Experts from the Australian Medical Association have spoken out against a community of parents who are willingly exposing their unvaccinated children to chicken pox and inviting others to do the same.
Born of a mistrust in vaccinations, the trend, which has been wholly condemned by experts in the field, sees parents posting messages online which discuss the benefits of the practice.
"My son has a full case of chickenpox. We are all home together for the week," wrote mum Hollie Singleton. "If anyone wants to clear this bug now and get it over with please come to Brisbane and visit us. We are here to infect only those who want it."
Commenting on the movement which has been instigated by anti-vaccination groups, AMA Queensland president, Dr Chris Zappala, insisted the practise is negligent, harmful and misinformed.
Reminding the public of the possible implications of so-called 'pox parties', Dr. Zappala asserts: "The potential severity of these illnesses is being underestimated. Chickenpox is usually milder in children, but it can result in serious complications and even death."
Reinforcing his point in a bid to educate parents planning to engage in the practice, he continued: "Exposing your children to disease in the hope of developing their immunity is terribly misinformed. It will not benefit them and it will not benefit society."
Undeterred, Hollie maintains her stance and stands by her decision to extend the invite, saying: “I just don’t believe in a chickenpox vaccine, it seems really silly to put that in children when natural immunity comes from getting it and it’s a safer smarter thing to do."
The practice has been slammed as a form of child abuse, with Australian media commentator Derryn Hinch, insisting that those who participate should face criminal charges
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