MMR Shot and Autism

My SIL is an ECSE teacher with an autism cert. We've actually had this discussion at family gatherings. It's in her family; Grandma, 2 nephews, aunt - all very borderline.
She believes that in cases that aren't genetic, it has more to do with all the chemicals that are in food now rather than in the vaccines. I tend to agree with her - have you ever read the labels on all that prepackaged, over-processed, over-dyed food?

My son is 22 months and has every shot on time. He is perfectly fine. I personally do not believe there is any link!

I am a mother of a 2year old who is up to date on all of his shots to this point and a mother of a 2 month old who we have decided not to vaccinate at all. There are so many toxins in those shots and these kids are so little and we are putting ti all in them. They say that mercury is out of the shots, but as long as it isn't the main ingredient they don't have to put it on the label. Go to www.childhoodshots.com, you can also buy a dvd "Are Vaccines Safe?". It is a great DVD and after watching it my husband and I decided not to vaccinate our kids anymore. You can also go to www.novaccine.com and you can see all of the ingredients they put in the shots.

I hope this helps you and good luck with whatever you do.

Hi J. :)

I thought you might be interested in this article. This just happened in March of this year:

______________________________________________________________
U.S. Government Concedes That Mercury Causes Autism

The U.S. government has concluded that childhood vaccines contributed to symptoms of autism in 9-year-old Hannah Poling. The unprecedented concession was in response to one of three test cases that allege the mercury-containing vaccine preservative thimerosal caused autism in children.

According to the case, the child was healthy and developing normally until her 18-month well-baby visit, where she received vaccinations for nine diseases, two of which contained thimerosal. Within 48 hours of the shots, Hannah become ill, refused to walk and could not sleep through the night. Within three months, she began showing signs of autism.

According to U.S. Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, the shots "significantly aggravated an underlying mitochondrial disorder" and resulted in a brain disorder "with features of autism spectrum disorder."

Although federal officials continue to say there is no link between autism and vaccines, this concession says otherwise.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has determined that Hannah’s family is entitled to compensation from a federal vaccine injury fund in an amount that is still being determined.

There are currently 4,900 autism cases pending in Federal "Vaccine Court." ______________________________________________________________

Here's my opinion...Even though some medical facilities claim that all vaccines are now thimerosal free, this is not the case. As another person said in their post, if you really look into it, you will find that some vaccines still contain trace amounts of thimerosal. I am not against vaccines but I am against the current recommended schedule. I feel that it's dangerous to give such small babies/children so many vaccines at once. I do think the MMR vaccine is important but not in it's current form. Ther are ways you can get the vaccine split up so that your child only receives one at a time. Here are some reccomendations from Dr. Sears on how to get the MMR vaccine seperated into 3.

Here are some ways that patients have found they can get the shots separately:

1) Go to a vaccine clinic at a large university hospital. I know one near where I practice that offers them separately.

2) Go to a travel clinic where people usually go to get unusual travel vaccines prior to international travel. Some of these carry the separate M, M, and R.

3) Ask your doctor to write you a prescription for each shot and try to get it filled through a pharmacy. You would bring the shot back to your doctor’s office (making sure you keep it a refrigerator temperature – 36 to 46 degrees F or 2 to 8 degrees Celsius) for the nurse to administer.

4) Ask for a prescription, but get it filled through an online medical supply company or online pharmacy. They can ship it directly to your doctor’s office (shipping isn’t cheap though). One such company that I know of is American Medicine, Inc. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can find them on Google.

5) Check out our Vaccine-Friendly Doctor’s list to see if there’s anyone within driving distance for you. They typically would need you to become a patient and get checkups there in order to provide you with vaccines.

6) If you can’t find the separate shots anywhere, ask your doctor to start a list of like-minded patients and just skip the full MMR for now. Chances are over the next year or two the list will grow to include 10 patients. Delaying your baby’s protection for a year wouldn’t be too risky since the diseases are very rare.

Good luck in whatever you decide! :)

I've seen the article linking the MMR shot to Autism and I've also seen a contradicting newspaper article in my doctors office stating there is no link and the study that linked MMR to autism did not have a broad enough group to come to the conclusions it did.

I myself think the benefits outweight the risk. I think most clinics use mercury free shots now anyway, but you might want to check on that.

I have 2 little boys, and with the statistics saying that 1 in 150 boys have a form of autism, along with the doctors clearly not having enough information to determine the exact link between vaccines and autism, I'm not taking any chances. I thoroughly researched, and highly recommend the Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears, and have decided to wait. There is no medical reason a 1 year old needs the MMR at that time. The rubella shot is necessary if child is exposed to his/her pregnant mom. Your option could be to have the shot separated, which they do at South Lake Pediatrics. My sons will have all their shots by kindergarten, but will not get them all at once before they're 2. There's no reason! Go with your gut instinct.

Hi,
My son is also about to turn 1, and I work with children who have autism everyday, so I too have been doing the research. Although most clinics will tell you that the shots are now mercury, or thimerisol free, when you actually inquire specifically about it, they'll admit that there's still a "trace" amount of mercury in the shots. And, I've also seen the research studies that refute that mercury has anything to do w/ autism. However, there's also a ton of other toxins used in the vaccines to preserve them, including aluminum and other heavy metals. But, I definitely do think the benefits of getting the vaccines outweigh the risks, especially if your child attends daycare. So, we're going to wait until our son is 2 also.

Jaimie,

My 10 1/2 yr old daughter and 4 1/2 yr old son, got all their shots when required. My 5 1/2 month old will as well.

I would think that is there was a "link" between the two for sure, they would stop giving it....

Just my opinion.....

Hi J.,

My daughter had the MMR shot when she was a year old and is just fine. I along with all my brothers, and almost everyone I know has had the shoot with no atuism. Personally I think that the benifits of the immunizations far out way the small chance of the risks (I don't think autism is caused by the MMR, I truely believe that the child already has it, maybe the MMR brings it out but I don't think it causes it). If my child is sick I opt out of the shots that visit and come back in a week or so when she is feeling better, that way her body has less to handle.

Ultitmally the choice is yours so don't feel pressure one way or another. If your doctor 'pressures' you into feeling you need the shoots even if you decided to opt out or wait till later thank them for their concern/adivce and remind them that this is your decision.

Think of it this way. Odds are ###-###-#### and 1 to him getting autisim ( round about number ) and are like 100 to 1 getting Measels. What do you think. It is not proven that the MMR shot will make children get autisim, however about 1 year is about the time that they can start detecting it. I know you have your right but the way Measels and Mumps go you will never take your kid anywhere without wondering if he is going to get it or you and give him the MMR and you can take him anywhere with out worring:) Read up on it or ask a DR and I mean a REAL DR.

Hi J. I just had to make the same decision last week. My 19 month old is my third and every time I get nervous. With my 10 year old they still had Mercury in the shots. With my 5 year old they were phasing the mercury out and now they swear the mercury is gone. What my nurse told me is that with all the mercury being gone from the shots they are still seeing a rise in Autism and not a drastic decline. So they can't seem to link vaccines with Autism. My little guy was due to have the MMR, Hep.A and chicken pox vaccine on his 18 month check-up. He was getting over a cold so I waited until last week. I only gave him the MMR and Hep A, I though three at one time was too much. Right after he had the vaccine the news started talking about a Measles outbreak in Milwaukee. So I quess I am happy that I gave it to him. They said that parents are opting not to give the vaccine and now the diseases are starting to show up again.

Ultimately it is your decision and I know that it is a hard one. You have to weigh the risks and the benefits. Reading the risks that they give you would make any parent nervous. Good luck. Enjoy your little boy. I have three sons and three step-sons and enjoy every minute of being a mom.

My 3 children have had the shot as well as myself- I am 43, my children ages 23, 10 & 5. We have not noticed anything In refernce to the recent articles published with the link to Autism. I was a teachers assistant in the last 1980's & worked with children with Autism and have a great nephew who is 3 with it. I know this is a tough decision to make,however getting the measles, mumps or rubella could me more dangerous then the link to autism.

Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

About the Diseases

Measles, mumps and rubella are serious diseases. They spread when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.

MEASLES

* Causes rash, cough, & fever
* It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, seizures, brain damage, and even death

MUMPS

* Causes fever, headache, swollen glands under the jaw
* It can lead to hearing loss, meningitis (infection of brain and spinal cord coverings), and males can have painful, swollen testicles.

RUBELLA

* Causes rash, mild fever, swollen glands, arthritis (mostly in women)
* Pregnant women can lose their babies.
* Babies can be born with birth defects such as
o deafness
o blindness
o heart disease
o brain disease
o other serious problems

About the Vaccines
Benefits of the Vaccines

Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Because most children get the MMR vaccines, there are now many fewer cases of these diseases. There would be many more cases if we stopped vaccinating children.
MMR Schedule

Most children should have a total of 2 MMR vaccines. They should have MMR at

* 12-15 months of age
* 4-6 years of age of before middle school or junior high school

Other vaccines may be given at the same time as MMR.
Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine?

Most doctors recommend that almost all young children get MMR vaccine. But there are some cautions. Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine is less able to fight serious infections because of::

* a disease she/he was born with
* treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids
* any kind of cancer
* cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

Also:

* People with AIDS or HIV infection usually should get MMR vaccine.
* Pregnant women should wait until after pregnancy for MMR vaccine.
* People with a serious allergy to eggs or the drug neomycin should tell the doctor or nurse. If you are not sure, ask the doctor or nurse.

Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine:

* ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem after getting MMR
* now has moderate or severe illness
* has ever had a seizure
* has a parent, brother, or sister who has had seizures
* has gotten immune globulin or other blood products (such as transfusion) during the past several months.

If you are not sure, ask your doctor or nurse.

What are the risks from MMR vaccine?

As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after taking a vaccine.

The risks from the vaccine are much smaller than the risks from the diseases if people stopped using vaccine.

Almost all people who get MMR have no problems from it.
Mild or moderate problems:

* Soon after the vaccination, there may be soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
* 1-2 weeks aftter the first dose, there may be:
o rash (5-15 out of every 100 doses)
o fever of 103 degrees or higher (5-15 out of every 100 doses). This usually lasts 1-2 days.
o swelling of the glands in the cheeks, neck, or under the jaw
o a seizure (jerking and staring spell) usually caused by a fever. This is rare.
* 1-3 weeks after the first dose, there may be:
o pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints lasting up to 3 days (1 out of every 100 doses in children; up to 40 out of every 100 doses in young women). Rarely, pain or stiffness lasts a month or longer, or may come and go; this is most common in young and adult women.

Acetominophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to reduce fever and soreness
Severe Problems:

These problems happen very rarely:

* serious allergic reaction
* low number of platelets (a type of blood cell) that can lead to bleeding problems. This is almost always temporary
* long seizures, decreased consciousness, or coma

Problems following MMR are much less common after the second dose.

The above information was taken from my children's Pediatrician's website drjen4kids.com, and was cited from the Department Of Health And Human Services.

Basically the benefits of vaccinations FAR exceed the risk of your child contracting a potentially fatal disease. Have you ever seen pictures of children with some of these diseases? You can find that on the website as well, and viewing those as well as the accompanying information should help you to make your decision.
To me this is a no-brainer, but good luck with whatever you decided to do.

Hi Jamie
I am a mother who has one child complety up to date on his shots and my daughter is not. I read all the articles good and bad and ultimatly had to decide what I could live with if she gets the deasies and dies beacuse I didn not vaccinate or if she gets autism because I did vaccinate and I decided I could live with my self If I did not vaccinate and she died from the deaises. Not an easy choice ever good luck in your decision:)T.

Ultimately it your chouce but make sure your son is 100% healthy before giving any shots. Even if you think he may possible be coming down with a cold, reschedule. It is best the make sure his immune system is functioning at 100% so it can handle the vacines best.

Also if you are concerened ask your docotr about giving the shots seperately. You will have to plan ahead and ask them to order the shots for you, some docotrs/clinics will complain about this but remember it is your child & you make the decisions.

Personally I would wait until he is at leat 2 before his first shot so his own imune system has more time to mature.

Hi J.:

I have 2 kids (ages 2 1/2 and 6 1/2) and I know how hard this is! In March of last year (2007) there was a French study of autistics that found 100% of autistics are mercury poisoned - and you have to check the urine with a UPPA test - not the blood. What "they" are thinking now is somehow there is a toxic tipping point - if grandma had mercury fillings, mom had mercury fillings, etc. in some cases baby might already be at the mercury load that is dangerous and the level they allow in vaccines is enough to tip baby into sickness. You are right to be concerned. What I understand (don't claim this is correct - it is only my understanding) is they did phase out mercury (thimerosol) from the MMR - but it's still in the FLU shots - the one they recommend every pregnant woman and infant recieve! Yikes! I have strong feelings about that. What I did was I only allowed one shot at a time and then I watched the kids like a hawk. If a child shows signs of extreme adverse effects there is something you can do - I know a mom who used homeopathy to help her son who developed grand mal seizures after his shots. He was having 100 per day - and now he has not had one in over a year. Find a homeopath, naturalpath or cranial osteopath in your area that you trust so you have a backup plan should you choose to vaccinate your son. This is what I did so I was able to try and manage both sides to the best of my ability.

Good luck!

Jamie,
I use to teach autistic students and 2 of their parents felt that it came from the MMR shot, others did not. I'm not sure if that is the link or not but signs of autism usually show up around 18 months to 2 years, same as the vacinations.
Most of the shots do not use the mercury anymore but double check. Personally I tried to wait with all of my kids. (The clinc did not honor my reguest with my first child and I was physically ill- they misread the sheet b/c it wasn't normal to skip that shot) With my boys I waited until the 18 month/2 years. Its not that big of deal.
If it brings you peace just wait.
Good Luck!
N.

I waited until my oldest boy was 2 to get the MMR. It was just kinda the way it happened. With my youngest boy I made the decision to wait on the MMR. He was small for his age and I had heard one theory why boys have autism more then girls is that girls have more body fat. Don't know if it's true, but I just decided to wait. He'll be 2 in a few weeks and then I'll give him his MMR. My Doctor was okay with my decision so that helped.

Don't know if MMR triggers autism, but sure is scary to hear everything and then have to make the decision to give your child something that might change him.

Good Luck. Don't let anybody make you feel bad what ever decision you make.

It is a really hard decision, especially with so many conflicting articles about the subject, but here are some things to think about.....

Autism is on the rise, not nescessarily. Autism has such a broad spectrum of symptoms. In the past, children that had autism weren't being diagnosed that way. Now, in some states autism screening is done at preschool physicals or earlier. Even though the numbers are showing that autism is on the rise, it is partly because more doctors are properly screening.

If you do decide not to vaccinate your child, you must also consider other peoples health. With more people deciding not to vaccinate, there is a higher chance that these diseases will come back full force. It hasn't been proven that the vaccines protect us for life, so the elderly are hugely at risk and of course babies.

I was nervous about vaccinating as well, but the benefits outweighed the risk in my opinion.

Hey J.. I am in the same boat as you. My daughter turned 1 on March 31st and we actually have her 1 year checkup on Thursday. I was concerned about the vaccinations so I bought the book 'The Vaccine Book' and it is really opening my eyes. It's not an anti-vaccine book like the others out there, just explains all the risks benefits and realities of the situation from a pediatrician. It also gives an alternative schedule for vaccines so you can spread to only expose your child to minimum aluminum (the high dose in these combo vaccines is the problem) but still get all the necessary vaccines within the proper time frame. I'd be happy to lend my copy to you once I'm done but we live a little too far away. I will be passing it along to all the mommies in my playgroup however. Pick up a copy or check it out from your local library if you get the chance.