Immunizations - Lafayette,CO

I did a lot of research on all the immunizations. My gut reaction - most are good even though kids are guinea pigs (most vaccines are tested on very small cohorts before being released to the public). But, bottom line is, my kids got all vaccines - just not on the "correct" schedule. personally, I waited on MMR until their 4th b-day well-child visit. Although any of the diseases in MMR can be dangerous, it is extremely rare for them to be dangerous to children - it is older kids and adults that have the issues. And, since most older kids and adults have either had MMR or the shots, there is quite a bit of immunity conferred by the community - in other words, these are no longer common diseases because of immunization programs. Beware though if you're in a state that doesn't have an opt-out - you won't have a choice with regards to school or day care.

Hi E. - I absolutely support your intuition regarding the health and welfare of you child! I actually have a graduate degree in health promotion and wellness with a strong emphasis in public health. I never would have dreamed that I would opt not to fully vaccinate my kids, but after doing tons of research both my husband and I agreed that in our educated opinion it was in the best interest of our children not to abide by the standardized vaccination schedule. My brother had a reaction to the MMR years ago that caused some neurological damage so I know first hand the risks involved. As a health specialist, my main concerns with the standardized vaccination schedule is that it so strongly impacts the child's immature immune system. There are many reasons for the current schedule advocated by doctors and these reasons are not always in the best interest of the babies and children. You're right - this IS a very touchy subject, but there is plenty of sound research supporting NOT following the current vaccine schedule and my stance has always been that each child is unique and mothers (when they feel empowered and are connected with their innate wisdom and intuition regarding the welfare of their babies) ALWAYS know what's the best choice (and it's not always what the mainstream doctors advocate). Trust your intuition. If you live in Colorado, you are able to opt out of vaccinations because of philosophical reasons (as opposed to just medical or religious reasons).

have you checked out the new book by the Sears family? It's really interesting--goes into what the immunization does, the disease it fights, what's controversial about it, what the reactions are, why you should get and why you shouldn't. It's been really helpful (though still scary) to read. You can pick it up at Borders or Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vaccine-Book-Decision-Parenting-Lib...

After reading, I've decided to delay the MMR vaccination. Unless you're traveling far away, you may want to consider offering it later, when the child is larger and the immunization won't be such a trial on their system. I agree with you--trust your gut as a parent. You know your child best!

Hi E.!
We have chosen not to immunize our daughter, at least not while she is so young. Some sources that have great information is:
Vaccinations by Aviva Jill Romm
Mothering magazing (Mothering.com)
Dr. Sears just came out with The Vaccination Book- he discovered that the current levels of aluminum in some vaccines have toxic levels- very compelling information. The article is in the current issue of Mothering, however there might be more info on the Sears' website- www.askdrsears.com
If your guy is telling you to not do this or at least do research, please follow your instinct! I'd be curious to see what you find with your research.
Good luck!
H. Gaitten

Mother of 5 (21,20,18,13,7) immunized hesitantly and infrequently with first two. Began searching for facts 18 years ago. Have not immunized rest of children and strongly urge others to find out the facts themselves and refuse to let anyone force you to immunize your children. So much information available.

Cancel your appointments with the doctors. Read the book, "How to have Healthy Children in Spite of your doctor" by Robert S. Mendelsohn ISBN number ###-###-#### or ###-###-#### Then tell me what YOU think.

Wait! If you're not sure just wait until your baby is older. I'm sure your doctor will advise against this, but you can give this vaccine at an older age when the concern for autism is passed. Also, ask if there is a killed virus vaccine for MMR. It may be less risky and still just as effective. I had to have my kids vaccinated with the killed polio vaccine for my mother's sake. The killed virus cannot be contracted, maybe also it wouldn't have the risk of autism, if there is such a vaccine.

I am a firm believer they had these vaccinations created due to prevention of awful diseases that killed thousands of children over the years. Mumps coming back in Minnesota last year, whooping cough now rearing it's ugly head and putting grown ups, elderly and pregnant women at risk again. We as adults are no longer protected from a lot of these diseases and what will we do when an outbreak comes back? All because people are in panic mode with vaccines. Yes, there is always a risk, the risk however increases of your child dying of these diseases and pandemics coming back are getting more and more. The reality of there being NO link whatsoever between autism and vaccines. There is little to no mercury any more in the vaccines. I believe there is a side effect in one in a thousand of children and for that, yes it is scary, however, letting your child grow up like a child in a third world country (where they don't have the luxury of vaccines and children die very young due to disease) is a lot worse of a risk. We owe it to our children to do the research, however, not allow alarmist that have no valid proof one causes autism to keep our children from being vaccinated and protected. You research too how many children died of mumps, measles, ruebella before it came to pass and that in itself is horribly alarming. You are wise to be worried, research and be concerned but they did come up with vaccines for very valid reasons and you need to decide what risks are you really willing to make with your childrens and the rest of the country's health?

I can't tell you what to do but simple things that you can do-if you are wanting the immunizations but concerned is this: Get the shots that do NOT have preservatives in them which means they are typically moe xpensive bc they "go bad" and you can also give the immunizatons to your child but have them spread out instead of so close together.
Those are my thoughts it you are struggling and sort of want to have the shots. Also, boys are more likely to have autism than girls so that could possibly factor into your decsion. In Japan, they give these same immunizations but not until the children are two years old and they have a decreased amount of problems (this was second hand info I recieved from a doctor so I don't have the stats.
Good luck-it isn't easy-TRUST YOUR INTUITION.
acj