I have been on the fence as to vaccinations from the start. At 2 months, we split the recommended vaccinations and my daughter still came away from it with a bad reaction. I know some people will dispute it, but there was too much coincidence involved for me to deny that the vaccinations were tough on her body. Since, then, we waited until she was six months and stronger and then did one (or 2 max) at a time. She's handled them all quite well since. I have a few questions:
First, my doc wants to give her a second flu shot at her 1 year appointment this coming week. She's already had one, and I had one while breastfeeding and am still breastfeeding. Is it really necessary to give her another so soon? My doc bullies me a bit, so I would like to go in to see him informed rather than just saying 'i don't want to give it to her.'
Secondly, I want to split the MMR, which he is fine with, but, he needs me to find the vaccinations separated for him. Does anyone know of a doctor that has them split?
And, thirdly, probably an obvious question, I am looking for a new pediatrician on the westside who is a bit more understanding about vaccinations and my desire to go slowly. I am not fighting getting them, I just want to go slowly and to stick with the ones that are necessary, and to be able to trust his/her input and have a conversation without being bullied. I know there are some great docs on the westside for this, but, I've found that most don't take insurance, or are not taking new patients. We have dga blue cross/blue shield.
For a highly recommended doc, we would go as far east as BH, but am reluctant to go further with a little girl who is not a fan of the carseat.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi,
My doc told me they didn't sell the MMR split up anymore, so we've been holding off.
If anyone knows where you can still get it split let me know!
Also, we never do the flu vaccine- get the Dr Sears Vaccination book it's wonderful.
:)
RB, I highly suggest Dr. Paul Fleiss, who was recommended to us by our amazing midwife, Tonya Brooks. Dr. Fleiss is truly one of the most amazing pediatricians my husband and I have ever met! He grants so much kindness to children and has such a big heart. We love that he passionately advocates nursing, always recommends natural remedies, and highly supports our decision not to vaccinate or circumcise our
dazzling son, Dylan Orion, who so loves him and his staff.
Here's Dr. Fleiss' data:
1824 N. Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Phone: ###-###-####
Also, Dr. Jay Gordon and Dr. Lauren Feder are also amazing!
Here's their data:
Dr. Jay Gordon
###-###-####
http://www.drjaygordon.com
Dr. Lauren Feder
###-###-####
http://www.drfeder.com/
Then regarding the flu shot: According to CNN, "The flu shot is only as good as the educated guesses of a group of vaccine researchers across the globe. Every February, they try to predict which flu viruses will work their evil during the next fall and winter. Their three top choices are put into the vaccine. The CDC claims that vaccine will be 70 to 90 percent effective against just those strains of flu." In fact, this year's formulation consists of three viral strains: Influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1), Influenza A/Brisbane/10-2007 (H3N2) and Influenza B/Florida/4/2006 based on what the CDC feels will match those viruses circulating in the community. It's hoped that these smart scientists who get together with the vaccine producers make the right call but sometimes they don't, partly because the virus mutates from year to year changing its identity so often that it frequently outsmarts our body's immune systems and seeks ways around the defenses we prepare in the way of flu vaccines. Case in point, last season's flu shot was a good match for only about 40% of last year's flu viruses."
And, according to the CDC, "Yes, the majority of influenza vaccines distributed in the United States currently contain thimerosal as a preservative. However, some contain only trace amounts of thimerosal and are considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be preservative-free. Manufacturers of preservative-free flu vaccine use
thimerosal early in the manufacturing process. The thimerosal gets diluted as the vaccine goes through the steps in processing. By the end of the manufacturing process there is not enough thimerosal left in the vaccine to act as a preservative and the vaccine is labeled "preservative-free"." http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/thimerosal.htm
"For the 2008-09 season, there is one product licensed for 6-23 month old children (the product is thimerosal-free). For children between the ages of 2 and 5 years of age, there are three products available that are thimerosal-free (sanofi's Fluzone; MedImmune's FluMist) or preservative-free (trace thimerosal- [Novartis's Fluvirin])."
And, YES! It looks like "thimerosal free" flu vaccines are truly THIMEROSAL FREE. But, then my only concern would be the ingredients they're using in this flu shot, such as Chick embryos and formaldehyde (that's right - the stuff they embalm humans with and classified as a known cancer-causing substance). That, to me, is scary, especially
when you're injecting this into a sweet baby who's brain is still developing or a pregnant MAMA.
And, you have to watch this video...FUNNY BUT TRUE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfCnjnShnM
Please know that I send this data with love, and I'd love to help however I can.
With love,
L. (MAMA to healthy and non~vaccinated 17 month old Dylan Orion.......29 September 2007) : )))
flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury. one microgram is considered toxic. please visit my website and read articles on vaccines,
D. merlin
mother/author
www.victoryoveradhd.com
A few moms below made some nice suggestions -
1. Get the Dr. Sears Vaccination Book NOW! It has an "alternate" vaccination schedule that splits everything up and you'll probably be more comfortable with it, as I was. It also gives you a TON of information about each vaccine, what's in them, and how they're made. It will make you so much more comfortable with vaccines.
2. Dr. Jay Gordon in Santa Monica. I have heard that he's great, but he doesn't take any kind of insurance, so I had to pass. I also heard that most of his patients do not vaccinate. If you are definitely not going to vaccinate, he's probably a good choice for you.
If you're like me, and want to do it on your own time, please consider UCLA Pediatrics in Santa Monica. They are fantastic and we have been very happy there. They are on Santa Monica Blvd. between Centinela and 26th and they take insurance. We have been seeing Dr. Jutabah since our son was born. He is now almost 20 months. She has never even suggested the flu vaccine for my son, and she allows (even encourages) us to follow the Dr. Sears Alternate Vaccination Schedule. We have split up the MMR and others too. They have them ready to go, you don't have to find them yourself (which I think is crazy, what a lazy doctor you must have!) and she's totally open to your direction. She's wonderful. We have also seen Dr. Sachs there, when Dr. J isn't available, and he's great as well. I highly recommend them. Call them at ###-###-####.
Good luck and please don't let any doctors bully you. If you feel that way then your doctor is not a good fit for you. :)
Hi!
I am also a 38 (well, ALMOST 38) yo Mom and have a very active baby girl. I feel the same way about the shots as you do. Luckily, our Doctor is very understanding and goes at a slower pace for us as well as splits them up. We have delayed all of the shots by about 6 months. She is in Westchester and her name is Dr. Rodriques-Funes. They take HMO. We are not going to get the flu shot or the chicken pox shots because those are the ones that introduce a live virus. Some people I know who have had them, have had bad reactions to it. Like a 105 degree temp. We are going to delat the MMR until she is 3 yo. Good luck!
rb-
i have a son who is 4, and i started his vaccines at 2.5. our plan is to do one vaccine every six months. things have changed a bit because he too had a reaction to one. now i think we will wait at least a year between vaccines. we are also being selective to which ones we are doing. some, i feel, aren't neccessary. as for a pediatrician- we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, dr. paul fleiss. he is on hillhurst in the los feliz area. he is open and supportive of our choices. i live in toluca lake and make the drive anytime we need it.
t
I recommend getting the book WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT CHILDREN'S VACCINATIONS by Stephanie Cave, M.D. I know it's sort of a cheesy title, but it's loaded with helpful info. This book is all about informed consent and empowering parents with the right information to make the best decision for themselves. Also, I'm not sure where you live, but my pediatrician is Dr. Bruckner in Simi Valley and he respects my non-conventional healthcare approach. ex: I don't follow the recommended vaccine schedule and I choose to let my children heal naturally without the use of antibiotics in less-serious infections. Best Wishes!
Hi R B,
First I would say to get a new doctor if you feel uncomfortable with this one. You need a doctor you can talk to about your fears, etc. We go to Valley Pediatrics on 5353 Balboa next to the 101. All the doctors and staff there are very nice and understanding and are willing to answer all our crazy questions. We have blue cross also.
I am a strong believer in the flu shot - I get it every year because I have asthma and so does my son who is 6. Babies can die if they get the flu - a small reaction to the shot is much better than getting really sick. You can ask for the vaccine without mercury.
I hope this helps.
If you're willing to go to Westchester, I highly recommend the Westchester Pediatric Medical Group (Drs. Fisher, Shapiro, and Lau). We see Dr. Lau and have found him to be very flexible regarding vaccinations - as long as you're willing to come in multiple times, they seem to be comfortable spreading the vaccines out. I don't know whether they'll split MMR or not, but you can certainly ask. They take lots of different kinds of insurance and, to my knowledge, are accepting new patients. Good luck!
A mom below said that flu shots contain mercury (thimerosal). This is different from my understanding. First of all, there are mercury-free flu shots available, and pregnant women can request for them. Second of all, my pediatritian said that all children's flu shots (at her office at least) are mercury-free. So you should check with your pediatritian about that.
As for the second flu shot (for the same season you mean, as each shot works for one flu season only), here is what I found on an MD website, just fyi
"Why does my child have to get two separate shots?
Children under age 9 years who have never had a flu shot get two doses at least 30 days apart. This is to allow their immune systems more time to produce antibodies to influenza. Spacing the doses makes the body more efficient in doing that. In subsequent years, your child will only require one dose."
To answer part of your question....skip the flu shots. There's very little evidence that they work for anyone...adults or babies. I've stopped getting them myself and haven't given any to my 14 month old. I understand about the "bullying" of the docs on this issue. I have a definite list of vax we were and weren't getting and the ped just rolls her eyes at me. I've been talked into a couple extra ones, but it's been okay. She told me she wouldn't split MMR, so we only got that one shot at the appointment. I thought that the doc had to either order it or write a prescription. He should know and tell you! Good luck....this is such a confusing and frustrating part of parenthood!!
