Immunization

Hi K.,
I know that immunizations are a sensitive subject. I have 3 kids and I had my first 2 get most of their immunizations. Then I began to really research immunizations and I came to the conclusion that I was not going to give them to my next child. Well, my first 2 kids suffered from chronic sinus and ear infections the first few years of their lives and my youngest has never really been sick before. She is 3 now and has never had a ear infection or sinus infection. It could be just a fluke but I really believe that most of the immunizations cause so many issues for kids and are really dangerous. But, it is a personal choice for parents and I wish you luck :)

My first son was vaccinated, he had bad reactions and suffered permanent damage. This started me on my path of "enlightenment" so to say, and I devoured every bit of information that I could, on both sides, of the vaccination debate. After carefully evaluating what I had read (and meeting a mom whose son went downhill after the MMR), I decided that vaccines were not in the best interest of my children. My first son was sick quite a bit as an infant and toddler, my second son, who has never had a vaccine, is hardly ever sick.

If you are seriously considering not vaccinating, I highly recommend doing your "homework". As previously mentioned, I looked at both sides. I read the vaccine reaction reports in the government maintained VAERS, I researched the diseases and their risks of death versus the risks of the vaccines, I spoke with older people who had been around before the creation of some vaccines and asked them about what it was like (my grandmother said, "For crying out loud, it is just measles, all five of my kids had them!")

I also suggest that you find a doctor who is supportive of your decision, or you will be in for an argument everytime you take your son in. If you contact http://www.momvaccines.org/, they may be able to help with the location of a supportive doctor, they also have other resources such as the exemption form for school or daycare, should you decide not to vaccinate before then.

There is also an online group: ____@____.com, which has some great information. Some of what comes through there is a little radical and you have to sift through some of it, but I have learned quite a bit from them.

This is a very big decision to make and I applaud any parent who questions the status quo and tries to make an informed decision for their children, whatever that decision may be. If you want more information, feel free to contact me.

Hi K., I know it has been a while since you posted your question, but I felt compelled to respond. I have done a fair amount of research regarding immunizations and I am not a fan. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter who has received the DT and polio vaccines and this is all she will receive. My husband and I chose to delay the vaccines that we did give her until age 1 and then only one injection was given at a time and we spaced them out by 6 months. This was on the recommendation of our and our daughter's physician ( a DO, not MD). As for our reasons for making this decision, I have a cousin and a nephew with Autism Spectrum Disorders and there is a family history of severe reactions to the vaccines. Plus both my husband and I have food allergies to wheat and dairy, which our daughter inherited (my sister's kids also inherited the food allergies). When and if you research the vaccines you will see that if there is a family history of reactions or certain allergies such as food the vaccines are not recommended. Also you should know that States must meet quotas or percentages in order to receive funding. This funding typically is coming from the pharmaceutical companies. Many of these vaccines have not been around long enough to prove the validity of their need nor their longterm consequences. If you have questions I have found that those who practice a wellness approach are more informed than MD's, by this I mean speak with Chiroprators, Naturopaths and true DO's. They have actually studied vaccines and the ramifications on the body. Where as MD's typically in my experience receive their information from pharmaceutical reps. Also keep in mind who is financing the education of these Practitioners. Any decision you make is a tough one, but it needs to be your choice and it should be an informed one. Continue to research. Good luck to you and your family! K.

Good idea to evaluate each immunization on an individual basis. At first my husband and I were leery of getting some of the immunizations, however, what changed our minds was the idea of community. The more people that are not vaccinated for these diseases the more things can spread. Some of them are dangerous, some are highly unlikely. If you do decide to vaccinate, I recommend earlier than two just because shots get harder to take as the child gets older. Babies get over it really quick with a breast, pacifier, or bottle. Little kids remember things for too long! :) We started them at two months...nothing before. Good luck in your decision. It's good to research stuff like this so that you are totally informed.

Hello K.,

I am a 46 year old grandmother who is now raising my perfectly healthy grandson, and have 3 other perfectly healthy adult children. All were immunized.

There is a weird scare going around about immunizations that seems a little out of place. Before you decide not to immunize read about the effects of the diseases they prevent and their effects.

For example, when I was growing up there was no inoculation for mumps - and a bout of that went through our community - I along with my brother contracted the mumps. I don't remember suffering too much with sickness, however, I will always remember how painful the mumps are... worse than delivering a baby; worse than my broken leg. One neighbor girl lost her hearing from that mumps bout - she is now deaf.

The small group of people who have negative reactions to immunizations is not worth risking getting the disease they prevent. In this case the prevention IS better than the disease.

D.

my daughter has had her shots but i recently seen a thing on... i believe it was oprah about children with autism and some people were saying there was a link made between children with autism and immunization shots in the early-mid 90s bc of what they were putting in them just something to think about and maybe research

My children are 5,4 and 3. I with my first 2 did all the begining shots that were required. My kids had such reactions that when my third one came along I decided not to do any until she was 18 months old. I have done all natural and homeopathic things with my children. My kids were born with out an immune system (iga defficency) and the drs are amazed at how healthy they are. I think that it should always be a parents choice on whether or not to give shots and when. If I were you and your husband I would start doing some research on the different immunazations and decided what you do and dont want to give your son. I wish you good luck.

Hi K.,
You are asking about a touchy subject. I find that immunizations are like politics, a discussion can get pretty heated. lol. Anyway, every person has to make a decision for their child. I personally have immunized my children. If everyone stopped getting their kids immunized these diseases would come back. I do question some of them but I always talk to my ped. and she always gives me the truth. Good luck. It's up to your husband and you.
Chris

K., my name is Dr. Rick Semlow. I am a chiropractor who is also board certified in pediatric chiropractic. Additionally, I sit on the board of directors for the Michigan Chiropractic Pediatric Association (MCPA).


The MCPA is hosting a vaccine researcher to speak about the safety of vaccinations. The researcher is Mary Tocco. Her presentation covers the side of vaccinations that aren't commonly spoken about in the media. She will also be discussing what rights parents have when making discisions regarding their children.

The Michigan Chiropractic Pediatric Association will be hosting Mary Tocco on
Saturday, April 12th 2008 at the
Troy Community Center from
10am until 2pm.

pre registration is $10 and it is $20 at the door.

For more information please go to www.mcapkids.org

If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact me at
____@____.com

Thank you,
Dr. Rick Semlow, D.C., CACCP

I highly recommend going to see this speaker. she is excellent. Take the time to read all you can about vaccines. Mary Tocco has wonderful resources to recommend to you. I suggest reading:
The Vaccine Guide by Randall Neustaedter, OMD
Vaccinations-A thoughtful parents guide by Aviva Jill Romm

****************************************************

We already have over 40 people registered for this event ~ Please be sure to reserve your seat soon!
Please Pass This On to Friends and Family. It is never too late to get this information. Thanks!

Vaccinations:
The Latest Information


YOU ARE INVITED TO HEAR THE LATEST RESEARCH ON THE VACCINATIONS

Presenting:
Mary Tocco
Director of Vaccine Research and Education
President, The Autism AutoImmunity Project of Michigan


Helping parents make an educated decision

Wednesday, August 1st at 7 PM

Touch of Life Family Chiropractors
46755 Hayes Road
Shelby Township, MI
###-###-####


Seating is limited and reservations are necessary
$10 Donations per person will be Accepted
Please keep in mind that we always run out of seats for this talk because it is so popular. Register early and save your seat!

Hi K.,

My son is 18 mo. old and we decided NOT to get him immunized. My niece is almost 4 yrs. and we truely feel that she is borderline autistic from the shots. You can see a big difference from before she started the shots. My son has been a happy healthy boy so far. He only had 2 times where he has been really sick with a fever or throat problem (1 of those times he got from another kid at school). But what I would recommend is that you do research on everything and see what you come up with. This is your child and you will have to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. My dr. told me that once you start the shots you can not stop, but you can wait to start until your ready.
Good Luck!

I see from the many responses you've received thus far that immunizations are indeed a very sensative subject, and that the opinions of mothers vary dramatically.

I agree with the other mothers about doing your research. Regardless of what you decide to do, make your choice based on what you learn about the subject for yourself. I also urge you to talk to your son's pediatrician about what he/she would recommend.

Having said that, I personally believe whole-heartedly in the benefits of vaccinations, and in the administration of vaccinations when they are recommended by the American Pediatric Association and most pediatricians. My son, who is now eight months old, has had all of his vaccinations, with no adverse reactions or problems. He has had only one cold, which I consider pretty amazing considering his first few months of life were in the midst of flu season. It is difficult to watch my son receive his shots, because I know they cause him pain at the moment, but I know I'm doing the right thing for him in making sure he is as protected as possible from the horrible illnesses and diseases in our world that are now in many ways preventable. I also feel better knowing that he is receiving the majority of his shots when he won't remember them; if you wait until your son is older he may very likely remember the pain and the fear he felt when receiving the shots.

Best of luck to you!

I have 3 kids and all are up to date on the shots. None of my children ever had any problems as a result. Autism shows itself as a child gets older not because he got some non harmful shots. I am happy it is a requirement that children have to have these before starting school or daycare. I for one make sure my kids stay healthy and would hate to have them get something like chicken pox because some mom didn't want her kid to get a shot. I believe every mom is different but why skip on something that is given to keep kids healthy? I don't want to come across the wrong way but sounds like everyone so far is for not having them and no real proof. As for ear infections all 3 of my kids had ALL of their shots and only 1 has had a problem with ear infections. And that was because the wax wasn't draining right. I would look at PROVEN facts before you decide, not oh my child got the shots and he came down with a cold or whatever. I do in fact believe that the flu shot is not for every kid. I only have 1 child who gets the flu really bad, so he gets his flu shot every year now. And no it's not the same one as the ear infection. Every child is different.

I know everybody has their own opinion about immunizations, and it is a touchy subjuct. You will do what you feel is right for your baby deep down from your soul (that is Mommy ESP). I feel that it is irresponsible to not have your child immunized. It is protecting them from some pretty nasty diseases, as well as protecting people that they may come in contact with. Do you honestly think that the Drs would give every child immunizations at a specific time if it was unsafe? There are a lot of healty babies running around that have had their shots when they were supposed to. Good luck to you in any decision you make.

This can be SUCH a touchy subject...
as you do your research be sure you get figures from both those who are against vaccines and those who are for it. soem say the risk of getting the disease is greater than the risk of the side effects. I know that whopping cough and other diseases we vaccinate for are making a comeback..is it because so many more people are going unvaccinated? I don't know.
Both my boys 4 and 2 have gotten all thier shots on time mostly - only late due to my pregnancy (no chicken pox allowed while mama is with baby). both SCREAMED while getting them but tht was the worst of it. Once my older one had a bit of a temperment the rest of the day but that's it.

As for readign the side effects and fine print of the vaccines...have you done that for any other medications you take? Be careful how much you educate yourself on topics we really know very little about. I know that sounds crazy but check out the side effects and warnings associated with Tylenol or aspirin. Have you ever read the side effects of many prescription drugs we take every day? Your birth control pills? That's enough to fend off sex forever!
My point is that doctors go to shcool for YEARS to learn all this stuff. It really is the lesser of two evils isn't it? They know what they are talking about based on thier own experience, education and OPINION. And so do you. You know what you are talking about based on your own child, your own mommy intuition. Trust it.
Warmly,
A.

I have had no problems with immunizing my daughter. I believe it is the best thing to do to help keep her healthy. Is there a reason why you are afraid to immunize your son?

In my opinion I wouldn't wait, I always did my daughters as the time went, different ones every couple of months at the doctors. Their immune systems are so weak and they are susceptible to so much. Good luck and just do what you feel is best for your little guy.

ibeleace in getting there shots it is for there health and keeps them safe it is way worth a litte paine to know they will be healthy

It always makes me sooo happy to see other mothers thinking for themselves about what they believe is best for their children instead of blindly following what society says!! I would wait! My daughter is one and has had NO immunizations. I could go on and on about why it is so good to wait but what I would really recommend are two books. The Vaccine Guide, and Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parents Guide. Do your research and then you feel able to make a confident, rational decision and your child will be better for having a mother who has chosen to educate herself!

I know u posted awhile ago on the vaccine topic here is something i just came across and i wish i had seen this before i allowed my daughter to be injected. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRO6RTsbcjo

hope it helps

S.

Hi K.! We talked all of the vaccinations over with our pediatrician and he was so helpful, letting us know which ones could be riskier than the actual diseases. We did the DTAP and HIB on a delayed schedule. Our daughter started hers at age 6 months, as did our son. Neither had any reactions at all. I'm getting ready to enroll my daughter in nursery school and am a little nervous about them accepting her or not, I've got the exemption forms required for Michigan, so hopefully they will accept that and enroll her. If it becomes too much of a problem, we may do the rest of her vaccinations since she is 3.5 years old now and I feel like her immune system could handle them now, esp if we do them one at a time over a period of time. Do what you feel comfortable with and don't let anyone pressure you!

My first question is why would u wait. Do any of you guys have allergies to them. If not its way better to get them when they are younger then to wait and they have to have 5 or 6 at a time. I have seen kids that had to catch up on there shots inorder to go to school and its way worse then to hear a baby cry for 2 seconds. My ex had a reaction when he was young and i was worried that my girls would have them. Neither of my girls had a reaction and nor does my son who is a year old. They keep the kids safe and i don't know many docs that will exempt a child from them unless they had a reaction to it.

I dont think any of the immunizations are dangerous in any way- but they may not be necessary.

You should do research on each of the immuniztions. and decide which ones are needed for your child.

Ther is some good info out there- I got a great booklet listing all of the immunizations and the risks of the diseases and the risk of the vaccins.

If you plan to stay home with your son, or keep him away from almost all children for 2 years then you might be able to skp vaccines for a while.. but as soon as you expose him to other kids - daycare- gymboree - swimming lessons.. he will need to be protected from the serious diseases.

Thisis what I did with my daughter (she is now 18 months)

I refused the hep B shot in the hospital. I refused all shots at the 2month visit. I started the vaccines at 4 months when I thought she was a bit older an bigger. She got the DPT which also now includes polio and hep B, and the HIB and one haemo something shot. The HIB and the Haemo shot are for bacterial diseases thatare real risks for young children.

She got those threee shots at 4 , 6 and 9 months and then at 12 months an additonal dose of 2 of those shots.

So far I have refused the MMR, chicken pox, and hep A.

I will get her vaccinated for MMR - probably at the 2 year visit.

I do not want the chicken pox vaccine- I want her to catch chicken pox. but if she doesnt catch chicken pox by age 10 or so- I will have her vaccinated cause the risk of the disease goes up..

I do not see any reason why she needs a vaccine for hepatitis A so I do not plan on getting that vaccine.

Do some research- but do not say no to all vaccines... evaluate each one seperatedly..and decide what is right for your child.

Hi K.,

I felt the same way you did about getting my son immunized before the age of 2. I'd heard things on tv about some of the effects of immunizations. I'd consult my pediatrician for advice on this matter to address any concerns. My husband however believed that the best answer to this situation regarding immunizations is to follow the mainstream--get the child immunized before age 2. My husband figures if immunizing before age 2 is what the majority of parents do with their babies, it has to be safe.

MC

My son is five and is not vaccinated. He never will be unless there is a loaded gun at my head. That may sound a little extreme but that is how strongly I feel about it. Based on the research I've done the dis-ease is not as bad as the vaccine. All of the childhood dis-eases can be cured if caught early and give life-long immunity. The vaccines do not, a booster is needed every ten years or so. If you are in tune with your son like I am with mine, catching anything he might get early enough should not pose a problem. My son has gotten the common cold and the stomach flu but otherwise has had no major illnesses, not even an ear infection.

At the CDC website you can get a list of all vaccine ingredients. Look up every ingredient and see the effect it has on the body, none of them are good for you. Ask your pediatrician for a copy of the vaccine insert, by law they have to give it to you. Also by law, you cannot be forced to vaccinate. You can choose religious or philosophical(sp) examptions. Contrary to popular belief most of the dis-eases were on their way out before the vaccines for them were introduced, due to a higher standard of living and better sanitation.

There is an organization based in Troy called Michigan Opposing Mandatory Vaccines. They are not against vaccines, they are for your right to choose. They can give a copy of the Immunization Waiver forms for schools and daycares, a list of doctors that will respect your right to say no to vaccines. They have legal counsel that can answer questions. They send questionaires(sp) to everyone running for office and then will send their responses to you so you can decide how you want to vote. They have all kinds of literature on vaccines, even for pets. They have links to other websites that have a lot of information. They are a non-profit organization and membership is as cheap as $15 a year. Go to their website and look around, it certainly cannot hurt www.momvaccines.org Google the name Dr. Sherry Tenpenny. She used to be a firm believer in giving vaccines until she actually read the vaccine insert. Now she travels around the country giving lectures on the dangers of vaccines.

I made the choice that was right for my family. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to do your own research and make your decision based on what you learn. I hope this helps give you a place to start. Happy Researching!

I am a parent to a 15 yr old with Aspergers a form of Autism. I can look back at video of him before and after his immunizations and see the effect they had on him. At around his 18 month ones he changed. If I had the chance to do it over again I would not allow them to stack them on him all at once. I would insist on Thimerisol Free shots(Mercury). I asked for them now for flu vaccinations and even at the dentist I will not allow them to use the metal for fillings due to they contain some mercury.

I am a childcare provider and I inform all my parents to not allow Dr.s to give their child more then a couple of immunizations at time. It is a personal choice and you need to do your homework. Yes is it in the high courts as we speak about Autism and vaccinations. I have seen it first hand and heard from numerous other families the effects they have on our children. I believe it is a component of Autism.

The statistics are staggering, 1-80 boys will have Autism and 1-150 overall. If you want to contact me offlist please do at ____@____.com

Hi K.,
I will say that there are risks with and without immunizations. In order for the government to approve them there has to be a ratio, such as 1 in 'however many' cases may develop these symptoms. I'm on the fence but haven't done my homework. If you are seriously considering not immunizing your child be sure that you know the potential risks. My son was one of the 'lucky' ones who developed epilepsy (2+ seizures with undetermined cause). It hasn't been proven but since these started after his Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination, I think it has a lot to do with it. My son is excluded from that vaccination but gets the remainder of them with his doctors care.

Good luck and best wishes!
J.