"What Are Your Thoughts on So Many Vaccines Before Age 2"

Updated on March 31, 2010
L.G. asks from West Hollywood, CA
77 answers

I have been interviewing pediatricians and reading so much about the concerns over the 35 vaccinations a baby receives in its first two years. I'm very worried and concerned. I do want to vaccinate, but why so many in just two years. Can anyone provide more insight to their own experience and choices with having vaccinated their child with all 35 over the last two+ years?

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L.A.

answers from San Diego on

Better safe than sorry was the route I took with my kids. I waited until they were 3 years or older to vaccinate.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

No matter what you decide... remember, that a baby's immune system is NOT fully developed until 2 years old, and some say later.

There are many medical abstracts and information on the immune system.

I know it's so confusing. Good luck and take care,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

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K.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have been told about a book, The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Sears. It suggests alternative schedules. I have not picked up the book yet, but here is the website:

www.thevaccinebook.com

Good luck!

I have a 5 week old and need to make a decision very soon for her 1st set of vaccinations coming up at 2 months.

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L.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear L.,
Greetings!!!

I know that parenting is tough as there are many decisions to make in regards to how to raise your children. And it can be very scary and difficult to make many choices due to all of the conflicting information out there. My husband and I decided not to vaccinate our dazzling son Dylan who is now a little over 6 months old because we've seen too many children who had received their vaccinations and had adverse reactions that caused permanent and irreversible damage. Not to mention all the new links between autism and vaccinations.

I highly recommend the website: http://thinktwice.com/, and I also suggest reading The Sanctity of Human Blood: Vaccination Is Not Immunization (12th Edition) by Tim O’Shea. It has some very eye opening information about vaccinations. I truly feel every parent should read this book before deciding whether to vaccinate your child or not.

Hope this help, L.!

AND...KNOW THAT YOU ARE AN AMAZING MAMA FOR RESEARCHING THE TRUE DATA ABOUT VACCINES.

With love,
L. (Mama to 7 month old Dylan Orion) : )))

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D.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

NO! NO! NO! ABSOLUTELY NO! Go to http://www.HealthyAnswersOnline.com

learn what you must know. EDUCATE BEFORE YOU VACCINATE!

Read a book called A SHOT IN THE DARK

They even say that SIDS is not in Japan anymore since they stopped vaccinating before the age of 2. How about building up the child's immune system first and then very selectively based on your education. I wished to God I had NEVER done my first child! I stopped in the middle of my 2nd and my 3rd I never did. What a difference! Cognitive, attention, control, health, allergies, etc. DON'T DO IT! Build up there systems with nutrition and supplements.
I used to believe in it too! I was a staunch believer! I know better now!

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T.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm 39 years old, born in 1969. The vaccine schedule of the early 70s is nothing like the vaccine schedule of the past 8 years. Myself and my peers did NOT receive 35 shots in the first 2 years, yet we are all alive and well.

Santa Monica pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon has a Vaccine DVD. He is a proponent of spacing them out and delaying. He is not anti-vaccine, he just doesn't believe in giving so many so young.
http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/index.asp

(What I have read is... the best thing you can do for a healthy, full-term baby is breastfeed and not put her/him in daycare.)

My son is 8... I stopped vaccinating him at his 6 month visit. I felt very uncomfortable giving him 4 shots at each visit, I thought that was insane. He never got MMR. I finished up DTaP at age 5. My daughter only got one shot at age 2 for Hep A (I was planning on traveling to South America.) Then I cancelled my trip so as not to give her anymore. She is almost 4 now.

Mothering.com has a great anti-vaccine discussion board. Lots of info and support if you are going the delayed/selective route.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/

To answer your question "why so many so young" I and many others believe it comes down to one thing:$$$ Pharmaceutical companies stand to make a lot of money each time they manufacture injections that are "mandatory."

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T.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

We have twice as many vaccinations as from the 80's & 90's. And they continue to increase. Shouldn't we be asking why?

We now have 1 in 6 who are learning disabled

We now have 1 in 9 who are asthmatic

We now have 1 in 150 who are autistic

Read, read and read some more. Check out www.909shot.com - The National Vaccination Information Center.

Read other resources like:

A Shot in the Dark

Immunization: The Reality behind the Myth

Vaccinations, Deception & Tragedy

Learn what's IN the vaccines. Read the informational pages from their own documentation from the WHO, CDC, and other 'health' organizations. They incriminate themselves.
Follow the money trail.

If you get through all the research of what they WON'T tell you in the general media....and you still decide to vaccinate....then by all means, wait as long as possible and give your little one a chance to develop before putting their little bodies through all the injections. Give them time to develop.

I have a 7 yr old and an 18 mo. old. Neither have ever been vaccinated, never had a prescription or OTC drug. They've traveled (both in and out of utero) to various places and states. They've come in contact with every day school kids - to all nationalities between here and Europe.

To the masses they are considered 'unprotected'. But it's a misnomer to believe that what is 'injected' can actually protect. When you look at the research you'll learn the numbers and statistics on who really is better protected.

I use to think my sons advancement and behavior was a flook. Maybe good genes? luck? first born syndrome? But now my daughter is the same. Everything one of other MS Moms mentioned about the difference she's experienced with her own children to those who were not vaccinated. Cognitive, emotional, behavior, all advanced. I hear it all the time. Many of the Moms I've come to know over the years all changed their kids 'input'. Food sources, supplements...no more drugs. The Chiro and herbalist getting rid of 'ills' their kids have had since birth....all just through supplying and supplementing the body...giving it what it needs. Not drugs.

Our secret weapon is a good Chiropractor and a good Herbalist. Keep their spine healthy and strong to be able to deliver nutrients as God intended. And make sure that what goes in -builds a strong and healthy immune system. We don't have a shortage of antibiotics in this country and yet we are close to the bottom of the WHO list.

It's also not 'random' selection on who gets sick and who doesn't. We need to make the connection.

Good luck to you and your little one. Study on! Be informed instead of surprised.

God Bless

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J.F.

answers from Santa Barbara on

hi, I have a daughter that is 22 months old and I decided not to vaccinate after extensive research-books, etc.I also have my brothers best friend who is a specialists at Stanford hospital who I talked alot to about it, and he had choosen to NOT vaccinate his two kids....but here is a web site someone recently sent me...www.generationrescue.com/vaccines.html it is a website headed I believe by Jenny McCarthy, worth looking at. I know its a hard decision, luckily my doctor was great about it, but I do have alot of people who felt differently- so....you'll know whats best for you!!! good luck, if you need any other resorces let me know, there are quite a few good books out there, which Iam sure you know!!!

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H.B.

answers from San Diego on

I have a 2 1/2 year old son. I did not vaccinate him. I did do a lot of research before making my decision. I also asked his pediatrician, who agrees with vaccinating but is open-minded, what ones I might most consider. She recommended considering DPT (because cases of Pertussis aka 'whooping cough' have been reported in San Diego), and the Hib one (for memningitis) because it is 99% effective and has quite successfully eradicated the disease. (It's important to remember that many of the vaccines, including DPT, are not 100% effective. DPT I think is only around 50-60% effective, so there's no guarantee.

She also said that if I chose not to vaccinate him, his father and I might consider getting re-vaccinated because the majority of cases were caught from those adults in the same household as the child.

The pediatrician also said if I chose to vaccinate, there was absolutely no reason why I couldn't spread them out. They bunch them together out of convenience only.

I still chose not to vaccinate my son with either of those because the DPT one is most associated with vaccine injuries and because the Hib one is working so well, I thought my son's chances of getting it were so minimal. I am also a massage therapist and acupuncturist and so know many alternatives to preventing and treating illness.

In my opinion, the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns is crazy considering it is transmitted via needles, sex, etc. I wasn't worried about my newborn getting it and so didn't want to pump unnecessary poisons into his pristine body. In addition, I have been vaccinated against Hep B, however, after having been tested, I found out the vaccine did not take. I am still not immune. Like I said earlier, it's important to remember, vaccines are not a guarantee.

I opted no with the Chx pox vaccine because it is a disease my son would not die from. I opted no with Polio because it's not around anymore. I opted no with MMR because it is the other one most associated with vaccine injury. In the case he got the disease, I would treat him with natural methods.

My son has not had any problems. An excellent resource for research on this topic is Mothering Magazine. Check out their website at www.mothering.com. They have a compilation of all their articles published on the topic, a few of which they won journalism awards for, for sale.

I have also not had any problem enrolling my son in daycare. In California, we're lucky to have the option. In many other states, it is much more difficult. But you can definitely, by CA law, send your child to public school without vaccines. You just sign a form. It doesn't mean you won't be pressured by the school or other doctors, but your choice is protected by law.

I do not mean to come across preachy or anything. I think each mom must ultimately do what they feel is best. I do think it is very important to first educate oneself so that decision is an informed one. Unfortunately, we aren't always given all the facts so it does require a bit of research.

One more thing...if you do decide to vaccinate, there are natural remedies to build your child's immunity before being vaccinated. If interested, let me know.

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C.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi L.,
Check out www.nvic.org That site has tons of good info.
Good luck,
C. Tanaka, DC
www.naturallifechiro.com

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T.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello, L.,

After doing EXTENSIVE research, my husband and I chose to NOT vaccinate our daughter, who is now six. She is extremely bright, articulate and very healthy. It is important to have all the facts. For so long, it has been simply automatic for parents. Your child is so very fortunate that you even question this.

Start with www.Mercola.com. Also www.thedoctorwithin.com Additionally, Vaccine Realities:

* Vaccines contain a stew of mercury and other dangerous components, weakening and damaging the immune, nuerological and endocrine systems http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=525 http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=554 http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=583 http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=560
* Vaccines carry huge risks for everyone who has been vaccinated
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=604 http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=577
* Vaccines’ positive impact on human health is small or absent http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=582
* Vaccines do not prevent, may actually encourage epidemics http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?p=556

The FDA regularly fails to protect us from dangerous drugs and vaccines because corporate profits, not public safety, determine its policies. Every component of a vaccine is dangerous by itself. Together, they are a public health nightmare of unprecedented magnitude.

Vaccination is an uninsurable risk. Think about that: the insurance industry (our society’s risk experts) will not insure you, your doctor or the pharmaceutical industry against the risks of vaccination.

My very best to you.

T.

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J.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi Mama L.,

Like you, I found things about vaccines to be questionable. I did a lot of research. Please, please, please buy and watch this video: Vaccines: The Risks, The Benefits, The Choices with Dr. Sherri J. Tenpenny. It's was the best answer to my questions. Here is the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Vaccines-Risks-Benefits-Choices-non...

People always look at vaccines as a whole, but really each virus is it's own situation. She breaks each one down so well (no general accusations) that you cannot deny the facts. What I love most about this dvd is that a lot of the information Dr. Tenpenny uses is straight from the Center of Disease Control (CDC). It comes directly from their website! After you see this DVD you will not even think of using these vaccines. I spread the news to anyone that will listen. Pretty much money is always the bottom line (shouldn't be too surprising) and I say shame on Pharmaceutical Companies and our Government for putting our children in such DANGER!

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P.H.

answers from Reno on

HATE THEM!!! Don't be foolish and believe everything your doctor orders. Some doctors just want to get your visit over with and have no time for concerned parents questions. Get a doctor that answers questions completely and understands your concerns. Ask you doctor to keep out Thimerosol, a mercury-based anti-inflammatory (supposed to be out of vaccines in 2005, but doctors are allowed to use up their supply in they choose) and to give the vaccines farther apart. There is no reason to give a mass dose in one day! There is also no proof what is or is not giving children autism! Be careful and be your baby's best advocate. It doesn't matter if your doctor thinks you're a little over-protective. With 1 in 150 babies getting autism and 1 in 80 boys, why take the chance.
Congratulations and research, research, research!!!

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello L.,
My name is C. and I felt the same way when my son was a baby. I did all the research and did not really understand the impact of how much disease is out there that a baby has little immunity to. I have been an RN in a local emergency room for 3 and a half years now and have seen children come in quite sick because they have not been vaccinated or have been undervaccinated. The reason that there are so many vaccines is because the baby has a very immature immune system. They have a thymus gland that helps with immunity, but is not fully developed in the first 2 years. Many vaccines take more than one dose to actually protect them (ex. MMR, DpT, etc). They need multiple doses in a relatively short amount of time to actually give them immunity to the virus that cause those disease. While your concerns are valid and I understand that it just seems cruel, the vaccinations that are given keep thousands of children from needing invasive medical treatment. Please vaccinate your baby. Thank you for considering my response.

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S.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello L.-
I am a new mom myself. My son is 14 months! It goes fast. I am not against vaccines. I did A LOT of research. My husband and I thought it was way too much to soon. It all starts a birth. We declined the HEP B they give after birth. And we didn't start any vaccines until he was 3 months of age. And then I allowed ONE at a time per office visit. I did NOT care if I had to go back before the months end! The doctor was sort of OK. But we stood our ground in a nice way. Just said "No Thank You". Trust your gut. That is why we have it. Do your research. I have a dear friend who works at www.thoughtfulhouse.org and she has helped me so much. Check out their site if you want to.
Good luck. You protect that baby!!

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K.R.

answers from Santa Barbara on

You are right to be concerned. It is too many too soon. YOu have the right to take a breath and investigate. Please do so. You can find a wealth of information on the TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)website. The address is www.tacanow.org
There is a link on the left hand side of the home page for Vaccines. It gives you information on schedules and what is safe and what isn't. There is also a link to Studies on vaccines they (CDC) tell you show no corellation...which is not true. The studies do show there is a correlation just as the Poling case blew to door open. So please, educate yourself. Your doctor only knows what he has been taught. Unfortunately he has not been taught by an independent agency and he has only learned drug/vaccine protocols.
Please make sure you do not allow them to vaccinate your child the day it is born, be very careful about this as they do this with every baby and FAIL to look at the intake orders not to. Make sure your husband stays with that infant every step of the way preventing any and all shots unless he knows for sure it is not a vaccine. Your new one needs to develope an immune system before it is compromised with the vaccines.

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L.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear L.,
I'm in your same position. I have a 1 month old right now. I'm from the Santa Monica area but am currently living in Switzerland and working for WHO. I have Robert Sears' The Vaccine Book,which I greatly appreciate for his explanation of the various vaccines, their composition and his suggested alternative vaccination schedule. The problem for me though is that the don't have the same vaccines in Switzerland as the US and I'm having to do a lot of re-investigation here. I definitely recommend that you check out Dr. Sears' book, his website is www.thevaccinebook.com - he presents a very balanced view.
Best wishes to you,
L.
____@____.com

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

This is probally one of the hardest choices and most controversial choices you will have to make as a parent. First of all there is no reason you have to do this right away or even at all. If you are having any doubts hold off and do more research. My oldest who is 16 now got all her shots up to about 2 or three then I met someone who had had BAD reactions and started doing a lot of research and decided to not give her any more and my next two kids 14 & 5 have NEVER had a shot. My oldest is sick ALL the time she catches every cold/sickness that is going around. My next two hardly ever get even a cold. I know for myself I would feel horrible if my child was severrly injured because of something I chose to give them go to the library and do more research to be sure. Also don't let anyone tell you they have to have them to go to school all three of my kids are in public school and it has never been a problem all you do is sign a simple waiver. Good luck on making this decision.

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D.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, I have a 2 and 1/2 year old. I am worried about the same issues. I think I may inquire about having the vaccinations more spread out. It is just too many too fast and I have heard some people say that they believe that is why the huge increase in autism over the last 10 years. It use to be one in 1000 babies had autism, now it is 1 in about 150. Anyway, my daughter is totally vaccinated and had no problems but I did have the same fear as you and I think if I had to do it over I would ask them to spread out the vaccinations.

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T.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with you and all the other people on at least trying to spread the vaccinations out a bit, if you choose to vaccinate. I am so sad that I did not know or think to do this until my youngest was already 4. My older child never had a bad reaction, but has bad allergies. As far as the younger one, every time he gets a shot, his arm turns purple in about a 2 inch diameter around the injection site and we have to give him Benadryl. One time we almost had to give him antibiotics because the area looked like it was getting infected! That doesn't even make sense! My younger one has mild developmental delays and caught just about every respiratory virus imaginable after he was 6 months old until he was about 4. He still gets a lot of colds but not as bad as before. But I really do believe the multiple and rapid vaccinations weakened his immune system. There is no other explanations than genes, because he was breastfed exclusively until 5 months, and breastfed with no cow milk until 18 months. And we eat pretty healthy, lots of fruits and veggies, minimal food dyes (like allowing things like gatorade only as an after soccer treat), etc. So it's a long answer to your question here, but that is my experience and my suspicions about vaccinations, and I think you are very smart and lucky to consider your options.
An interesting thing too, is that I have developed some sort of autoimmune thing, and have incredible pain and inflammation in my left upper arm, shoulder, and neck, which just happens to be the side I always have had my shots in, and this last year, when I got a flu shot (which am now not sure about doing that anymore either!), the inflammation got almost unbearable for a few weeks.

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R.S.

answers from San Diego on

I am on the other side of a lot of these moms--I'm very provaccine. I had a friend who didn't do the MMR at age 1---at 14 months her son was hospitalized for measles. It was awful! And all could have been prevented in 1 shot.

There is meaning behind the madness---these vaccines prevent very real diseases that are very present in our society. One option you DO have is to spread out the vaccines--so instead of like 4 in 1 month--do just 1 vaccine a month. This would also help God Forbid! if there were a bad reaction--you'd know EXACTLY which vaccine it was/is. I don't do this--my girlfriend does---she swears by it. And I would recommend it to anyone who is hesitant to vaccinate. So you'd be on a much longer timeframe, but it may ease your concerns a bit. For the record, my child and all of the kiddos' of my sisters' kids--we all follow the exact shot schedule and no adverse reactions. Good luck!

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B.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm sorry that I don't have any technical advice, just heartfelt. My only child, a boy, just turned 12 last week. I went along with everything that was suggested as far as vaccines, Dr. appts, etc. I was 38 when he was born, and I had all of the childhood illnesses myself. I still have scars from chicken pox and measles. My dear boy sucked his little fingers till he was 8 or 9, and I'm sure he was exposed to yucky stuff, but he has had all the suggested vaccines, and never any major illnesses, and hasn't missed more that a day or two of school in 6 years. I believe in traditional medicine. It has worked for my family, and my husbands'. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

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R.M.

answers from Las Vegas on

have any of you thought that the little person who is not tolerating the load od attenuated/ or killed virus load in one sitting is able to tolerate the millions of live virrulent viral load in case he contarct a disease? do spread the doses but please dont misss it, thats the reason many diseses cant be eradicated coz parents chose to not vaccinate their kids...
and where as i thgink autism is hereditery.. or its a intarapartum insult to the fetus that causes this mutation.
thats my openion

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A.D.

answers from Reno on

L.,
I had the same thoughts that you have. I was a stay at home mom with my two boys and I waited until they were one year old before I started with the vaccinations. I felt better waiting for their natural immune system to build up first.

My mom never immunized me and I have survived and just turned 35. I did get the MMR before I started trying to get pregnant because of the possible birth defects associated with pregnancy and getting Rubella.

Hope this helps.

A.

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G.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

L.,
I have 3 children and they have all been vaccinated. I know there are cases where some children are "genetically wired" differently and there have been adverse affects. However, the risk of some of these childhood diseases far outweighs the risk of the vaccination in my opinion. I know there has been a lot of talk about a link to autism and the bottom line is that Doctors just don't know. What they do know is that historically more children benefit from vaccination than are harmed by it. My advice. Do what feels right for you and make sure you make educated choices; whichever way you go. Doctor's are not infallible and it is up to us as parents to make sure we understand the impact of what they are tellling us.

Best wishes to you and your family,

-g

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S.F.

answers from Santa Barbara on

Dear L.,
The theory behind giving all the shots as early as possible, is to get your child protection from the diseases before they have the chance to contract one. However, the immune system is undergoing major change and is not fully developed until age two (that's why you need so many booster shots of each vaccine). I think that more and more will be uncovered in the next five to ten years about the links between vaccination and immune failures. I find it significant that they have isolated some of the genes which cause autism, and they are genes that control the immune and nervous system. My husband and I are waiting, as his sister has two autistic children of her six and so I think the risk of getting the vaccines right now is greater than the risk of getting the disease were our son to contract one. It has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make, but I read many books on all sides of the issue and then had to trust my gut. One book- very pro-vaccine, but one I would highly recommend is, "The Vaccine Controversy- The History, Use and Safety of Vaccines".
All the best to you with the birth of your baby and new family!
S.

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I used to work with people with autoimmune diseases; I think kids are getting too much at once. We have worked with our doc to create a more spread out schedule. We skipped the rotovirus - it is too new for me. It is no fun having to go back in time and again and it is an expense, but for us it has been worth it. Definitely spread out the MMR!!!! The schedule is your decision. There are docs out there who will work with you. We waited on the chicken pox till our son was 3 and that worked out ok... it is a little scary to think your kid might get chicken pox, but the reality is a human is better off getting it and becoming immune than getting the vaccine. It also depends on what your child will be exposed to - you have to consider how soon daycare or a nanny will be involved and exposure to other kids who could introduce the diseases you are postponing vaccinations for. Good luck! Staphanie Cave is the doc who wrote a book and the Autism socitey still stands by her discussion and recommendations - "What your doctor may not tell you about childhood vaccines; I think Dr. Sears may have just written in depth about an adjusted schedule.

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S.R.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Well, I too have those concerns. My daughter is almost 2 yrs. I saw a news clip here where I currently live (Bay Area) and this Autism expert was saying to really limit the amount of shots your child receives per visit - like no more than one or two. She said that there are trace amounts of mercury in all shots. Alone, it propbably won't do anything...but...when you combine several shots on the same day, the true level of mercury (or whatever the additive is) is virtually unknown. Every childs DNA makeup is different - some may tolerate many shots - others will not. It seems that a fair amount of children were diagnosed with Autism after receiving more than one shot at a visit (3 or more). There is a current court ruling that actually reconized this in a particular girl - who after receiving like 5 shots (or some crazy amount)in one visit...totally slipped into Autism land. So, I just think it's wise to not "overload" your child with a bunch of shots. Now, my daughter ends up getting a shot everytime she goes in for her check-up - but they are spaced out and I feel better about that. You might want to read a book that Jenny McCarthy just wrote about her & her sons trials with Autism. I haven't read it but, I saw her on Oprah and her concerns and statements really resonated with me as a parent and standing firm on what your intuition tells you. We as mothers just know. The fact that you are having concerns already speak volumes to me...you should trust your intuition. Good luck!

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K.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

L., I don't have advice but am interested in hearing what advice you get. I heard those vaccinations cause autism...but I don't know for sure.
If you could pass me along what you hear, that would be great.
Thanks,
K.
____@____.com

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N.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

You are in luck. I just happened to have my son's immunization record with me. I checked it and he got 21 vaccinations from birth until age two. He is now 8 years old and perfectly healthy. I don't know about 35 vaccinations but with us with the 21 he got, he's been fine. His pediatrician has taken care of him since birth and they are Facey Medical here in Los Angeles. Hope this helps. I wish you lots of luck with your little one. Take care, N.

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

hi i dont recall that many vaccines and my son is 4. there are maybe 10 to 12. call another doctor and dont worry you nwill be fine.

C.

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D.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

i got all my son's shots up to 15 months..then i stopped and have been spreading them out..he is now 26 months..got his Dtap 2 days ago..only that one..i will continue to spread them out..he usually can not sleep well for days after he gets shots and since i only got one for him this time he is sleeping fine.
The whole thing is very confusing...my doc is very concerned when parents choose not to get shots....then i have some friends that didn't get their kids any shots and they're fine..my one friend has 2 kids..5 year old boy ..7 year old girl..never had shots and they've been fine. i don't feel comfortable w/out the shots..just a gut instinct ..so that's why i'm having my son get them but just one at a time...spread out 2 months at a time now that he's over 2.

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T.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was really worried about the same thing. My doctor suggested doing fewer vaccines at each visit. So, instead of having 3 vaccines at one time, we did one. It meant a few more visits to the doctor's office, but for me it was worth it... Good luck!!

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V.C.

answers from San Diego on

I found a pediatrician--within the Kaiser system, no less-who was willing to work with me so that I could stagger the vaccines out & never give my child more than 2 or at the most 3--some vaccines are combined, ie 1 shot, 2 meds in it, at a time. It meant more appts for me & my children, but I had a childhood friend who had a bad reaction to the Polio vaccine, & my best friend's son who had been FINE until his 2 year shots, has severe Autism. I didn't want to avoid the vaccines altogether, but it seems like shooting these little tiny bodies full of drugs, all at once--is more of a convenience for the dr's office, than necessary for their health.

I also didn't try to fit them all in 2 years, it seems absurd to do that. I didn't even do the virsulla (chicken pox) vaccines until right before I enrolled each girl for public school. That vaccine, in particular, seems like more of a pharmaceutical money maker than a necessity.

My pediatrican explained which ones were REALLY important, in her opinion, & which ones I could stagger out. The most important one I remember when they were newborns was the Pertussis (whooping cough) which is in a combined form with 2 other vaccines & each of my girls were fussy for a couple of days after that shot. I didn't follow the schedule they set up & everything worked out fine.

Talk to other mom's in your area & find a pediatrician who will respect your mother's intuition & good luck!

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R.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi L.,
I have 3 children and a daycare provider as well. My children have been only vaccinated for Polio 4 times until she was 2yrs and then 1 more time 3 yrs later.
DTP 4 times then 3yrs later again.
HIB-3 times then 1yr later
MMR- 1 time then 1 more 3yrs later
Hepatitis B 2times then 1 yr later
TB test 1yr later then 3 yrs later
Then when they reach Kindergarden they need their shots Polio,DTP & MMR and then when they reach 7th grade. ask your doctor for a shot list TD Test
14-16yrs. and then every 10yrs. TD test.
I hope that this will help you in some way.
good luck to you,
R.

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G.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

As a physician who used to vaccinate children in my office, I began questioning the reasons and motive for such a heavy vaccine schedule that has dramatically increased over the past few decades. When reviewing the research it is a) important to know who is paying for the research (mostly vaccine producers) and b) there is little evidence in strong support that vaccines actually prevent any disease (strong theoretical support but little stats).
I rarely discuss vaccines, because the pressure and hostility if Drs don't push vaccines is tremendous with very real threats if we take an anti-vaccine stance.
A few of my concerns;
1) Why won't anyone tell us ALL of the ingredients in a vaccine?
2) Why are districts permitted to tell parents their kids cannot go to school without vaccines? This is not true in any jurisdiction in the country.
3)Remember that the average physician receives 1-2 courses in pharmocology/toxicology in medical school yet we assume that an MD is expert in medications. Most of us receive our information about medications from pharmaceutical reps (often buying us a great lunch or dinner).
4) The argument for many vaccines is the "evidence" that the incidence of a disease has decreased. Yet, in several instances, the incidence also dropped in countries without a vaccine program

In a later response, someone who claims to be an ER nurse suggests that she saw many children in the ER due to a failure to be vaccinated/undervaccinated. I highly question this claim. As an ER physician for 14 years, I never once saw a child that I could establish was there because of a failure to be vaccinated. Measles and Chickenpox still occur in parts of the vaccinated population so their occurrence does not suggest an undervaccination.
On the other hand, I did see hundreds of children report to the ER with moderate to severe reactions following a vaccine administration.

The bottom line is that the system does not necessarily have your best interests at heart, so it is up to you to do what you think is best. Also, I would recommend that if you choose not to vaccinate that you do it quietly because the pro-vaccine camp has a long history of berating parents for not choosing to join the crowd.

I wish you luck and note there are several good resources listed in the various replies here. Just remember to look at anything with a skeptic's eye. Every link has its own particular agenda.

Good luck!

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B.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

L.,
I also interviewed pediatricians and the one I found explained the issue to me like this. Some of them are life saving and some of them are strickly about economics. He said that if we lived in a rural area where we were not exposed to people from other countries and did not plan to travel outside the US, he didn't see the need to vaccinate. However, we live in major metropolitan city with people from all over the world and do travel outside the US so the exposure risk is higher for certain diseases. He said the reason they give so many at an early age is that parents are more compliant when the children are young, especially new parents because we are afraid to do anything wrong but there is no medical reason to give all those vaccines at once or to babies so young. So I spread my son's vaccines out. He got them one at a time based on the severity of each disease. So we started with the Meningitis as that can be fatal to an infant but not until he was two months old. Then we started the polio, an so on. It was more trips to the doctor but it allowed his body to mature and handle them. I also gave him homeopathics that were antiviral before and after the shots to reduce the side effects. Thuja is the one I used. We opted out of chicken pox and hepatitis altogether. My doctor said the chicken pox vaccine was economically driven because people have to miss work to stay home with a child once they have been exposed. He didn't even like giving it unlesss parents insisted. The hepatitis was added because the CDC says our kids will be IV drug users or sexually active by the time they are 12 so they want them vaccinated before that happens and again, parents of infants are more compliant about getting that done. Some doctors use the possibility of blood transfusions in an emergency as a reason but in that case the vaccine can be given at that time if needed. Don't let the schools intimidate you if you opt out of any of them. I sign a waiver stating that I opted out and that was it.

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A.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

That is too many vaccines for a tiny person....I started to vaccinate my son when he was a baby and I didn't like having to load him up with a lot of chemicals in his body, so I stopped. My son is now 6 years old and I have daughter who is 5, she too, is not fully vaccinated. My kids see a chiropractor on a weekly basis and I feel that because of their chiro. care they haven't been healthier.

My sister in-law and her husband are against vaccinations and their daughters, 3y and 6m, are not vaccainated either and they too rec'v regular chiro. care.

Our chiropractor has many babies and kids as patients. Quest to Health Chiropractic located in Los Alamitos. ###-###-####

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J.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

L.,

I commend you for questioning the vaccination schedule and it's affect on your babies health. With my first son I followed the shot schedule and boy we had some tough nights that followed with fevers, being out of sorts, lethargy, etc. After all was said and done he is a healthy boy. However, I was not aware of the staggered shot schedule at that time. Dr.Sears, a prominent pediatrician, recommends a staggered schedule in his new book The Vaccine Book. We are going to follow it with my baby. He talks a lot in the book about how most vaccines contain high levels of aluminum and that by combining so many shots at once at their 2, 4 & 6 month checkups you are overloading aluminum into your baby's system. They get 4-5 shots minimum at each ckeckup. He suggests a vaccine schedule at the end of his book that my pediatrician agreed would be just fine with her. Your baby will have the same amount of shots before he starts kindergarten, but over a longer period of time. It means a few more visits to the doctor than normal but worth it to me if it minimizes my baby's exposure to a chemical (aluminum) that causes known neurological damage. You must read this book. Good luck with everything and your baby is sooooo blessed to have a mommy that cares so much!

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S.O.

answers from San Diego on

I am always kind of on the fence with this issue. BUT I have vaccinated all of my kids for these reasons:
1) With so many kids in this country not being vaccinated, there is a higher chance for outbreak of the diseases that the vaccines are supposed to control. So I want my kid to have a better chance at not getting these horrible diseases.
2) I want my kids to be able travel where and when they want to and not worry about them getting these diseases from other countries that don't vaccinate and have higher incidents of these diseases within their country.

I have not done a ton of homework on all the vaccinations as many of these moms here have. I wish I did. My DD is now 1 and just received her 12 month shots.

I was just wondering where you got the number 35? I think at most my kids got 25 in their first year. Then after that my son who is 3 hasn't gotten any vaccinations. I think the next one will be right before he starts Kindergarten and that will be a booster shot.

I agree that 25 or 35 whatever the real number is, is a lot. I usually space out my kids vaccinations 2-3 at a time. I know sometimes they want to give the kid 4 at a time, along with a bunch of other tests.

You should definitely research your pediatricians and find one that is open to your thoughts on vaccinations. My ped is always for vaccinations, but he is open to my thoughts, is okay with spreading them out, is open to natural remedies instead of prescribed drugs, etc. Pretty much anything I talk to him about he is open to, within reason of course. I am very much into healing the body naturally and staying away from manmade drugs and eating wholefoods. He always tells me to try my way first and if it doesn't help, then to come back to him and try the medications second.

Good Luck and Congratulations!

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A.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Good for you for questioning this! The hepatitis vaccine that is administered in the first 12 hours just points out how ridiculous this has become. Hepatitis is transmitted by unprotected sex or by food improperly handled by someone who doesn't wash their hands after going to the bathroom. Just say no to this one. It takes a while for a child's immune system to develop and the first day outside the womb is no time for a vaccination. My kids are grown, but if I were in your shoes I wouldn't do anything for the first 6 months. Minimum 3 months. Remember YOU are in charge, not your pediatrician. A recent survey of doctors show that many of them do not vaccinate their own children as recommended. Don't be intimidated. Read and make your own decision. Good luck!

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree. I have heard that the one year shots are linked to Autisim. So I am breaking up the shots so my daughter does not get so many at one time. What can it hurt right?
We are giving our children vacinations for diseases that have not been around for a 100 years. Does that make sense?
I haven't done a whole lot of research on it, but it does seem excessive.

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I.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

L., first off, Congratulations!
I wish I had done more research regarding this area before my daughter was born. She has had her vaccinations up till about 12 months and so far she has been fine except for a reoccurring ear infection. But if I had known more about vaccinations I would've held off on most until she was a lot older. I believe that most of these vaccinations were unnecesary and maybe even harmful. Ultimately, all we can do is try and make the best informed decision possible.

Here's a couple of books I recommend.
What your Doctor may not tell you about Vaccinations. by Cava
How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of your Doctor by Dr. Mendohlsen
websites:
http://www.healthsentinel.com/index.php
http://www.nvic.org/
http://www.novaccine.com/

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A.B.

answers from Reno on

I agree with you. I have always believed that a child should be vaccinated, but why so many so early? So many horrible diseases have been stopped by this practice, but I've also heard that some vaccinations are as bad as the disease they prevent. The only thing I can guess at about the age is that it seems to be when babies not only go to the doctor and parents take them to the doctor more often but when it must be best for the baby to prevent those diseases. When I took my first child in for vaccinations, I asked if any were optional for school or could be done at a later date. They answered no at that time (6 years ago) but I've never had a concern that the vaccinations have been harmful to my own children. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with each vaccination and make sure that you fully understand the risks associated with the disease that each is supposed to prevent. Then make the decision that's best for your family. Just make sure that you are ready to accept the consequences if you don't vaccinate -- like your chilren won't be welcome in school. I'm homeschooling, so that isn't a factor for me, but it is something to take into account.

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M.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Check out: Generationrescue.org....take a look at their Vaccination Information and alternative vaccination schedules.
I didn't know anything about vaccines when my son was a baby....I just thought it was something we were supposed to do...I got all mine when I was a kid. I have only recently become aware of the Autism Vaccine Link. My son had to attend Special Ed Pre-school because of a speech delay, my friends daughter was in the same class and she is autistic. My son became her "peer " play friend and would go to her house once a week to help with her therapy. I have learned so much in the last couple of years. I have had the opportunity to watch this beauiful little girl recover. If there is a way to save our kids from this fate we should take every precaution possible.

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C.L.

answers from Reno on

My husbands job as a corrections office and high exposer to various viruses and disease lead us to feel it was much better to vaccinate our daughter. The benifits of them for us far outweighted the riskes. The institution he works in has had out breaks of several different strains of the flu, TB, hepetitis including a new straign, and several other diseases. So even though my DH washes hands, showers after coming home before handeling children uses anti-bacterial gels and soap etc. passanger viruses and bacteria are always a risk for us. I firmly feel enviromental issues such as this need to be taken into consideration as you make your decision. Is your child in daycare, do you live in a large city, Do you live in a city with large outta country tourism do you plan on being outta the home from extended periods with your child. Do you or your spouse work in an enviroment where passenger viruses have a high risk.

We are vaccinating our daughter on alternative schedule that was a decision between us as parents and her doctor who belive it or not recommend an alternate schedule when we brought the topic up to him. I am very for vaccinating but on my terms when dealing with my child. And our DD will be well past the age of 2 before her vaccines are done. Discuss thing with your doctor be firm and assertive if he wont listen you know what find one that will its that easy

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J.O.

answers from San Diego on

I Had the same problem you do, my son is now 2 and I have not vaccinated him since he was 1. He is a lot healthier now and rarely gets sick. I suggest reading this book called The Vaccine Book By Robert W. Sears,M.D,F.A.A.P.
This book tells you absolutly everything about vaccines and it gives you pros and cons on the vaccines. I dont think that babys need every single vaccine but some are important, and you can choose wich ones you want and dont want.

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M.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a 10 yr old, an 8 yr old and an 8 week old(due for first immunizations next week). My first two had no problems with their vaccinations at all. The reason for the accelerated schedule is they need to be fully immune as soon as possible. A one yr old can get Hep B or Mumps or anything so they need to get as many vaccinations in by that time as possible. If you travel, your little one could get diseases from other countries. Most people that go out of the country, wait to bring their children at about age 2 anyway. Also, there are many people who visit our country who have not been vaccinated and your child could get something from them. Most parents are super protective and their babies are not exposed to strangers until about two. They are also up and running a lot more and can get into more things by that age, and if they are not vaccinated fully, imagine what they could catch. This may sound like a lot of rambling, but I believe in vaccinations done at a young age. The baby only feels the shots for a second, but they provide a lifetime of protection.

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C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

We did most but not all vaccines (you can always ask a Dr. that if they HAD to choose, which are the most crucial). We asked for no vaccinations in the hospital until we knew they were absolutely necessary (eg, I know I don't have hep, so no need for baby to have that shot on day one). Be prepared for Drs to argue, they tend to tow the line with the CDC...but there is nothing wrong with "slowing" the schedule a bit...and spacing the shots out. The only draw back: more trips to Dr....but worth it... AND, you can wait a bit on MMR...

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Y.T.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

You must get "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Sears. It is so informative and gives all the info you ever wanted to know about every vaccine. I loved the alternative vaccine schedule which let me fully vaccinate my baby but in a more comfortable way. He was never biased to vaccinate or not. Just the facts, I can't recommend it enough I wish every mom could read it. It has become my baby bible. He also has a website that is very informative with a ton of information from the book...www.thevaccinebook.com
Good luck and happy reading

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T.

answers from Las Vegas on

L.,

I had my first child vaccinated according to the typical schedule. He's 4.5 and he has autism. Did the vaccines cause or contribute to it? I have no idea but there are too many unknowns and I would never risk it again because I'm with you in that I don't see why kids have to have so many vaccines in such a short period of time. My second child is 18 months old and he's had a few vaccines (3 doses of the DTap, 2 HepB, 2 IPV, and 1 Hib - he reacted badly to the HIB and I quit vaccinating after that but may start again at some point. I'm thinking about getting him his last DTaP here pretty soon and then in a couple of months the next IPV and then go from there).

All I have to say is that parents know their children best and there are SO many parents of children with autism who say that their kids were normal before being vaccinated. I just think the medical community should take their concerns more seriously. Autism is NOT something I'd wish on any child or any family. To say it changes your life is an understatement. To say it implodes your entire world only begins to cover it.

Here is the vaccination schedule that is popular among the folks in the autism community who do vaccinate (from what I've seen, folks personally effected by autism are much less likely to continue vaccinating their child or other children - the risk of autism is about 1:150 and if you already have a child with autism, your risk of your other children developing it is 1:20. There aren't any diseases that are covered by vaccines that are as much of a risk as 1:150 or 1:20. So you kind of "pick your poison" and decide which risk is more acceptable to you for your kids - a 1:8000 risk of contracting measles - knowing that death from measles is extremely rare or a 1:150 or 1:20 of autism?????).

Here is Dr. Stephanie Cave's delayed vaccine schedule from "What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations"

VACCINE SCHEDULE

ALL VACCINES SHOULD BE THIMEROSAL FREE

"Educate Before You Vaccinate"

Birth - Hepatitis B (test mother for Hep B - if positive, give vaccine - if
negative, hold until 4-5 years of age)

4 months - Hib, IPV

5 months – DtaP

6 months - Hib, IPV

7 months – DtaP

8 months – Hib

9 months - DTaP

15 months - Measles

17 months - Hib, IPV

18 months - DTaP

21 months - Mumps

27 months – Rubella

2-3 years - Prevnar - 1 dose (Please do your research on this one, there are many adverse reactions reported including death)

4-5 years - Hepatitis B (3 doses - first two 1 month apart, 3rd given 6 months
after first)

4-5 years - Varicella (if blood test for immunity is negative)



4-5 years - DTaP, IPV boosters



4-5 years - Test titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella. Give only those that test negative for immunity and split out the components 6 months apart if more than one is needed.

And here is the link for the book that information comes from:

http://www.amazon.com/What-Doctor-About-Childrens-Vaccina...

and here is another book I've heard is really good
http://www.amazon.com/Vaccine-Book-Decision-Parenting-Lib...

Keep in mind that vaccinating is a personal decision. Not everyone is going to agree no matter what you decide. But it is your right as a parent to decide what medical care and what vaccines your child does or does not receive and how close or far you choose to space those you do opt to get (if you opt to get them). Your doctor isn't going to raise your child nor pay for treatment if your child ends up with autism or is otherwise vaccine injured. You have to do what you feel is right for your child and your family (regardless of what that is) and don't let anyone bully you or scare you into anything else. If you do your research and make informed decisions, it is much harder for anyone to "scare" you into vaccinating if you choose not to.

Keep in mind, they typically start with the vaccines in the hospital. A baby usually gets the first HepB shot on the day the baby is delivered. You can say NO (and I did - both my kids were 3 weeks early and I waited until after my 2nd child's due date to even consider vaccinating). Just read what papers you sign because you have to sign a consent form for the vaccine. I didn't sign it and I made my wishes known to my OB, my pediatrician and the nurses. Don't be afraid to do what you think is best. It is your child.

Good luck! I hope your research helps you make decisions you are comfortable with. And remember, just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean it is a good idea.

:-)T.

P.S. If you want any other info, my email address is ____@____.com For obvious reasons, I have tons of autism information and I could dig up some other vaccine resources for you also.

And if you really want to do something great for your child's immune system, breastfeed. It is what mother nature intended and nothing a man can make in a lab and stick in a can or bottle can compare.

Congratulations on your baby!

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H.H.

answers from San Diego on

In utero, the baby benefits from your immune system. Then they're born. So many vaccines are necessary in the first few years to help them build up their immune system and prevent these horrible diseases. It is difficult to watch your child get stuck with the needles - I have three children and I know. It was hardest with my first because everything was new. The nurses do an AMAZING job. Many vaccines are piggy-backed and in one dose. If there are four shots needed, they inject two in each thigh and it is over in what feels like 60 seconds. Talk to the pediatrican about your concerns. I learned with each of my kids to give them a dose of tylenol right before leaving for the appointment. Then I'd give another dose five hours later to help with comfort and such. You're going to be fine. Trust your instincts and maintain an open dialog with the pediatrician.

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T.K.

answers from San Diego on

You really need to read up on all the dangers that the vaccines can have on the babies brain before the brains barrier is totally formed.
I chose not to have my now 14yr and 3yr old vaccined at all but use all natural boosters for the immune system and use homeopathic remedies through different seasons.
Home cooked organic food, lots of fruit and veges, good hygeine and the use of natural remedies have proved to be our best gaurd against all the things going around out there.
you should trust your natural instinct as to what is right for your child, read all you can and nourish your family properly.
T

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K.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

L.,

I too wanted to vaccinate but was very worried because although there is controversy I saw first hand the below:

A friend of mine had a son from a very well known Mr. "X". Her son was diagnosed with autism after his MMR shot. After years of battling the systems and following her heart, through diet, kelation and other solutions I won't get into here, his autism has been reversed and he is an excellent student, athlete and social little boy (8 years old).

On the flip, I have also seen babies in the NICU who were not vaccinated and happened to land themselves in a bad position.

Talk with your pediatrician. I refused to give my son combined immunizations that contained different preservatives or too many at one visit. Insurance causes the combo of vaccines because it is cheaper to administer and many parents are "too busy" or "forget" to keep on top of this - it's quick...get the public in and out and know everyone is vaccinated. The first visit was a little bit of a battle until I presented my case to her in full - she actually became completely supportive and agreed that my plan for immunizing on the schedule I provided her was a good one. She has supported us fully.

Spend the extra money, order the vaccines ahead of time and start only with the most important. My pediatrician told me unless we were traveling to certain parts of the world, the Polio Vaccine was not really necessary. To date, on the alternate schedule he is up to date =) It is just a different plan you won't fall behind.

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S.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear L.,

We were on the same boat a year ago. Our daughter is 11 months now. We decided to spread the vaccinations and right now she only has the HIB and the Prevnar (the three shots of each). We did these two because she goes to daycare and these illneses were our main concern. Then we took a break at the 9 months check up and now for her 12 months check up we will start the DTaP and after we are done with this one we will decide on the following ones.

Check "The Vaccine Book" by Robert Sears. It has some suggestions for parents who decide to delay the vaccinations and the information is really clear and easy to understand.

Hope this helps you.

Best S.

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B.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dr. Sears book on vaccinations helped me. I chose to vaccinate but on a spread out schedule. The book answered alot of my questions and my doctor told me the ones she thought my son should get from what she's seen in her practice. Good luck!

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J.U.

answers from Los Angeles on

I read a very informative book by Dr. Sears called the Vaccine Book. It has an alternative vaccine sschedule and it tell you all of the risks in getting the shots as well as not getting the shots too. My pediatrician was not happy to hear that I was interested in an alternative schedule. I am now looking for another one. I just don't see why they have to get so many vaccines before age 2. My son will be vaccinated but I am going with Dr. Sears' schedule to spread them out.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi L.,

I can certainly udnerstand your dilemma. I have 3 children and another one on the way. I have always gottne my children vaccinated and I would rather be safe than sorry. I know it is a slight chance that they may get anything but if they do that is what the vaccines are there for. Especially if you have your children in daycare which I do. This just makes me feel a little more comfortable knowing that my kids are somewhat protected with certain diseases. Of course, they will still get things and spread germs as children often do but at least it will be the common things asopposed to the more threatining things. I believe that every person has the right to choose what works best for them and their family. I know that it will all workout for you and good luck and God Bless!

Sincerely,
K.

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L.B.

answers from Honolulu on

Dear L.,

There are some valid vaccinations but please hold off until your child's immune system is stronger. Then you can make a qualified decision as you get more information. Go to www.sharethecause.com/4betterhealth a 10 minute documentary to learn more. If you need more explicit information, please e mail me and I will send you some attachments to review. Do you realize that your child may be receiving a hepatitis vaccine before he/she leaves the hospital? Aloha, L.

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M.Z.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi L., I am a mother of 4 (ages 15, 13, 2.10 and 8 months) and I have had all of them get all the shots recommended by my ped. I have never researched them, because I know there is a ton of information and I would then question doing it just like you are. I know in my heart, that these shots (although a lot of them) are necessary for the best health of my kids. I don't like to see them cry when they get the shot, what mom would, but I know it is necessary. My ped has told me horror stories of mothers that did not vaccine against menningitis and I don't want to go thru that, so I get them there shots no matter what....just some food for thought! Good luck!
M.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

hi L.-
it is important to find a pediatrician who will work with you on spacing the shots-- i have 2 kids, and they never got 35 shots in 2 years....(actually i just counted my son's immunizations on his card- he is 20 months and has had 26-- i didn't realize) anyway, find a pediatrician who will give you shots that are preservative free, and will space them out..... if you are in tarzana and have ppo insurance, the iranis are AMAZING their number is ###-###-####

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M.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have 3 year old and 15 year old daughters. Things really changed between the two. I did have both of them vaccinated. And both are just fine. I believe in prevention and am also very concerned about the "possible" link between vaccinations and autism. One of the things I did read was that some researchers believe that it wasn't the vaccinations by themselves, but there might be an elevated risk when the vaccinations are combined into one. I asked if my pediatrician used the combined serum. It seems that most practioners have started doing it in separate injections. My best advice is to do what your instincts tell you to do and not to be afraid to ask questions.

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H.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

My oldest actually got measles for the shot, so I didnt give him the 2nd mmr and have decided not to give it to my youngest at all. The mmr is a live vacine. I hate that they give so many shots espically so many at one time. You can ask them to just do one, then go back after a week or so and do the other recommended ones.

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B.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

I can understand your concerns about all the vaccinations your child must go through in their first years of life (and let me tell you, the first one is always the hardest for the mom). Their tiny bodies have to work at growing and doing the things that it needs to do. It's hard for them to fight off infection well that early, and so the vaccinations give it all a kick start to the body building up resistance. My son was born with an immune system that isn't as strong as other children, and so when he gets sick, it takes him longer to get over it. I'm grateful that he's had the vaccinations just to make sure he's got that extra protection.

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G.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a 15 1/2 year old son and a 16 1/2 month old daughter. My son had all his regular vaccinations and no problems. My daughter has been getting all her vaccinations and so far absolutely no problems.

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Read the Vaccine Book by Dr Sears. We couldn't find it in book stores, but Amazon.com sells it. He gives you a lot of information to help you make your own decisions. It is a very hard call between not wanting all of the chemicals (which may or may not cause harm) in your baby's body at such an early age versus protecting your baby from some very serious diseases with a simple shot. I hate to say it, but it is a gamble either way. I vaccinate, but because my husbands brother is severely autistic and the cause for autism is still unknown, we have decided to split up the MMR, giving the measles shot last.

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K.T.

answers from Las Vegas on

I highly suggest the Dr. Sears book on Vaccines. It breaks everything down so you can make educated decisions. My baby will be one next week. I have chosen to space his shots out. I will only let him get one shot at a time. Since doing this he has had no reactions at all - not even fussiness or fever. Also, I am putting off the MMR and Chicken pox vaccines till he is at least 3 maybe 4. I am very concerned about the toxins in these shots. the schedule is created for convenience, there is nothing wrong with spacing them out. If your pediatrician does not let you make this choice I say find another. good luck, stay strong and listen to your mommy instinct. We have it for a reason!

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F.L.

answers from Reno on

I asked my doctor if we could break up the shots over a period of time, since my daughter was so small and there are so many. He agreed and we broke them up over several weeks.

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E.F.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hello you are doing the right thing in interviewing your Dr for your child it has to be a nice fit of you both so thats great as faras the vaccines go I say you need to get them but like alot of other people I SPREAD them out so my 2 boys didnt get them all at once or in 1 visit I feel that 1 or maybe 2 a one visit is fine then I had more trips to the Dr but it was fine they are only little and they dont need all that in there little systems at once! SO I waited until after they were 2 years for the MMR shot because that is already 3 shots in 1 to start so I wanted to have them be a bit bigger before I gave it to them - so far so good I have big boys and I still waited so good looking into stuff and I would just spread them out as much as you can - I am not a Dr but as long as they have them all by the time school time comes I think we are safe unless there is an outbreak of something and there are not vaccinated for it then go get it right away - hope this helps god bless your new baby and family good luck !!

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T.A.

answers from San Diego on

Well always trust your mother instints. My pediatrician has been very good about my choice not to vaccinate my now 2 year old son. He did received a few vaccines but only for the most dangerous diseases such as Polio, Meningitis but I am waiting for him to gain more weight since he is on the light size. We can not ignore all the research and outragous parents who continue to blame vaccination for their kids autism. I much rather deal with the measles than autism at this point. I have a few friends that had kids in the 80s and their kids were not vaccinated and they are healthy as can be. It is such a huge business, the pharmasudical industry which works closely with MDs are not going to tell you otherwise, but do your own research wisely and make your own decision before your tiny little baby gets bombarded full of themarosol, mercury and many other of the lovely ingredients that this vaccines have. It already sounds like you know this is not right, keep reading, investigating and make sure to always consider the source of the information you are obtaining. As for me I am waiting until my child at least a few pounds heavier and I am choosing to go with Homeopatic vaccination which has no side effects at all. Best of luck.

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T.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi L. & Congratulations on becomming a Mom!

The reason babies receive so many so quickly is because they are completely open and accessible to all of these diseases. We wouldn't be able to go anywhere or do anything with our littlest ones if they didn't get these vaccinations. I know that my daughter received the vaccination for chicken pox (it had just become available when she was 2 1/2) and she has never gotten it however, her baby brother got them about 6 months later, when he was 8 mo. That is one of the ones they cannot get until they are a year old. I know it seems like a lot, but as babies they are resilient and don't remember the brief pain they go through. The doc's have it right with this, it works. We cannot safeguard our children enough - really. Good luck & God Bless!

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J.D.

answers from San Diego on

I like how you are interviewing dr's. I would be sure to find a doctor that will allow you to spread out every vaccine. so you do one vaccine at a time. and if it goes over 2 years old then it goes over but I am not sure why so many before two years old. That is a good question

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I feel the same way you do. I think you need to find a pediatrician who is on the same wave legnth as you. Ours was very open about the choices we made. We did most of the vaccinations, but found some were just not necessary and to risky because they have not been around very long. It is a personal choice and if they force them on you I would run far, far away. They will spread the schedule out if you request it. You are MOM. Good luck.

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K.H.

answers from San Diego on

L., There are a lot of medical doctors out there that no longer give vaccines, because they know they are harmful. The accelerated schedule is horrible. Babies are being taken right from the womb and quickly vaccinated, they have barely had thier first breath!!! By doing this you will never get to truly know your babies personality. So if they get autism for example you have nothing to compare it to. You can't say my baby was fine before she got the shots. In most cases parents know thier childs demeanor and communication skills and after the shots they suddenly have a non responsive child. Most doctors will push the vaccines, but it is a choice. Instead of talking to doctors, talk to the parents of vaccines damaged children. Keep in mind some babies die after thier shots, it happened to my uncle and aunt. Sorry for the brutal truth, but I am not going to sugar coat this. Research the ingrediants of vaccines, I promise you, you will be sick.

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T.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Spread the vaccines out- your doc needs to be supportive of that. Some aren't. You are the Mom, so you call the shots (figuratively AND literally!) TC

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R.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have heard that you can ask the doctor to space them out more. I have not seen any problems with the vacines in my daughter, who is 13 months, but some people blame vacines for autism and such, especially in boys. I know there is a lot of controversy out there, but I like taking my daughter all around, so I am more comfortable with her being vacinated. I know my friend was so happy that they came out with a vacine for the rotoviruses. Contracting rotovirus laid her first three out badly in their first years, so she was happy to get it for her last one...
Remember, it is your decision, but do talk to your doctor if you want to put some of them off and find out which ones you can and which ones you shouldn't. The rotovirus has only been tested in the age group they give them in now, so that one is probably not a good idea to put off, but your decision.
Good luck, don't panic, and have a good birth. It is a truely intense experiance...=)
R.

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L.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi L.,

I have a 5-year old boy who is on the autism spectrum. Neurologically, he seemed fine during his first 6 months. A day after he had his 6-month vaccines, he did get come down with a high fever and was crying uncontrollably. Are the two connnected? After he seemed fine but I did notice that he had a tendency of stopping everything to stare at our ceiling fan (cute, but not a good sign), and at a time when he should have been looking in the direction of something that I was pointing out to him, it was almost like he wasn't hearing it (also not a good sign), and when he should have been picking up a play phone and prentending like he was talking on it like mom and dad do, well . . . you get the picture.

Is there a connection between the 6-month vaccines and my son having autism, well, I don't know for sure. My daughter who is close in age with him received all of her vaccines and she is fine. There is no history of autism in mine or my husband's family. We consulted with a geneticist, a neurologist, a developmental pediatrician and a neuro-phyciatrist and none of them can tell us why our son has autism. We did run some pretty comprehensive lab tests recently and one of the tests did come back indicating that my son has a moderate amount of mercury in his system as well as some other toxins.

I try to be the type of person and the type of mom who tries to look at all the facts objectively and make an informed choice from there. I hear the CDC and the drug companies saying that the vaccines and autism but I keep on thinking about the Mallboro Man movie that I had seen while I was taking a public health class in college and how it showed all these executives for the big cigarette manufacturers testifying that cigarettes are not harmful and there is no evidence that they cause cancer while they are puffing away on a cigarette and then some writing would pop up on the screen indicating that this guy died of lung cancer and that guy died of heart disease and so on. If the drug manufacturers and the CDC are wrong about this information, they do stand to lose billions of dollars due to autism claims. Maybe vaccines are not harmful for every child but maybe, just maybe it is harmful for 1 out of 150 kids. That's not a good ratio.

There's an argument out there that there really isn't an autism epidemic going on, that there is just better screening now. Well, let me tell you, in my day (the 70's) children with autism were rounded up and put in a special school and probably just sat there day in and day out with no type of therapy. My son is high functioning and probably has a better prognosis that most of the children out there, and I'm thankful for that, but by the time he turned 18 months, I didn't know much about autism but I knew something was wrong with my son. He wasn't just quirky and he wasn't just a little bit delayed. With one-on-one play and behavioral therapy, we have seen tremendous gains for him but there was a 9-month period when he should have been receiving treatment with the school district but wasn't (they said his class was an autism class but it wasn't really a glorified preschool with an "autism" label slapped on it) and what we saw during that time was a child who slipping deeper and deeper into his world of autism. Thank God we stepped up and fought for him because now we have a child who is connecting with the world and will be going to general ed preschool next year with some special accomodations. Even now, with all of the progress that my son has made and the fact that will be able to be included in a regular classroom, I still can't say that any of the kids that I ever went to school with may have been on the spectrum like my son. So, the argument that we have better diagnositic criteria doesn't wash with me. Something else is going on here . . . it may or may not be the vaccines but there is definitely something that we are exposing our kids to that are causing them to get sick. If I had to do it all over again, I'm not sure if I would skip the vaccines but I would definitely space each and everyone of them out. And I definitely would have taken the time to get informed and not just did what out doctor told us to do.

And that's just my opinion.

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