MMR Advice

I am definately not going to start a debate on here, but I will say that VACCINES DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM!!! It has been proven time and time again! Its funny how some parents insist on exposing their children to diseases by not vaccinating! 1000's of children die every year from not having the MMR vaccine! My daughter is almost 2 yrs old herself and has all her vaccines! The only ones I do not have her get are the Flu vaccine and the chicken pox! To the lady that blamed her childs allergic reaction and rash on the MMR vax......thats just silly! Sorry, so blunt but I strongely agree with vaccinating children! Especially in the world we live in where diseases that have not been around for decades all of a sudden come back! Thats even more scary in my opinion!!

I didn't know that the MMR vaccine caused Autisim. I gave all my children (3) their shots on time with no problem. Both of my granddaughters also has had all their shots when they were due. I would definitely recommend she get's her shots on time. Will she be in a daycare or around other children? She will need this to be in any one of those situations.

my children have had all their vacs when they were supposed to and are completely normal. My daughter would get cranky for a day or so after, my son a slight fever for less than 24 hrs after. The only real reaction my son had was to the first half of his flu shot, he ran a 103 for almost a day but was fine on the second half. My daughter has also had the Hep A per school and was fine. She had her first chickenpox shot when she was 3yrs old and I refuse for her to get a booster. And I'm not going to have her get that other one that is out for girls either. Now my neighbor down the street, she doesn't vac her kids and she has a son with sever autism. My opinion, it's just the luck or unluck of the draw.

Good luck!
S.

Well, vaccines DO NOT cause autism, but Measles DOES cause death or brain damage much of the time! One poster commented that kids just "got through" measles and mumps -NO -they don't! Mumps maybe -although your boys may be sterile afterward. Also, if you have an 8 year old in the grocery store who is coming down with measles but who will probably be fine given antibiotics and hospital care and that 8 year old transmits them to my 9 month old who hasn't had his full round of vaccines -it's VERY likely my baby will die or could have brain damage as a result. It's honestly REALLY scary at how many people on this site not only do not vaccinate, but seem to think for some reason that it's kind of cute that they don't. Children dying and being maimed from diseases that are completely preventable is anything but cute. If I were a pediatrician I would absolutely REFUSE to see anyone who wouldn't vaccinate and I really wish they all would. I also wish that the public schools would absolutely refuse to allow any unvaccinated child in regardless of religious beliefs or anything else. They can be homeschooled if their parents are so religious.

The "herd mentality" used to work because so few didn't get vaccinated, but that's starting to disappear due to our global society. Just because most kids get vaccinated doesn't mean it's going to protect your kids any longer if they don't. Another thing to keep in mind -people were getting vaccines full of mercury long before the autism rates started skyrocketing. Also, in Africa where children die like flies, you never see parents turning down vaccines because they're afraid of autism -and it's not just because they don't know about it! Nope -they're afraid of their children dying because unfortunately they see it everyday.

Oh boy, how controversial this topic has become... My biggest advice - do YOUR research. It's fine to ask for people's opinions, but check out credible sources. There are plenty of books out there that scream links to autism. As someone said previously, there has been no link, but extensive research is lacking in certain areas. It's your job as a mother to be informed. I read "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Robert Sears. He sites resources on both sides of the spectrum. He shows statistics regarding the potential risk of catching each virus, the potential damage from catching the disease/virus, and the potential risk of the vaccine (most often reactions, as opposed to autism). He offers an alternate vaccination schedule. I did my research, I weighed the pros and the cons, and in my eyes the only choice for me was whether to modify the schedule a bit. In the end, I did not.

Plenty of parents are going to say that it's their choice. But when their choice affects my children (and ME), I have a big problem. Not getting some vaccines can put others at risk - namely newborns and pregnant women. When I was pregnant they found that I was not immune to rubella even though I had all of my MMR boosters. Sometimes they just don't take. If you contract rubella while pregnant, there is an extremely high risk for birth defects. I don't want to live in a closet for 9 months because my neighbor isn't vaccinating her children.

I could make so many arguments here, but honestly in my mind it's a "for the good of mankind" sort of thing. Could be that your neighbor who didn't get vaccinated exposed your child who's not vaccinated, who then infects 5 others. How would you feel about your neighbor then? The risk of your child contracting something, especially in today's society, is SO much higher than the risk of having any sort of reaction to a vaccination.

A few more notes. 1) Vaccines don't contain mercury any more. Case closed on that. 2) A child doesn't just become autistic after a vaccine. Research has shown that there are predispositions to it and are related to immune deficiencies. 3) I did find it quite appalling that the drug companies stopped making the mumps, measles, and rubella vaccines in separate shots, given the controversy. Had I been given the option, I would have gotten the measles shot by itself, but it's a moot point now.

I can understand your fear of autism...I can't imagine a more difficult handicap to have to deal with in a family than autism. Even though the research has pretty much overwhelmingly debunked the link between vaccines and autism, I can understand wanting to delay until 2.

Do you plan to delay the vaccines or skip them completely? I can understand delaying them until she is past her second year, since most autism shows up around 18 months. If you plan on never vaccinating, I hope you plan on homeschooling, because, well, I have to be honest: I don't want your child in class with my child. I don't want your child anywhere NEAR my child. Not only because I definitely feel you're putting your child at risk, but you're putting mine at risk.

That may be why your doctor has declined to treat your daughter: he may feel it goes against his own morals and ethics to risk the entire population's health.

I'm sorry to be harsh, but your choice seems clear to me: either you delay vaccines for your own comfort and peace of mind, or you skip them outright and put your child (and mine) at risk of debilitating diseases.

Seems pretty cut and dry to me.

Your daughter is in more danger by NOT getting the shots than getting them. We researched and researched and talked w/some pretty well respected Dr.s that my husband comes in contact with thru his work. Don't wait.

From the teacher's point of view: It's scary having an unvaccinated kid in your class. When I was pregnant it was suspected that a child had chicken pox so I had to have a blood test to see if I had any immunity, I didn't. Luckily it wasn't chicken pox that the child had or my baby could have been harmed. By not vaccinating you are not only putting your child at risk, but everyone around them as well.

My daughter had an extreme reaction to her MMR that resulted in a seven-month milk allergy and periodic rash. I delayed my son because of that. Our ped had no problem at all with my vaccine schedule, and I know several parents who did as I did and had no trouble, so I don't think it will be that difficult to find a cooperative ped.

The autism issue has been debunked by several large studies. However, measles, mumps and rubella are not fun diseases. Children have died, ended up with lost hearing, etc from these diseases. As a grandmother and the aunt of an autistic nephew - definately not related to any vaccinations - I urge you to get the shot. I know there are some who do believe still that the vaccinations cause autism and I have followed the literature carefully for years ever since Alex was diagnosed with autism. He is 17 years old today.

I also wait - although I wait until 15 months. When I was a baby and given the MMR at 11 months, because my mother was expecting my brother any day and the doctor didn't want her to forget about my MMR with a new baby in the house, I had a severe reaction, ran a fever of 107 and went into convulsions. So, needless to say, I was worried for my son, who is now 11 years, and my daughter, who is 14 months. I don't worry about autism and vaccines. I belive if a child is predisposed to be autistic, they will be autistic. I believe that vaccines can "jump start" the gene and the autistic traits start earlier, but if your child is going to be autistic, they are going to be autistic, but that is just my opinion. Hope this helps.

I myself do not agree with not letting your child have the shots they need but, I can tell you that a friend of mine would not allow her son to get these shots and he still has Autism....I understand your fears on Autism but you have to understand that the shot alone does not cause Autism....Autism is also in genetics and other factors.
Please have your child vaccinated.

The other moms have given you some good places to look for more information about vaccinations and whether or not they're associated with autism. I will say that I am pro-vaccination and our kids (boy and girl) have had all their required shots, though we usually skip the flu one. For starters, I've seen people who had legs and arms withered from polio, and it's not pretty--I'll do whatever is needed to protect against that one. I'm not convinced by the argument that humans been getting these illnesses forever and survived. Sure, MANY people survived, however most societies before the 1900s had quite a few children dying before the age of 10, and it was partly due to illnesses which are prevented through vaccination. Again, I'm not taking my chances on that one. But that's just me. After you get all the information you need, make your own decision and then find a doctor who will support you. Perhaps this doctor is doing you a favor by making her/his positions clear and if you can't work together on this issue, it's best for you to go elsewhere. Good luck with everything.

That's not true about the pediatrician. We don't vaccinate and I don't have a problem with my kids' doc. She respects our wishes. There are several others that go to her as well (including a friend of mine whose husband is a nurse and they don't vaccinate). I even do natural remedies and she is very open minded about that as well. If you were close to me, I'd tell you to go to her. Don't base your decision on losing this or any doctor. Ditch that doctor if he is saying those things. He isn't respecting your decision or wishes. Even if you want to give it to her, you still need a doctor that respects your wishes as a parent. This isn't his child, it's your child. I'd be looking for another doctor.

Mother of 4

I know that Dr. Sears has an alternative vac schedule and he has a list of doctors on his website that comply to his schedule. You may want to look it up and see about finding another doctor. I too am waiting and probably will wait till my son is 5 before giving the MMR. Go to askdrsears.com and see if you can find a dr. in your area.

Best of luck...
T.
Kennesaw, GA

D.,
I've never heard of a Dr. that would refuse to treat a child that had not had all of its vaccines. We use the local health dept. for vaccines since our insurance doesn't cover any preventative care. There is no direct line of communication between our Dr.s and Health Dept., so there's no way they (Dr.s) know whether or not a child has had any vaccines.
As far as the safety of getting more than one vaccine at a time, our son had to get 5 in one day when he was 4 yrs. old. Every time we were scheduled to take him in to get his vaccines, we had to reschedule due to him having a cold or running a fever.
One thing that you need to consider regarding whether or not to vaccinate is the ever growing immigrant population, whom have had little or no immunization shots. You have to weigh the risk - the disease or the vaccine for the disease poses for your child.

The research in links to Autism have not proven a link conclusively. However, they also have not proven that there isn't a link.

Personally I delay vaccines completely until 2. I then space them so they only get one at a time. I do not do all of the vaccines recommended either. MMR and chicknpox I don't do at all until the child is going to college or such. It's estimated you have about 10 years of immunity on these vaccines. Why would I want my child protected when that is the best time for them to get these diseases? I would rather they get it at 18 or twenty when it would be better for them to be protected. Particularly my girls as all these diseases would cause severe birth defects if they got them while pregnant.

So far my Dr has supported my decision. He knows I have researched thse things and am not making the decision lightly. I would also say I homeschool my children, so their exposure to other kids is considerably less than the avarage child, so I feel our risks of problems like polio or Hep B are extremely small.

And person under me, it is not silly to think the MMR vaccine could cause the reaction listed. People have reactions to the vaccine every day. from mild to so severe that they die. It is rare but it does happen. So to say it is silly is just rude.

I noticed some have talked about the mercury in the shot (which is what they think is causing some issues), but ALL of the preservatives in imunizations shots are mercury (thimerisol?) free and have been for YEARS except the flu shot (and you can request the mercury free shot of that). With that said, I would not go back to a Dr that will not listen to your concerns. Do some research online and ask around to see what other parents think of doctors in your area. Godd luck no matter what you do!!!

Hi D.,
I am a strong believer in spacing vaccinations out. I have 2 daughters 5 and 3. Their doctor said it was fine to only give the girls 1 or 2 shots at a time because they were not in daycare. She said if they had been in daycare she would suggest that they have all their shots as scheduled. My daughter started kindergarten this year and had to have 4 shots. She had to get them all at once since school was starting the following week and she still got really sick from the shots. She is 5 and still got sick. I couldn't imagine having to be forced to give more than one or two shots at a time for someone much younger. YUCK!!! Try to find a pediatrican who sympathizes with you.

You've received some great advice so far D.. You can also ask your doctor if he/she administers mercury-free vacs. Our doctor does this.

Hi!
I have put off all vaccines until after the 2 year birthday. I figure I'm not much of a gambler and want to play it safe. My sons doctor, Vaishali Kute, is fine with this decision and very supportive even though she believes in doing vaccines. She is a lovely person and an amazing doctor.
The Sears family is a clan of pediatricians who have put out countless wonderful books on raising and caring for children. I highly recommend the one on vaccines. You will learn so much and feel empowered by this balanced review of the issues and known information. Other books often are quite sensational but Dr. Sears is frank, clear and fair. He offers an alternative schedule that is much kinder to our baby's system.
I think if your doctor is unwilling to follow the advice of Dr. Sears then you should high-tail it over to Dr. Kute or call for a recommendation for a doctor that might be closer to you, as Dr. Kute's office is in Alpharetta.

It's hard to buck the system and I applaud you for your efforts. Your baby girl is lucky to have such a strong Mama!

Hi, D.. I waited to give my son his MMR. I was concerned about the number of vaccines given at one time; it seemed like so much for a little body to handle. My son had relatively no reaction.

With regards to autism and the MMR: I know it is a very controversial subject, and I have done LOTS of research on the subject. (I am one of those worry wart Moms) Everything I have read says that the vaccine will not cause autism. There has been research that shows that the vaccines can intensify the autism with children who were already showing signs/symptoms. It does not mean that vaccines are safe; they have lots of nasty things in them. It is kind of a "pick your poison" situation.

I do think that you should change pediatricians. Your child's doctor should be your ally in looking after the welfare of your child; they should not try and strong arm you into making a decision. I would be concerned if my child's doctor did not try and sit down with me and have an adult discussion regarding my concerns as a parent over any medical decision. If you do change pediatricians, then try scheduling a consultation first to discuss your position and your concerns.

Good luck with your decision!

I think it is safe to give the MMR at age 2 since by age 2 most of the neurological connections have been made and brain development slows dramatically. Like you I also have my children on a delayed vaccine schedule and I never allow my children to have multiple vaccines at once. So I completely understand the difficult situations that arise from this (ie, worrying about it yourself, trying to figure out what is best for your child, being misunderstood by others, and fighting the medical community about the decisions made). Another option that you may want to consider if you still feel very uneasy about the MMR is splitting it up and giving separate vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella. I have had some friends that did this and it is a little more complicated in terms of finding a doctor that will do it, but it is an option. From what I have been told some doctors do it regularly and others require that you purchase (pay for) the vaccines yourself, which come in lots of 10, I think, then find someone who would be willing to share (purchase) those remaining vaccines for the doctor to use in their child. As many others have said I think it's time for you to find another doctor. We too have had to change doctors because our doctor was telling us we would have to leave his practice if we didn't conform to the state recommended vaccine schedule. This same doctor and his staff had also been using scare tactics on us for a year and a half. It got to the point that I completely dreaded taking my kids to the doctor b/c I knew I would have to defend my every decision. You really need a doctor that can at least understand, even if they don't agree with, your decisions. However, I would say that it is very important that you are able to clearly communicate your decisions and reasoning for those decisions to a doctor. I have found that often doctors are more understanding if they realize that you are educated and do understand human anatomy and development. Most importantly do not let a doctor convince you to do anything you are not comfortable with. In the end you are the one that will have to live with any consequences that result from the decisions you make for your child.

I would definaltley find another Dr. then. It's not there child and when something doesn happen they aren't the ones that look after them. What scares me so bad isn't necessarily the vaccine but all the additives that they put it them. For years children hae gotten measles and mumps, they fight it off. Of course this is just my prospective but MMR scares the you know what out of me!
One other thing is, you CAN get your child into school without any vacinnes, just go to DHEC and they have an exemption form, its very simple.
Good luck.

My pediatrican also offers the MMR vaccine in individual separate vaccines. This might be something you'd want to ask your pedi about.

I am a single mom of five children and have chosen not to immunize. I have one son whom I thought might be autistic, and I was shaken after learning about the possible connection between "vaccine and autism". I am also an educator in health and nutrition promoting the fundamentals of health via nutritional supplementatioin, begining at childhood. It would be unethical in the medical field to be turned down for care because of your choice not to immunize. My doctor has never once threatened me with refusal for care. He has actually honored my choices along with voicing his opinion from a "medicinal" standpoint. Immunization is a cellular issue creating memory in cells to recognize the applied disease. It is an addition to the body's natural cell memory to already recognize given diseases. I work along side a bio-chemist in my group and sought his opinion. He shared with me that he would not immunize. Therefore I have made my choices and definitely would not stand for a threat from my doctor not to care for my child. I am now 41 years old and have survived the measles and mumps in the first grade with no vaccination. I have had no dealings with rubella. I did however ignorantly accept vaccination for rubella after my first child was born, upon pressured suggestion by my health care providers. Follow your heart along with your research. Don't forget about the kickback your doctors receive on medicines. After all they do "PRACTICE MEDICINE". I mean FORBID we should dip into their pocketbooks. You know, their isn't yet a vaccine out for swine flu. Are they going to turn you away for that as well? Sincerely,
L. Hawkins
Stone Soup on Assignment
###-###-####
Call me if you need me!!!!!!

It is most definitely a very serious decision in our times. I have chosen not to vaccinate. We utilize chiropractic, an area I studied. As long as the nervous system is free we function optimally. I know so many people who grew up without them. They are very intelligent clear thinkers, moving through symptoms quite well and quickly. Clear thinking, making respectful choices in life, and thriving are as religious as anything else. If MDs need to drop people that is their choice. It comes from their training and mindset unfortunately. There are many MDs out there who back off. Who wants to be responsible for a "bad" reaction!It is a big decision what ever you do. Feel free to contact me. Many blessings and may light shine upon your decision!

Don't allow yourself to be bullied....you need a doctor who listens and cares about how you want to raise your child. Try reading a book called "how to raise a healthy child in spite of your doctor", and stand up for yourself. And ask him why the MMR uses aborted human fetal tissue. Tell him it's against your religion. And then joyfully find another doctor.

I think the main worry regarding immunizations and autism is the amount of preservative (mercury) that is injected along with the vaccination. So, if your daughter is only getting the one shot that day, I'd not worry. The risks involved with not being immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella far outweigh the risk of Autism (as small as it is). Not only will you have a hard time finding a doctor for your child, I don't believe any school will take her either.

I know it's scary -- the thought of watching your healthy child become autistic is horrifying -- but the chances that are VERY small. It's just that the scary stories take center stage. Of the millions (billions, trillions) of kids who've had immunizations, a handful have become autistic -- and it's still not proven that it's the vaccine that caused it, remember.

Hey, we're both "D. P"!

I'm not here to weigh in on the autism debate because I feel like everyone should do their research and come to their own conclusions. My problem is with the doctor. I feel like a doctor should give you all the information available but should not give people ultimatums. My question would be do you really want a doctor that isn't supportive of decisions you make?

Sorry that's just my opinion. :)
Mesha

D.,

My daughter is 2 and is not vaccinated at all. I don't know where you live but we see Dr. Yelton at Palmetto Pediatrics in Spartanburg and I know of several others who take unvaccinated patients. Please please please do NOT be bullied into vaccinating when you are not 100% sure that you are ready and are comfortable. You will find an MD to see your daughter. We were told our MD would not see our daughter after age 6 months if she wasn't vaccinated and we said "thanks but no thanks" and left. Found another one within 3 days. I understand your frustration as there doesn't seem to be alot of support out there for those that choose to not vaccinate or to delay shots but don't give up for the sake of your daughter. Ultimately the doctors are not the ones who have to live with the consequences of a "vaccination injury" you and your daughter will. Please do what you think is in the best interest of your child and go with it. The rest will fall into place. If you have anymore questions please feel free to email me.

A. Beauvais

Hi D.,

It looks like you got an awful lot of responses on this, and have a lot to read and take in.

While I am a firm believer in getting my children vaccinated over thinking they will become Autistic from getting them (you must look at family history, age of parents, child’s past and present mental development and so much more than just vaccinations – there’s so much more info out there now); I AM A SUPPORTER OF PARTENT'S CHOICE! And think that your Dr. is a MORON!

If you are in the Cobb/Cherokee area in GA, I would recommend switching to Kennesaw Pediatrics. Dr. Brugner is the BEST! She’s progressive in that she discusses your options with you, gives you information you need and helps you choose what’s right for YOUR CHILD! If you decided not to vaccinate, she’s OK with your choice! ###-###-#### is the number. If you are not in this area, you need to find another dr. that will support your decision either way.

The other option you have is to just wait a couple more years. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
But I will tell you this, they do not make the MMR shot with mercury (Thimerosal) in it anymore…that’s what they were linking Autism to. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/updates/thimerosal.htm

Again, there are sooooo many other factors (environmental, genetic, gestational, etc.) that are the true culprits of Autism, not vaccinations. The TV show “Autism X6” …you can totally see that’s in the genes if you watch the mom and dad. I also believe that it’s like any other disease or defect that babies can be born with…there’s no rhyme or reason why. I have a friend with TWINS! One boy, one girl and the little girls I mildly Autistic. They saw signs way before the vaccinations, but will tell you they were in denial about it.

Well, D., Good luck to you…find a new doctor…and make the choices you feel are right for you and your child.
CE

The products that we find on the store shelves is the main cause of autism. Some children are more sensitive to the chemicals in the store shelf products. I have testimonials of autisitic children who have been removed from store shelf products and they have made a dramatic reversal. You can think of all the children who have been given the MMR shot(including my children) and only a small percentage of autistic children. As the products increased, the percentage of cancer and autism among children increased.
P. S

here is some information regarding the MMR and autism and how the "link" between them was started and a study concerning the two. It is from Duke.

http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/AdviceFromDoctors...

You are being fed a load of huey, and I'm so sorry you had to go through that nonsense!

I went to Kennesaw Pediatrics ###-###-#### and they are fabulous! My Doctor at East Cobb Pediatrics gave me the cold shoulder over wanting to revamp my son's vaccinations, so I switched and am so very happy!

I've seen Dr. Karen Thrower twice now, and no one at their practice had a negative word about my alternative shot schedule.

YOU GO AND BE STRONG GIRL!

First, get a new doc. Try an internist, they tend to balance the worlds of alternative and modern medicine. Know what each vaccination is. Most of the time they toss you some paperwork and tell you to hold onto you child so they can stick the needles in with little or no conversation as to what is in which vile. Also look at the website gereationrescue.org. They recommend the 1983 vaccination schedule that I have chosen to use for my 13 month old. The vaccines on that list have been tested for a number of years and the site also has info relating to the rise on our society of not just autism but asthma, allergies and auto immune disorders.

Well, you have the right to change doctors even if you choose not to have the MMR. Remember this many times it's personal opinion with some education behind a doctors advise. Don't ever think you are making a bad decision as a parent, we all work with the information we have and knowledge we gain from it. Everything is your choice.

Can't help on the MMR specifically. But I think it would be time for me to find a new dr. regardless if my dr were strong-arming me like that. We have been somewhat "difficult" patients in questioning vaccines, etc. (We have opted out of the chickenpox vaccine and agreed to all the others at this point.) Although I know she finds other patients easier to deal with, our dr. has never treated us with anything less than respect and patience in answering our questions and accepting our decisions. Good luck!

As for the MMR, if it's any consolation, I will say I think that waiting til 2 instead of 1 yr (when our dr. gives it) would make a huge difference in any risks. Our last child was about 50% heavier at 1 than our first, and he had virtually no side effects. I'm convinced his body was just able to handle better than the little babies were.

We have 11 children and not one of them ever had any vaccinations. We were bullied a couple of times by doctors in the ER but I knew I had the right to refuse so they had little effect on me. We have always found doctors who respected our rights to choice as well as some who did not vaccinate thier own children. I have read that a very high percentage of doctors do not immunize but they keep it quiet as it would hurt them in their pracitce. Your children can legally go to a public school with the correct forms filled out even though they want you to think that you cannot. Do what you feel is right for your children! Don't make any decisions because you feel pressure to do so. You may not be accepted by the first docotr you try but to be bullied as if medical decisions are not yours would make me go looking for a new doctor anyway. Feel free to ask me anything specific and if you need anything as you struggle through this decision don't hesitate to contact me. I know this is not an easy choice either way!

Sincerly,

K.

Hello D.. You have gotten a lot of responses, but I wanted to say that it is your right as a parent to choose to vax or not. The Dr sounds like a complete butt, and needs his mannerisms adjusted. According to the law, he can not refuse a parents choice in their child's healthcare as long as it is not harmful to the child. I:E-end-of-life situation or in an emergent hospital situation, neglect,etc.... He should not be forcing you into doing something that you do not feel 100% OK with. CAll other physician's; you will find someone that allows you to treat or not. Good Luck!!!!!!