Vaccinations - District Heights, MD

Hi J., my son was diagnosed with Autism at age two, we noticed real signs of developmental delay at eighteen months, and he exhibited a rocking back and forth motion at 6 or seven months. My husband and I always thought something was off and even considered that it might be his vaccinations, but at this point,(he's now four) and he has had his vaccinations regularly, and hasn't regressed in develpoment so far. It's really hard to say, because we don't really know what causes autism, and there have been a number of possible "causes" put out there: Environmental factors, genetics, vaccinations etc. Research has come a long way, but it seems we still have a long way to go. It may be a risk either way, but I still believe that we need protection and immunizations are important. Keep a close eye on his development and express your concerns with your doctor. I hope this helps!

Hi J. K Here is a website that may be able to provide you with more info. www.909shot.com

J.,

Good Morning American just did a segment this morning about a family that sued and was awarded damages from the government. The mother is a nurse and the father is a neurosurgeon. Their case stated that the thiomersal (a mercury preservative) in the vaccines caused their child's autism. I believe that most vaccines now have removed thiomersal from the vaccines, with maybe the exception of the flu (but I'm not sure.)

Anyway, the government did concede that the vaccines "may" have contributed to their child's diagnosis for autism. You can google the segment to get the full report.

Hi J.: First of all let me start by saying I'm no doctor and am not in the health care profession. However, I am the mother of a now 25 year old autistic independent "male" and the mother of a 17 year old mainstream young lady. I remember hearing some talk about vaccinations "after" the birth of my son and more after he was diagnosed at age 2. (At which time vaccinations were discussed.) The healthcare professionals (while of course protecting their professions) assured me those theories were fanties. There is no tie-in to autisim and vaccinations. I was, of course, a nervous 25 year old mom at the time and took the advice of my parents (since my brother and I were vaccinated many years before with no problem). Let me assure you that before my son began getting his shots, there were signs of something being a little different about him. I could not explain "it" but I knew it was something. I continue and of course allowed my son to receive all of the necessary shots required, especially since I knew he would need them to attend school. After the birth of my daughter, I never entertained the thought of a problem with vaccinations again. Though my son is autistic, and would prefer for him not to be, I don't have any regrets in the choices I made concerning his health and those shot. He's a very mainstream hi-functioning healthy autistic man, who is medication free with this disorder. Had I not gotten him vaccinated, I assure you, he would have had all kinds of problems along with the autisim. Just realize that your joyus, active baby boy may develop health problems without his shots. God Bless you. K. E.

Julie,
hon i have several friends that are dealing with a child with autism.... they still had the vaccines done. there is no link with them.

My son was born premature (at 24 weeks) and received all his vaccinations according to his chronological age. However, he also received a vaccination for RSV (a common illness/cold in kids but very dangerous for preemies under 2 years old). That vaccination was monthly. So instead of giving him all his 12 month vaccinations at one time, they split up his shots. I was concerned as well based on the research and some of the stories I've read from parents of children with autism. I haven't noticed any differences in his behavior. I guess you can weigh the pros and cons of having shots done on time versus later but my son did just fine.

As the mother of two kids who are mostly recovered from autism, I would say space out the MMR. You can get the shots separately although your doctor may tell you it is difficult/impossible. It can be done for a few more dollars per shot. I would get one then wait several months. If there is no reaction get another one. So on and so forth. My children were not born with autism and if I could do it again I would spread out the shots.

Good luck!

it sure is hard to talk to your doctor about it..i know that from experience...i have three kids 3 yrs 19 mo and a newborn.... i have not vaccinated any of them and dont plan to....i know your worried about your baby needing some sort of protection...that is theyre immune system....the average child vaccinated is is sick on average 12 times a year...and my kids who are not have never had a sick day in theyre life....i'm afraid of what will hapen to my kids if i vaccinate....because there is no real sure proof that it wont cause some kind of reaction....i just enroled my kids in daycare....all they needed was an exemption form, signed by a notary signature....
http://www.vaclib.org/indexdoc.htm#avoid just click on the left side of page on avoid vaccinations....hope this helps....i know everyone will think your crazy that your harming your children in some way but most of the united states is so ignorant about all this...that is why most kids are over medicated and suffering from something, such as diabetis or autism...well best of luck.....oh yea another great site i visit every day is http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/legally_avoid_sho...

Hi J.. I was in the same position as you a couple of months ago. I chose not to get the MMR. He will get it later on. My advice to you is to go with your gut. We have instincts for a reason and if yours is telling you no, Listen. You will probably get alot of advice for both sides; ultimately you have to make a decision you can live with.My daughter received the shot 10 years ago with no problem. I don't think there was even any hoopla about it back then. I just couldn't risk my son. I had a very bad feeling about it, so I went with my gut. He is about to go for his 18 month check-up and he will receive the autism check, if after that, he shows no signs of it, I will think about doing it after he turns two. They say it is very rare and that there is no conclusive evidence that it does cause it , but I was not willing to take the chance. If my child is that 1 out of a million the odds are against me. I went to the CDC web site and did some research and I felt based on the odds of him contracting measles, mumps, or rubella were not high enough for me to risk him developing autism. Yes these diseases are serious if they are contracted but again the odds of that are slim. I love both of my children but I cannot cope with a child who has autism, especially if something I did caused it. I know people who have children with it and it is very hard for them, I have a whole lot of respect for them b/c I don't think I could do it. My son is fine and God willing he will stay that way. Make the decision you can live with. I hope this helps and good luck.