Vaccine Confusion

I think it's safe to say that vaccines do not cause autism. I have personally met children who have not been vaccinated and still have autism. I have also worked with twins where one twin has the disorder and the other doesn't. There are more genetic links than vaccination links.

That said, there's nothing wrong with a delayed or alternative schedule. Most doctors are more than willing to accommodate--I'm certain you can find one who will work with you. With all the autism talk I'm starting to worry that we'll see a resurgence of deadly diseases again.

2 moms found this helpful

Please do more research from reputable sources. There has been study, after study, after study showing no link between autism and vaccinations. There was recently just another large scale study that came to the same conclusion. Talk to your pediatrician. Then, if you feel he/she is not being open-minded find another doctor. You might feel completely comfortable with the information he/she provides you. Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

I too have many concerns regarding vaccinating my son. I've done a lot of research and have gone to seminars on the subject of vaccines causing autism, it is all still so much up in the air. From what I understand if you space out the vaccines and break them up instead of getting a bunch at once (MMR for example) it is suppose to lower the risk of autism. Again, I don't know if this is true or not just what I've heard on different radio and TV shows. Talk to your doctor and see if he/she wouldn't mind breaking them up or spacing them out. Our doctor is wonderful and he does this for us.
I understand and feel the same way you do.
Good luck!
M.

Personally I had my son vacinated on schedule without any complications. I am more worried about the effects of the diseases than the small chance of complications. This is just my two cents.

"I'm also afraid my pediatrician will not have an open mind on this issue and what are my rights as a parent."

As the parent you have the right to choose. Your pediatrician is required to tell you his/her speal according to the American Medical Association. But ultimately the decision is your own to make and your pediatrician should respect that.

I thought Dr. Sears book was pretty balanced from a doctor's perspective.

We started by delaying childhood vaccinations until after 2 and nursing to build up our children's immune system. We also don't use public babysitting facilities of any kind.

Don't be swayed by fear on either side. Make an informed choice for your particular child and family regardless of any societal normative.

whether or not to vaccinate is entirely your choice. Nobody can make you because nobody can absolutely guarantee that there won't be any negative consequences. There is that one in a gazillion chance. Even when it comes to being "required" by schools, you always have a choice. Don't be pressured into anything that you're not comfortable with. There are slower alternate schedules available. A lot of times if my child was just coming in to get a shot, the doctor's office would schedule it as an appt with the nurse so I wouldn't have a copay, which makes it easier to get them spaced out. All that being said, I have had all my kids vaccinated, up to 4 at a time but never completely on schedule but more because I miss appts and my kids are sick sometimes than because of any deliberate purpose.

I would have a heart to heart with the doctor tell him/her about your fears, you have to be willing to trust who is treating your children, or you may cause them more harm in the long run.