Re: Splitting the Mmr

Hi Amy,

I went throught the same dilemma with 2 boys - 2.5 yrs and 7 yrs old. I have listened to the head of Autism Speaks, who is a doctor who has a son with Autism and he believes that there is most probably a link. His hypothesis is that it isn't the MMR per se, but all of the other immunizations, along with the combo MMR that can overwhelm certain childrens' systems and heighten the risk of getting autism. Jenny McCarthy is an interesting resource to listen to as well.
Another thing to consider - Boys are MUCH MORE likely to get autism. I decided to follow the "selective vaccination" schedule that is promoted by Dr. Robert Sears, who is one of the most respected pediatricians in the U.S. His position is to wait on the MMR until they are older, as well as pair down the other vaccinations so that not so many are given at the same time. I decided to wait until my son was over 2 years old and had it done BY ITSELF and paced out the other vaccinations.
Try to search on the net Dr. Robert Sears and his "Selective Vaccination Schedule" which lists those shots that he feels are the most crucial to give to children at the age when they need them the most and delays those that tend to have more severe or frequent side effects. I found this to be VERY HELPFUL and my pediatrician even asked for a copy of the article.
If you can't find it, (I found the article in the November 2007 Sacramento Parent Magazine), email me at ____@____.com and I will try to get the list to you.

Take care, K..

I agree with the other moms and I think you are doing the right thing. I didn't allow my daughter or son to have the MMR either. My DH is adopted, and genetically speaking, we have no idea what our kids are predisposed to. I felt there was to much of a risk and I had to go with my gut. If, God forbid, either of them developed Autism or related disorders, I would always second guess myself - so I just took it out of the equation.

There is so much controversy of vaccines and though I don't necessarily believe that MMR causes Autism, I do believe that something in our body chemistry, when given the vaccine, creates that result. Everyone is different and you just never know. I do agree with Jenny McCarthy's perspective that vaccines are not a "One Size Fits All" - no way an infant can tolerate the same dosage as a full grown adult.

Best of luck to you!
PS - Peds CAN order the vaccine seperately, that is what mine told me. Insurance may not cover it, but they can do it.

Hi Amy- Any Dr. can split up the mmr vaccine, they just have to order it, just because they don't carry it doesn't mean they can't get it. I believe very strongly in vaccinating our children, with a few precautions. Spacing them out is a great. With the mmr, I don't think it is about breaking them up, but waiting until he is a little older. With my son, we waited til he was almost 2, and had him get the vaccine by itself, but not broken up. I don't know if it is the vaccine so much as overwhelming the child's immune system with so many things at one time. Continue to be vigilant and fight for what you believe in. If you want to wait until he is older their is a catch up schedule you can follow. With more and more children not being vaccinated outbreaks are happening with the measles and whooping cough. Continue to vaccinate your child but follow what you feel is best for your child armed with questions and research. Good luck, and my son was tested for autism also, they tend to do that as a precaution now. He has a speech delay and they just wanted to be sure. He is fine and does not have autism, but remember, dr.s sometimes tend to over diagnose, so if they have indicators to be autistic, have a 2nd opinion, just to be sure.God bless.

Hi Amy,

I live in Roseville. My kid's MD # is ###-###-####. I am not sure if they will split the vaccine, but I would call and check. He seems like he would definetly listen to your concerns. Especially since you have family members being diagnosed with autism and you have an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with an autoimmmune disease myself after my last child was born 6 years ago. We were living in Dallas at the time and I had no idea about the correlation between vaccines and autism. I did worry about the mecury and talked to my MD and she reassured me he would be fine. Well he had terrible reactions to the shots, high fever, very lethargic. I now wonder if since my immune system was compromised did I pass that on to him. I guess we will never know but after my diagnosis I researched the heck out of immune disorders and nutrition. I realized that my son had an out of whack immune system too. I changed his diet and six years later am happy to say he is doing beautifully. If I had known about immune disorders and vaccines I would have definelty spaced out his vaccinations. He just did not have a strong enough system to handle them all at once. One thing nurse friend passed on to me was a product called Jice Plus+. It is food in a capsule. 17 different fruits and veggies minus the salt, sugar and water. This micronutrition has made a HUGE difference in my health and the health of my family. It has plenty of peer reviewed published studies and I know it works because I felt it with my weakened immune system. We will take it forever! I know other woman with MS and would be happy to connect you with them. You will need support. Check out www.StudiesOnJuicePlus.com and please call or email me if you have any questions. I am passionate about sharing the gift of health with others. I am going ot see a nurse speak on Jan 30th in Fair Oaks and that is what she is going to focus on - the immune system. I would love for you to come and hear the message
Good luck to you and please call me if you have any questions.

L.
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