill as a result.

“I put my kids at risk,” the Chicago-based teacher said.

“I wish I had taken more time to research both sides before my children were born.

“It was awful and it didn’t have to happen, because I could have had them vaccinated.

“I felt guilty. I felt really guilty.”

In Australia, doses of rotavirus vaccine are given either at two and four months of age; or at two, four and six months of age, depending on the brand of vaccine.

Parents are advised to ensure children are vaccinated as close to the recommended age as possible.

Mrs O’Meara said as convinced as she had been that not vaccinating her children was the way to go, the serious health scare means all three of her children are now fully immunised.