Seeking Thoughts on Infant Immunization

My daughter has had all of her shots since she was a newborn. I am not against immunization. They need them to get into school too. My daughter is 11 today. She got another set of shots recently before she heads to the 6th grade. She has no signs of autism at all.

I thought about the autism issue regarding the immunization shots myself, until I saw an African child on a bill board, then seeing it on tv too. If you think about it, the shots are helping the children, even in Africa.

Hey S.,

Just having a daughter of my own about 5 months ago...I did research on this as well. There is a preservative called Thimerosal that was used in immunizations to keep the medicine usable...this (I believe) was the link to autism because of the high levels of mercury. I asked our pediatrician if they still use this and they said they do not and that it hasnt been used for a long time. I reccomend talking to your pediatrician. I personally believe that the benefits to immunizations outweigh the risk.

E.

I have also done quite a bit of research after my first son was born and quickly realized that there are many viewpoints out there. If you would like to hear a professional and unbiased view, please buy or borrow the book "The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child" by Robert W. Sears, M.D. It is the best book I have ever read on the subject, and it is not judgemental at all. It tells you what is in the shots and even gives an alternative shot schedule to go by. The main idea is that children's immune systems can get overwhelmed by too many shots, so it is best to space them out. Also, be sure to check out his website for the most current research: www.thevaccinebook.com. Good luck to you!

This is a hard decision, much harder than when my children were small, (30 years ago). I think one point you need to consider is, what will happed if there is an epidemic. I am not telling you what to do, but giving you an idea to consider. If there is an epidemic, your child is at greater risk. And the more children that are not vaccinated, the greater the risk of an epidemic. I can understand your concern about the vaccine also. Best wishes in what ever you decide to do. W.

May I first say... CONGRATS!
I have three girls of my own and have not had any autism on either side of the family.

First question will they be home with Mom the whole time? Or in day care? If at home, wait. If in daycare, normal time frame.

May I suggest waiting til after 6 months period vs. getting them right away. However, I feel the shots need to be administered. Ask your Dr. how long you can wait? If they say no waiting, ask another Dr. Don't just rely on one opinion.

I wish you all the best!
S.
www.imthankful.com

Continue to research, and I'd go with Dr. Sears' recommendations if you are wary. Jenny McCarthy has a new book coming out too, her son is autistic and it seems she believes there is a link.

I don't know what states your daughters are in, but in Washington there are several waivers for schools, they are NOT required to get into school!

Yes, the Bob Sears book already mentioned is by far the best that I've read on this topic. Most of the others seem to have an anti-vaccine tone to them. I believe in the need for vaccinations (most of them), but think that the prescribed schedule is far too aggressive far too early. If you follow it, your two-month old will be vaccinated for NINE diseases in one day. This has got to be tough on a brand new immune system. My first daughter handled it fine, but my second was sick for over a month after her first round. I cut way back for her 4-month round and she handled it much better. The Sears book suggests a more conservative schedule AND has an excellent chapter on aluminum in vaccines that you may want to consider.

If you do decide that the standard schedule is not for you, come to your pediatrician informed as not all of them are willing to discuss openly and may push back on you.

S.,

I have had both my children vaccinated (they're 4 1/2 and 1), and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with them other than the fact that they bounce off the walls with energy and are curious about everything.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

There are several reasons to consider delayed vaccinations, but fear of autism isn't one of them. As a special ed teacher I've been to lots of trainings on this. The original study that claim a link has now been refuted multiple times and the authors of that original study have actually rescinded their view. And anyway, the link was supposedly with mercury which they don't use in vaccines anymore. I'd recommend following the drs advise and getting the vaccinations.

Hello S.,

while I personally believe in the benefits of vaccines, I also think that giving so many vaccines so early is not always necessary, depending on your (your daughter's) situation and lifestyle.
I have a an almost 6 month old and we declined the HepB shot in the hospital, but decided to start immunizing on the regular schedule otherwise, because I traveled with our baby (air travel) at 3 months and I have to put her in daycare soon.
If I could stay at home with her I would delay most shots until she was older.
Maybe you can help your daughters find a pediatrician who is open to discuss their options. Our doctor was very understanding and helpful when it came to making these decisions and did not try to "bully" us.
I find it a very personal decision to make, not only because of the autism discussion, but also because, although rare, vaccines can have very serious side effects and everybody has to weigh their risks and benefits for themselves. I don't like the one-size-fits-all policy that is being advocated by public health officials.