S.H. asks from Springfield, VA on September 18, 2007
MMR Aka Autism Shot
Hello All,
I am always drawn to programming that gives info on autism and today Oprah had on Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson. At one point in the show Jenny suggested that autism may be triggered by the MMR shot which is typically given to our children around 15 mos old. My son's 15 month appt is coming up and I was just wondering if any of you have done additional research on this subject and refused to let your child get this shot. As a first time, soon to be second time mom I just feel like I can't not look into it at all. Todays' show was not the first time I've heard this and for some reason it always hits a cord with me. I don't know if that is my intuition or just paranoia.
So What Happened?™
Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support and abundant information on this subject. It is so great to be able to hear the view points of so many well educated women on the subject. Im definately going to talk to my son's doctor before approving the MMR or flu shot. I'm hoping more research and more discussion with moms like yourselves will help me come to a conclusion I can live with.
Thanks again.
S.
More Answers
T.L. answers from Washington DC on September 19, 2007
well, I have an almost 6-yr-old girl, and a 27-month-old boy, and both have had routine shots. ALL of the their routine shots. I don't have any signs of autism here, so I'm not so sure about the relation. The statistics on how many children will get autism is staggering, and I feared that with my son as well. But we seem to be fine so far..... hope this helps!
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T.B. answers from Washington DC on September 19, 2007
Hi.
I am a mom with 3 children and I do not vaccinate my children any more. I will advice you to get as much information as possible about vaccines and all the side effect before you do. Your concern should not only be of autism but of other side effects as well. I have a friend who's daughter is severely brain damage from the MMR. A lot of people will now say that that is only 1 in 100 000, but are you willing to take the risk. Another thing they are now looking in to is the connection between SIDS and vaccines. There is a lot of information out there about both the good and the bad about vaccines. The one thing I will tell you is that you have to be strong if you choose not to vaccinate. You will have problems with a lot of people who think you put their kids at risk. Health personnel will often treat you rudely and schools will try to intimidate you in to vaccinate. Just know one thing. No one can force you to vaccinate your children. You are the one who will have to live with your decision so make sure you research a lot before you decide. You are in no hurry.
Good luck.
T.
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C.D. answers from Washington DC on September 19, 2007
From all I have read, there is no conclusive evidence that links the MMR shot with autism. But I have seen that many childhood diseases that even our parents have had to deal with, we no longer have to worry about them for our children. And this is due to the vaccinations that our kids receive. My son is now 5 and I had heard the rumor when he was due for his shots, but after serious research, I still felt that even if there were a very slight chance that a disorder such as Autism could result, it was best to protect him against these other diseases that can kill. If enough children fail to receive the required immunizations than there is a possibility that the diseases we have gotten used to not even thinking about here in America anymore can start killing our children again. Thank God he has had no side affects but if I have another child they also will receive the shot. Its hard to think about anything bad happening to our children especially when we can protect them. I would definitely talk to your pediatrician and do some research on the web. I am not saying anything bad about the actors/public figures that talk about the link between autism and the shot but I have seen very few, if any, reputable doctors recommend against the shot due to the risks. Good luck with your decision.
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W.O. answers from Washington DC on September 19, 2007
S.,
My five year old son has an Autism spectrum disorder and all of his Dr. and specialists have told me that the immunization shots are very unlikely a cause of Autism. The debate is wether the mercury used to stabalize the meds, or quantities given at one time are to blame, but studies have shown this is most likely NOT a factor. Please talk with your pediatrician, there are also great Autism websites (Autism Speaks & Autism society of America) that can provide lots of information to help you make an informed decision.
I hope this helps at least a little.
W.
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L.R. answers from Honolulu on September 20, 2007
yes i havent vaccinated any of my children at all ....they are so healthy...as long as you keep theyre immune systems healthy by feeding them good healthy foods....doctors will scare you with how you are abusing yor child and stuff....but if you look into all the info....youll see what i mean....check out the national vaccine info website...and there are waivers that are excepted by daycares and schools saying you can let your child attend...
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