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BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Hi everyone

I'd be real grateful if you could help me out here. I would like to come work in Brunei but I've hit a major stumbling block. It appears all kids living in Brunei must have the MMR vaccine or their parents can be fined or go to jail. Don't want to get involved in an MMR debate...let's just say there is no way my kids are going to have it. Assuming the above to be true (very grateful if someone could confirm it) is it also true in Malaysia? If not I may consider living over the border and commuting in.

Thank you so much in advance for any help

B

jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Brunei - I have never heard of this - and have lived here for more than 10 years. However, if it is true it will only be for local children.....although I think even then MMR vaccine is only 'advised.' However as an expat it will be entirely your choice whether you get it done or not. I chose to have my children vaccinated and took them along to the doctor to do it - but this was entirely up to me and had I not wished to do it, that would have been fine....
I have also lived in Malaysia and the same applied.
No need to worry about this at all...completely up to you!

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Thanks JS I have PMed you

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Have seen that 90 or so people have been interested enough to look at this so thought it was worth providing an update. Have heard from various sources that this is in fact compulsory for all kids born after 2003. Is there anyone who has had a child since 2003 in Brunei -who has not been forced to have their kid vaccinated- that can give me some hope?

Thank you so much!!

gajackson1 · Joined: 28 Jan 2008 Posts: 210

Bobby -

I have only been here a week, but I am in central BSB, and can probably get a definitive answer for you. For public schools, the policiy may well be different than individual private schools.

Someone may have PMed you an answer-answer (meaning something definitive), but if not, let me know, and I'll try to get an official answer/policy tomorrow in my town-based errands run.

Regards,

Glen

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

Thank you so much Glen, that sure is kind of you.

I have read this:

Under the new infectious diseases order of 2003 parents/guardians must ensure that children are vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and Tetanus.

What I do not know is how this is enforced. Tuberculosis is mandatory at birth and so I am scared that the doctors may take babies away at birth and inject them. I am also worried that children may need to show that they have had the MMR jab in order to get identity papers, visas, school places, etc. Probably people with kids born before 2003 might not be aware of the rule. However, it may be that it is rule that is not properly enforced in reality. I sure hope so because there is no way any baby of mine is going to be injected with the MMR vaccine!

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jsteventon · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 191

Hi again,

Sent Bobby a few pm's but thought I'd post here too...this documentation refers to babies of Bruneian nationality. I know many ex-pats here with yong children and it is completely up to them whether or not they do these vaccinations....

BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

With respect to JS I also pointed out to him/her by PM that the quote above came from the newsletter sent out to CfBT teachers (who I assume are expats). JS said that in this case I ought to check with CfBT, which I have tried to do, but received no reply.

JS if you know for a fact that people who have had children since 2003 in Brunei have not had to have their children vaccinated by law then please could you confirm this. It does seem a little strange that it would only be for Bruneian children though...surely it would apply to all residents (not much point in only vaccinating some of the population if you believe there is any point in vaccinating at all)

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BOBBYSUE · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

PS My husband has just heard from CfBT. They seem to think that it is compulsory for newborns (born in Brunei, expat or not) though they do think there is an element of choice for older children. Not really good news about the newborns from my point of view, but again, JS, if you have any definite cases contradicting this then I sure would be grateful to hear about them
B