RE: Pediatrician

I suggest you re-post this question with your location in the title, and say something like "vaccine-optional pediatrician in Richton Park IL" - you'll get more directed responses.

Also subscribe to newsletters or check sites like the CDC. And check your school system requirements because many schools are not allowing kids to enroll if they do not have certain vaccines. The epidemics seem to be increasing in some areas, and there's a bit of a backlash against parents who will not vaccinate. If you are homeschooling, that's one thing. Also check any activities your kids might enroll in (gymnastics, religious school) because there are requirements there.

You might also read up on alternative schedules for vaccines to see if that meets your needs - some pediatricians will not allow you to refuse to vaccinate, but will offer different "bundling" and timing of vaccines. Depends what you are looking for.

see the response by SS
http://corp.mamapedia.com/article/need-pediatician-richto...

You may have to call around and ask. Many doctors will not accept unvaccinated children in their practice because they either consider it a risk to the other children (like the babies who are too young to get vaccinated), or because they figure if you are not going to trust their judgment about medications then why would you want to use them? I would just bring up a list on google of local doctors and start making calls.

I believe Dr Sears has a list on his website
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/vaccines...
or you might try asking other moms in your community. I found our ped from another mom at my La Leche group. You might also try your local Holistic Moms group. www.holisticmoms.org

I'm a delayed/non vaccinating mom. I didn't search out a pediatrician that agrees with me but rather just did what is right by my children. My son(7 years)who was only selectively vaccinated until age 1 has been in school since age 3 without any issues whatsoever. However, I realize it all depends on your state and school's guidelines and recommendations.

Reach out to your local community of parents and healthcare providers to see what is available in your area. Always know your laws and rights and don't allow anyone to infringe on yours - at the same time know that you must also be respectful of others' rights and opinions as well.

IMO, find a pediatrician you can communicate with. 18 years is a long time to disagree with someone. Interview a few that take your insurance and see how well you feel you can talk to him/her. If you are looking to exclude vaccines, find out if that office has a minimum. Some require at least an MMR for the protection of their clients who are unable to receive a vaccination.

Ours doesn't outright say she will do an alternate schedule, but I was able to discuss a schedule with her, my concerns, and bring her my information. We did a modified Sears schedule for my DD, via an HMO. Some vaccines can be split up and some cannot. Think carefully about what your ultimate goal is, and what the child's school or daycare will require. Avoid operating out of fear. You may also find yourself making different choices depending on travel and location. Example, I was not delaying the MMR and possibly exposing my child to one of those diseases when we took her overseas.

I am overall very happy with our pediatrician and that we were able to communicate well on the subject.