To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

Hi H.,
Just my advice, take it or leave it. We have two boys 3 & 5. We have chosen not to vaccinate. We feel that this is best for them. I have a sister with very sever autism and I am also an occupational therapist and I have a lot of experience working with children ( and their parents) who are on the Autism Spectrum. When my husband and I were making our decision we read a ton of material and we still keep ourselves abreast of any new research. If you choose not to vaccinate, prepare yourself for backlash from the twin's pediatrician and from friends/family. We know that we have made the right decision. Also, another point to think about...you will want to find out the laws in your state regarding vacccines. We were told from our doctor that our kids couldn't attend school unless they were vaccinated. This is wrong. To send our 5 yr old to school we just needed to fill out a waiver form that we got from his teacher. Good luck with your decision. It's a tough one to make.
H.

I think we all know what your pediatrician is going to say. But, on the off chance that your ped walks to the beat of a different drummer, ask what s/he did for their own child/ren. If the answer is that they don't have children or that they are fully vaccinated, you are most likely not going to get a compassionate answer and will have to seek advice elsewhere. There are a gazillion books out there on the subject, most of which I have read. There is also a great speaker on the subject, Mary Tocco, she has a DVD that is totally worth buying/viewing. You can see clips of it at mercola.com just search for Mary Tocco or google her name. I have one fully vax kid and one completely un-vaccinated. I came to the conclusion that regardless of the threat of the diseases I would be protecting my child against, the potential for long-term health consequences is greater. I'm not saying that we won't ever vaccinate, but if we do we are holding off until my son's immune system is more mature and can handle the toxin load of the vaccines.

Check out the history of the diseases, it will help you a lot in your decision. Another excellent resource is the National Vaccine Information Center www.909shot.com

I can't believe how ignorant Americans are, that they will poison their children just because their doctor told them to. My son is 3 and was diagnosed with Autism last year. I will not vaccinate my daughter. Ask any parent of an Autistic child and you will get the same answer from 90% of them,
"vaccines poisoned my child." Just because no mainstream study has ever said that 'yes vaccine cause autism' does that mean that it doesn't? Everyone knows how inaccurate these studies are, especially when they are funded my drug companies, duh.
My advice is to research it, google ingredients in vaccines, find that there is not only thermosil, but other types of mercury, as well as formaldehyde, dead animal and human matter and many other toxins in those vaccines. Think about what you are really vaccinating against, diseases that are eradicated from the country, ridiculous ones such as chicken pox(which as it happens, but no one researches, the vaccine wears off when you are about 18-19 and there is no booster shot that is effective then and getting chicken pox as an adult is much more dangerous than getting it as a child)you have a better chance of getting hit by a car walking across the street than you do having an adverse reaction to the chicken pox disease. If you are worried about polio, the disease has been listed by the CDC as eradicated from the US and Canada, if by chance it does come back, you always have the option of high-tailin' it to the doctor's office for a vaccine that is only about 70% effective. No vaccine is 100% effective. Most are about 70%. Did you know that they also give babies, even preemies, the exact same dosage they would give a 200lb adult? Something you really should be concerned with! My doctor is fine with me not vaccinating, he says it's the herd theory, where if everyone else is getting it, then your child will be protected.
When you put unnatural things in a human body, unnatural things happen.
I'm glad that someone is actually concerned with real issues instead of how to loose the baby weight(duh, exercise, stop eating McDonald's)Other vaccines cover STD's, wouldn't you rather teach your child safe sex? Please, everyone reading this, please do your research and think carefully before you poison your child.
If after researching it, you still feel the need, then have-at-er, it is your choice as a parent, but don't let anyone talk you into doing it, or not doing it. Everyone will have their opinion. Also, every state in the US allows for exemptions. I dont' know which one you live in, but every state allows for at least a Religious exemption, about half also allow for a medical or philosophical exemption. And the person talking about that they track the religious exempted ones, he is wrong, it would be a violation of your privacy. Also, no daycare is allowed to deny a child because they are un-vaccinated, it is discrimination. No school is allowed to deny you either, however they may tell you your child has to stay at home if there is an outbreak at school of a disease that he is not vaccinated for, but in most states, then the school is required to provide a home tutor. All you need to do is sign a simple waiver. They are available on the internet of course.
Incidentally, I know all of this information because I helped make most of these laws. I have also spoken at many conferences and have one on one contact with most of the drug companies executives, as many of them are family. Irony, huh?
If anyone wants more information, I have tons more, please email me at ____@____.com
I know a lot of people who read this will dismiss it as 'whatever', and I was the same way when I first heard that someone I knew didn't vaccinate, I thought she was a conspiracy theorist. Then I did my research(because who am I to dismiss someone's opinion?)and I talked to the right people, and now I am involved. Get involved, if only to protect the ones you love.

The only way to get the answers that you are looking for is to research research research.

We have chosen not to vaccinate anymore first son fully vaxed to 2yrs old, 2nd son fully vaxed to 1yr old at which point we found out that he is on the Autism Spectrum he's now 3.5 and in a special education preschool, daughter recieved two doses of DTaP she reacted badly to the 2nd one so we decided no more...just not worth the risk to us

Natural Immunity is 100% effective. Vaccines average 70% effective at preventing the spread of disease. Which means vaxed people can and do get so called "vaccine preventable diseases" and pass them around.

H.,

This is the million dollar question.

First you have parents who swear their child was fine until the MMR shot.Then you have doctors who say it is not the shot, but the timing because Autism does not show it self until around the time you get the MMR shot. UGH!

Do your research, I know Dr. Sears just came out with a book that tells the pro's and con's.

I did get my son vaccinated, reluctantly. I would have never forgiven myself if he ended up having Autism.

That being said, you may want to try the alternative vaccination schedule. You may have to switch pediatrician's, but your childs life is worth it.

Some things to think about - we got chicken pox right? Hep A is recommended because in California they have more cases (due to people coming over from foreign countries), Hep B right after birth ??? I will not have my next child vaccinated at birth. I wish I had thought more about vaccined prior to giving birth. Also, is your child going to day care where he/she is exposed to illness on a daily basis.

I applaud you asking and seeking answers. Utlimatley you have to do what is best for you and your child. Read, research and discuss.

Keep us posted please.

Hi H.,
Yes this is a tough decision. I personally would not give a preemie any vaccinations. We decided not to vaccinate, our daughter is 22 months and she has only been sick twice. Little runny nose and one fever ( she was and is teething though) nothing major. I know people who have vaccinated and or givin there kids flu shots (not a good idea)and they are sick all the time.You and your husband really need to do some reserch of your own and decide together. Or you can wait until your little one is older, much older. If you decide not to, make sure your baby is eating the healthiest foods and BREASTFEED! That is the best thing you can do for your babies immune system. Hope this helps.
L. S

I am sure there is a middle ground to everything...with that said, our 4 year old is going today to his first Autism (DAN!) doctor appointment. He was smiley, happy, fun, and vaccinated, until about 15-17 months. Then something happened. With our youngest we are not vaccinating right now. He is happy and healthy. There are so many theries out there. All I know is that 0-5 are imparitive years, so the comprimise could be just waiting till pre-school or kindergarden boosters just like we did when I was a kid. Good luck and if you need any reccomendations on reading or videos let me know

The first precedented case against vaccinations just occurred. The pediatric nurse mom and neurologist dad were able to prove that their child's autism was caused from the vaccinations. Apparently, if the child has a certain gene, they are more prone to develop autism from the vaccinations. It's hit and miss since you don't know if your kid has the gene. Be choosy with the vaccines. We got some and spaced them out. I don't know why they require them all within the first 2 years. We skipped hepatitis b (as a newborn! I think that's awful! We are not high risk and my baby won't be using interveneous drugs or having unsafe sex!!!) Then we didn't start the shots until 6 months. We never got the controversial DPT or MMR. Apparently one lowers the immunity and kids have been getting measles inside their gut, causing big problems... I want my kids to get chicken pox naturally, the immunity will last a lifetime, unlike the vaccine. It's so good that you are not going into this blindly. I don't think people should. I know some kids who have been directly affected after the ones at 18months. They were normal social kids, and now they are autistic. It's scary.

This is, for sure, one of the more heated topics that parents face. I identify with your concerns, and am a mom to a 26-weeker who is now 2 1/2 years old and doing very well.

I've been reading about this issue (both sides) for about 3 years now, and my husband and I agree in holding off at this point on all vaccines for our son. He has had some lung challenges and a few rounds of surgeries for various things, and we can't imagine introducing all of the foreign substances that are a part of vaccinations into his system. (It's not just about mercury; there is formaldehyde and other things -- you have to read the inserts. Ever heard of a "murine antibody"? It comes from a rat. Yuck!)

But each parent has to make the decision themselves. I actually posted because I wanted to mention a correction to a prior post, that gave some misinformation about what is required in the State of Michigan, if you choose to waive vaccinations.

Someone posted that you need a "religious" exemption for this, but that is not the only option. The State of Michigan allows 3 exemptions: medical, religious, and philosophical. Some states do not allow a philosophical objection (which basically means you can reject vaccinations for ANY reason), but Michigan does -- thanks to Mary Tocco and her organization (believe it's Michigan Opposing Mandatory Vaccines).

I just wanted to share that info because, if you do decline, you should not be pressured or bullied by the school systems to provide doctor's info or religious info. By law, you are not required to.

Our son is receiving some in-home speech therapy from our school system, and they wanted to know why he didn't have a vaccine record and gave me some forms for his doctors to fill out. I informed them that, by law, I can object to the vaccines and, because they are public schools and we're taxpayers, they cannot deny us services. I'm polite, but informed -- and they get the point very quickly that I'm not going to be bullied. Now, if it's a private school or daycare, then the lines aren't as clear -- so you would need to pick & choose carefully if you go that route.

So far, things have gone well for us and I intend to stay informed so I can speak intelligently about the legitimate concerns linked to vaccines (yes, I'm aware there is a new study saying there are no links; do you know who funded the study? take a guess ...) as well as my rights.

Best wishes to you, whatever your decision. If you want more info personally, you may e-mail me at ____@____.com.

H.,

http://www.momsagainstmercury.com/

Personally you'll get no arguement from me as far as vaccinations. I wouldn't and you can't be forced to either.
Do more research. And I mean research it from an alternative point of view, because most of what you'll find has more to do with from conventional medicine's viewpoint.
I had chicken pox and measles and I lived to tell about it. Too much stuff is being injected into humans and it isn't natural or safe.

We have chosen to alter the vaccination schedule for our daughter. We feel that the number of vaccines given at one time is too aggressive. There are a few vaccines that she will not get at all due to philosophical differences, however, we did choose to do most of them. She is now 1 year and 4 months old and is WAY behind the other kids but that is ok with us. We just keep doing them one or two at a time until she's caught up. Don't let your doctor bully you into thinking they must be done all together or according to the "normal" schedule.

You should vaccinate. Just spread it out over 3 years instead of 18 months. That is what my husband and I plan to do. We researched alternative vaccination schedules. Check out this website: http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/labels/Alternati...

FYI - I had chicken pox at 12 and let me tell you it was a miserable experience. Since I was so old when I got it, it was really bad. I was very sick for a few weeks. I didn't just have a few bumps. I had them everywhere. I also have tons of scars from the experience and believe me, you don't want a preteen with lots of scars on her/his body while in middle school if you can prevent it.

It's funny every one has such strong emotions on this. If you hold off on vaccinating your child... It is not Irresponsible...that is ridiculous...also, I don't think that giving a child a vaccination is POISONING them...My god... settle down. Delaying a vaccination schedule is totally acceptable these days. The big one "attributed to autism" is the MMR. Wait on that one until your child is ready. Some Dr's can even order them seperately so you don't have to give it to them all at once. It was $40 a shot when we did this but... I slept better at night. We found a pediatrician that was willing to work with our schedule and we did not start any vaccinations until our child was 1 year old. Do your research and do what's best for your family. Please do not let anyone make you feel bad about whatever decision you make.

If anything I would space them out, and maybe wait until the baby is little older to start them, especially since you have a preemie.

What's wrong with getting chicken pox or measles? Probably nothing. What's wrong with getting TB, small pox, or polio? Please do the responsible thing and vaccinate your kid!

Hi H.-
I wanted to respond because I am in the same situation. I have a 4 month old and we declined the Hep B shot in the hospital (I just didnt feel right about it) and have declined her 2 and 4 month shots. Now, I know this can be a very heated debate, and I also know that each side just wants the best for children-that being said, we have decided against ALL vaccinations until our baby is at least 2. Then we will give the tetanus, and pertussis/dyptheria round. This is why-here goes...My husband has a 6 yr.old nephew who has been diagnosed as autistic, he was growing great, starting to talk, healthy etc. and than recieved the MMR shot and a few days later stopped talking completely and would stand in the corner of any room he was in for HOURS not wanting to be touched. He has had test after test that have revealed toxic levels of mercury in his system that has basically poisoned him. The doctor who adminestered the shots admit that the batch they used had thimerosol (mercury) in them but will not acknowledge that this would cause autism (since vaccinations are supposed to be mercury free, I would always request a copy of the vaccination insert for yourself to read.) Okay, so my sister in law has spent nearly $100,000 "detoxifying" him, therapy, diet change etc. and last weekend he finally said "daddy". A HUGE step! Now, it gets weirder, my boss and co worker both have autistic sons and they SWEAR the children were "normal" until they recieved the MMR shot. Each child also have "toxic" levels of mercury in their systems and have been going through a similar detoxifying program. I started reading ALOT about it and many parents say the same thing. Our peditrician, though accepts our decision, tries to scare us into the vaccinations every visit. She believes that there is no medical evidence that supports this...I believe otherwise (do some research, there is some scary things going on!) How I feel is, these kids are reacting to something in the shots and until someone can prove COMPLETELY otherwise I will continue to decline. Each parent of an autistc child goes back to the shots. The one thing they all have in common is the shots-that speaks volumns to me. I am not totally against vaccinations, I had them, I'm fine (kinda:), and like I said, my daughter will get a few that I think are important, but I just have a bad feeling. What I want to say to you is it is your decision-DO NOT let others make this important decision, do some research-I'm sure you will walk away with a stronger feeling either way-sorry this is so long!
Good Luck!!!

Hi H.,

This is a huge decision that you and your husband alone are going to have to make. My husband and I decided to not vaccinate after doing some research. We may vaccinate, but only for certain things, and only when our daughter gets a bit older. We refused the vitamin K at the hospital along with the hep B as the thought of putting foreign materials into a baby less than one day old was just mind blowing to us - also a vaccination for something acquired though sex or drug use (something that she 99.9 percent wouldn't be subjected to for at least 15 years if ever), but is given to EVERYONE just really made us think.

It's all a personal preference. My advice is if you're on the fence about it, research into vaccinations, possible side affects and what vaccinations contain (live, weakened viruses grown in animal tissue, dead viruses, toxic substances etc.) You can choose, depending on your doctor, which ones you prefer to give and at what interims. What they are giving children now as compared to what they gave us is double. We're told they are safe but it seems like a lot of these studies concluding safety are penned by drug companies. The folks who indicate that vaccinations aren't safe, in my opinion, have nothing to gain by alerting the public. Anyway, try MercolaHealth.com if you'd like. Contact me if you'd like a more comprehensive list of other references that my husband and I looked at - along with a few books, discussions with our chiropractors and other friends who have felt the same way that we do.

Best of luck either way you chose to go!

A.

100% yes - get the vacinations. If you don't you are putting your child and the children them come into contact with at risk. My son was also a preemie and now he is a healthy happy growing (taller than average)5 year old. Wouldn't you feel horrible if your child got a preventable disease. There are to many things we can't protect them againist as parents - it is crazy to open them up to diseases you can prevent.

My son who will be 5 in June and starting Kindergarten did NOT have all of his vaccinations. My husband and I just opted out of most of them after he was about 1yr.
I recently went to the doctor with my son and she was quite rude about the fact that he had not been vaccinated. I think you will find that from most doctors, they are pro vaccine.

But you have to do what you are comfortable with. I know I will have to fill out a waiver when he starts school and that is okay with me. Actually, after reading all of your responses and seeing how many parents have decided NOT to vaccinate, I feel so much better!!!
Good Luck!

On whether to vaccinate or not that is totally your decision but the thought about chicken pox is interesting. In child development classes, I have read about children that have gotten chicken pox and they spread to the brain where the children became brain damaged. I think if you and your husband research you will make the best decision for your family because it will be something you believe in.

I also was very concerned. After talking to my pediatrician I decided to vaccinate my 2 month old. I made sure the vaccines were thymerisol free, and didn't give the new combination ones. I did, however, decide to only do half of the shots now and will do the other half at 3 months. I did a lot of research and those were the suggestions that made the most sense to me. I'm a nurse and have seen what happens when babies get some of those diseases so not vaccinating was basically out of the question to me. Whatever decision you make will be the best one for your baby, i'm sure.

My advise would be to talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. I was unsure about vaccinations also, so we did research on each individual shot and decided which ones we would get. We have opted out of Hep A, but decided to get the rest (MMR, DpT, etc.) We also have decided that until our children are in daycare or school we aren't going to get flu shots. One major thing to consider when weighing the pros and cons of vaccination is school. Do you plan on home schooling, if not you need to find out if your school district requires certain vaccinations to enroll, many of them do. I think they may be changing their guidlines on this, but the best thing to do is contact the school districts around you and ask.

I vaccinated my first son up until he was 9 months old. He seemed to be sick within a week of each shot and I finally wised up. He has severe allergies and asthma, which our doctor attributes to the vaccines he received. He also has hypothyroidism, which the doctor also attributes to the vaccines. My second son was never vaccinated and has no signs of either allergies or asthma and is extremely healthy.

Yes, mercury is supposed to be out of vaccines, but the manufacturers have gotten around that by using ingredients that are preserved in mercury in the vaccines, they just don't add it to the vaccine as a preservative. Kind of like how a company can claim that their product was not tested on animals when all of the ingredients used were.

But, mercury isn't the only issue. Vaccines also contain formeldahyde and aluminum, neither of which I would want injected into myself, let alone my children.

It is a big decision to make. Just make sure that you are sure about it before you do it, you can always decide to vaccinate late, but you can't take it back after it is done, I wish I could.

Hello H.,
The best advise that I can give is to purchase the following book....What Your Doctor May not tell you about Children's Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave.
We were also on the fence about vaccinations until we read this book. This book is not against vaccinations just takes a safer approach on when and how many vacs to receive at a time.
Our little boy just turned one and he received his first vaccination @ 6 months old. We took some advise from the book and some of our own knowledge to create his own vaccination schedule. We did not follow the doctors recommendation and at age one he is up to date with his shots except for the MMR....I'm going to wait until he is 4 years old !
We did have a little battle on our hands with our sons physician but we stood our ground and everything worked out. I'm very happy that we found a happy medium regarding these vaccinations. Good luck and congrats on your new little bundle !!!

Hi H.---THis is a tough decision as there is so much out there both pros and cons. One resource I refer people to is www.askdrsears.com. They offer a vaccine schedule that is not as intensive as what is usually given today. I think that may be where some of the problems lie---so many different vaccines given at one time. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me. I have my own business in wellness education and a BS in Home Economics. In health, D.
www.dianeshealthed.com

Hello, 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 (3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083)
from 10am until 2pm.

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

For more information please go to www.mcapkids.org

Dr. Rick Semlow, D.C., CACCP
6780 Rochester Rd
Troy, MI
###-###-####

Hi H.,
It's not the chicken pox that you need to worry about (although there are very serious cases that develop every now and then). You should think long and hard about the serious diseases that are making a comeback, like whooping cough.They can be deadly to your very young daughter. Doc's are even recommending that adults with children at home need boosters for some of the illnesses that are making a comeback. PLEASE ask your Doc for advice on this matter. It is always more risky not to Vaccinate. The risks from these shots are very slim. How would you feel if your child died from a disease that could have been so easily prevented? Good Luck with your decision.
A concerned mom

I've always thought that this was a black and white issue until recently. I learned that you don't have to do eiether extreme of vaccinating or not vaccinating at all. Rather, there is a third option that was made aware to me by a close friend of mine and a family member who is a chiropractor:

Delay vaccinations until they are a little older and start them once their immune systems are stronger and ready to take on any toxins the vaccination introduces. It was briefly mentioned to me that there were additional steps you could take to prepare their immune system as well, but I did not learn the specifics.

I would love to hear a follow up post if you find out the specifics of this option. This is the route I'm taking with my third child (due in June), but I haven't had the time to do any more of the research in depth about vaccination delays.

I vaccinated both of my girls - the only one that we declined (at our Dr's suggestion) I believe was Hep A. Whatever it was - the basics of the "disease" was flu like or food poisoning like symptoms that would pass in a few days. You treat it just like the flu. Both my girls are fine. My oldest is finishing her first year in preschool, and what I have discovered is that if you don't vaccinate - then you need to provide documentation that states you declined the specific vaccine based on RELIGIOUS beliefs. How they patrol it, or if that is the only way you can get out of providing proof of vaccination I don't know - it's what I read. I agree with Chicken Pox, but it was required for our day care (at the time), Measles I have heard of people dieing from - I wouldn't wish it on my child. I think the key here is to be informed, do your research, and determine what is best for your child - but also ask yourself how you would feel if your child did get the measles and didn't make a full recovery, all because you opted NOT to get the vaccine. It's a tough call.

H.,
There is NO credible, science-based research that shows vaccines cause harm (I am sure you're thinking of autism, right?). There was 1 article in England in 1997 that has since taken on an urban-legend type hysteria. The ingredient they were worried about isn't even in vaccines any more. The study has been replicated and the results were not the same (the true measure of if a study is good or not). Measles, and other diseases we vaccinate against, can cause long-term damage. And, since doctors rarely see these diseases anymore, the child can get misdiagnosed since they're not really looking for those as much. With that said, you should have an open discussion with your pediatrician. I did. They shouldn't force you to do anything you're not comfortable with, but maybe will be able to reassure you. When I voiced concerns, my pediatrician told me that he had his kids vaccinated. The way I figure it, he's the doctor, and if he's comfortable doing it w/ his own kids, he knows WAY more than me, and I'm okay with it. Here's one link to an article that may help: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23001150/
Good luck making your decision!

I am the mom of two preemies - K is now 11yrs was born at 3# 10oz and N is now 5yrs was born at 3# 6oz -- K is healthy no issues - N has Autism, after much research I truely believe there is aconnection to this and his shots. First thing is he was SO small yet when they were giving these shots and the dose is not altered for weight which bothered me and second I have read that if they would give the 15-18 month MMR shots seperate with 45 days between their bodies can naturally expose of the toxins that are contributed to Autism.

So, I would talk to the doctor about

#1. his size at the time of shots
#2. spacing out the shots for him

S.

I completely agree with Evelyn's response.
My 20 month old son has had all of the "required" vaccines to date (except the Hep B at birth), but he always seems to have strong side effects.
My next baby will be on the alternate vaccine schedule. I just don't understand why they need to be injected with SO much at such an early age.

I took a Vaccine class at the Holistic Midwifery Ins in AnnArbor MI. We pick a Doc that was cool with that. (He said if your kids not in daycare it's fine w/ him. If so get them all, spaced out more. But I was still going to be choisy.) Our daughter's alomst 5, and I've decided I'm ok w/ polio Vaccine. This is the next book I'm going to read. I'm really into this author.
Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations: What You Need to Know
by Gary Null
Good luck, A. H

I understand your concern. I have two children and I decided to space their vaccinations so they only receive two (for example, Polio and DTAP) at a time rather than all of the recommended shots at once. My doctor finds this acceptable. I think it is worth it so I don't mind taking them into the doctor's office more often to do so. By following this schedule my children get the protection they need, but it allows for their own immunity system to develop. Good luck!

First of all, congratulations on your new baby...I'm sure your precious child is the light of your life! About vaccinating -- My feeling is that it is irresponsible NOT to do it. The incidince of problems is really miniscule. If your child is not vaccinated you better pray that all the children he or she comes in contact with are otherwise you will be dealing with some pretty devastating sicknesses. Just one mommy's two cents!

H.-- it can be a scary decision. I would talk to your pediatrician about it. There are certain vaccines that you may be able to delay (we chose not to get the HEP vaccine in the hospital) and others that you should really get. This is bascially what I was told (both my children are being vaccinated) by my pediatrician and the nurse at the health dept. the risks of the vaccinations are heavily outweighed by the risk of not vaccinating. Children are getting sick and dying from diseases that had basically been eliminated b/c it is now "trendy" not to vaccinate. I agree that chicken pox wasn't so bad...but the problem is most children will be vaccinated and if you do not vaccinate yours they run the risk of getting the illness when they are adults and it can then have very serious consequences.

I'm not sure that I agree or disagree about the autism/vaccine debate. There really hasn't been a scientific link. I agree it is scary...but to me there is a great risk that by not vaccinating my children I could be causing them harm.

There is a lot of information out there on both sides and much of it (both sides) is very biased and some of the anti-vaccinating information is down right scary. Your pediatrician is really the best source of advice...but ultimately it is your decision.

Good luck and congrats on your little bundle.

My parents did not give me vacc's when I was a baby or a child. But, when I got older and into the medical field I had to go through all that regardless. I probably could have waived them, but I am exposed to so much I didn't want to expose my family as well.

I would talk to your pediatrician about it and get some answers to your questions. For me, I felt the risk of getting a serious illness (like polio or diptheria or something) well outweighed any slight risk from the actual vaccination. I know that the reason they are vaccinating kids from things like chicken pox and measles is that some children die from getting them. (It's a small percentage, but still...)

Some of my friends are selectively vaccinating their children (choosing the vaccinations that they feel are the most necessary) and some other friends are choosing to spread the vaccinations out so that their children get fewer shots at a time. I talked to my pediatrician about it and I was told that babies use about 1% of their immune system to deal with the vaccinations so I didn't worry about that.

Again, I would talk to your ped. and ask specifically about the vaccinations your baby will be getting. Good luck in making your decision!

I just wanted to say that I am right there with you. The doctors strongly urge it - they have to for legal reasons. They cannot be sued for going along with the CDC - they CAN be sued for going against it and your child dies of Rubella.

At my twins 3 month check up, the doctor says that they have seen a growing number of actual rubella cases in their office. We still declined and have yet to go to the 6 month check up. (they are now 8 months old)

Does anyone know of a Dr. or nurse practitioner that makes house calls?

Dear H.,
Wow! I disliked making that decision with my husband. It seemed like the million dollar gamble question,, but I was putting my children up as the gamble! Although we did not vaccinate(now they are 22, 20 and 17)-((My eldest just received shots for a trip to do missions work in South America-he's fine.))I wish I had had the peace I could have had if I had prayed about it and given it to God. Back then, I just read various books and with a head knowledge that I felt comfortable with, we made a choice. It did help that my husband is a chiropractor, so he is bent toward the natural. The chiropractic association has tons of material on not vaccinating. E mail me if you'd like ____@____.com I now KNOW one can have an inner peace, by giving your concerns and worries to God. He loves your baby even more than you do(if you can even imagine that) and wants the best for him/her. Educate yourself(A Shot in the Dark-AGAINSTvaccination) and many good books FOR vaccination..pray about it, and make your choice. You have time. Don't be rushed into a way of thinking you are not at peace with. God Bless! MS

We adopted our three children from Russia and were told by Home Land Security that we had to have all of our children vaccinated again when they arrived in the US- despite being vaccinated in Russia. Our son who is now 5 1/2 is on the autism spectrum and we have spent $1000's of dollars getting him therapy so that he can be main-streamed. He was developing fine, starting to talk, and definitely back-slid and we had to regain ground after his shots. We've been fortunate that our son has made some amazing progress with diet, exercise, therapies, etc.-many other families are not so lucky.

There is a lot of research about children and the role of vaccines in autism. 1 in every 150 children are being diagnosed with a form of autism- and the medical field is finally admitting that the mercury used as preservative in vaccines is a likely cause.

After going through double vaccines for our son, and watching him deal with speech and other issues we decided to be very careful with the shots we gave his younger sisters. I had to really search and talk and research, but finally found a doctor that would space out the shots and not insist on giving our girls their shots all at once- or 3-4 in one shot.

I agree with your previous advice. Do your research- make sure you are totally comfortable with your decision and your pediatrician. Also, do not give your child shots if they are ill. Their immune system is already compromised, and some medical personnel will tell you it doesn't matter- but I've read other articles that have strongly advised to make sure your child is healthy- the last thing you need to do is introduce a toxin on an already compromised immune system.

J.

you will get a ton of replies.. I would recommend researching each vaccine - the disease the incidence and making decisions on a vaccine by vaccine basis.

Not all vaccines are bad.. Most are probably good.. but are they necessary..

For example.. they now recommend the hepatitis A vaccine given in 2 doses after age 12 months. This is a new addition to the childhood immunization schedule. The last I heard we vaccinated folks that were going to third world countries for hepatitis A.

Yes indeed. the incidence of Hep A in macomb county (where I happen to live) was 5 cases in one year. No one died...

So I elected to not get this vaccine for my child. I do get my child immunized.. I do not get them all of the shots as young as they recommend...I have stretched out the vaccine schedule.

The MMR vaccine is the one shot that is concerning.. I waited until my child was 2 and she did get very sick after the shot. I dont know if it was related or not.

do research.. read read read

Actually getting illnesses like chicken pox or measles isn't so bad. I know lots of people who had those as kids. However, you're child is a preemie which makes things a little different. Your child is going to be at higher risk than some so getting vaccinated would be a wise choice. Eventhough there's nothing wrong with kids getting chickenpox, you want to prevent your child from getting something more serious that could cause permanent damage or even death. You tried so hard for your precious gift. Fight for your baby and do what's best. Do your research, but don't take any unecessary risks.

H. - You need to talk to professionals. There is no secret agenda, no conspiracy and no reason for doctors not to inform you about vaccinations - pros and cons. You have a preemie - as you know, preemies are more susceptible to diseases that average children can fend off with more ease. You also have to consider how your actions affect other children. If your child gets the measles, your child can then spread it amongst other children. The last outbreak of measles that I heard of was in Indiana, and it started with an unvaccinated child who then spread it to others - some children became very ill from this. I know our society is about taking care of "our own" first, but your decisions about this do affect others. I work with pediatric neurologists (academicians and clinicians) as a part of my job. I consulted with several of them about these issues before my son (now 3) was born. Without hesitation, they all said they had their children vaccinated (and themselves)and that the autism connection is not scientifically based, despite all of the anecdotal reports you see here on this website and elsewhere. Go to the people who really know about this to get informed - not the local pastor, not 80 year old Aunt Betty, not your neighbor or a witch doctor. These people will all have an opinion, but in all probability the opinion will not be based on anything that is remotely relevant or based in reality. Good luck with your decision.

H., I understand your concern. When you go for your 4 month visit ask your Dr. to see pictures of what your child will look like if they get the disease they are wanting to vaccinate them for....this may help make up your mind. These diseases they are trying to protect your child from are awful and life threatening...IF they are a worse case senario. This isn't something I'm willing to take a chance w/ my daughter w/. The big thing now a days is Autism. If you really do your own research you will find that there is no substancial research that proves this. It is a sad coinscidence. You will make the right decision for your child!