MMR Immunizations...HELP!

Updated on March 06, 2008
C.P. asks from Houston, TX
28 answers

Ok, ladies I need all the advice you can give please! I am terrified of the MMR immunizations, and I need to know all the information that you have on it. I will see the pediatrician on Monday, but I may not get the advice that I want. I would like to know what your pediatricians have said about it possibly causing Autism, and other disabilities. Do they NEED the shot? What would happen if I chose not to give the shot? Is giving the 3 shots at seperate times a good idea? Has anyone done this? And, when do they get the immunization? Has anyone declined the shot, and if so what process do you go through. I really don't want her to get the immunizations. Please give me all the information that you can. Thank you!

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M.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

both my children have gotten the MMR vaccine and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns/mmr_autism_fac...

this site specifically states that there has been no link to the MMR vaccine and Autism.....scientific studies....

also the facts on that simply stems from years and years ago...

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D.O.

answers from Dallas on

All 3 of my boys have had their immunizations, on the schedule recommended by my doctor. A friend who is choosing not to immunize her 2nd child said someone told her this: 'You have to choose between two risks-the risk of getting one of the diseases or the risk of having an adverse reaction from the shot. Which risk are you willing to take?' I was not willing to risk my boys' health by not protecting them against the diseases we typically immunize against. That just wasn't something I was comfortable doing.

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter what any of the rest of us say. If YOU are not comfortable with it, do not do it until you are. Do not let your doctor push you into doing it and do not make any decisions with your doctor when you see him/her next. I think discussing it with your doctor is a great idea, and then go home and think about what is said and make a decision in a non-stressful situation (meaning, not with the doctor/nurses right there who very likely will be a little pushy about it). I would suggest letting your doctor know that right now you have decided to not do the MMR until you find out more info about it and have made a decision that you are comfortable with. Ask your doctor for his/her opinion and any info he/she might have. Then do your own research and decide how YOU feel.

I know so many people who have felt pressured to do vaccinations when they haven't felt okay with it. You have the right to refuse it. There isn't a process to go through other than refusing it (like I'm pretty sure there is no paperwork). You just say you don't want to do it.

We didn't vaccinate our daughter until she was two years old and then we are doing a delayed vaccination schedule. We haven't started vaccinating our son either. He's 14 months old. I'm much more worried about my son than daughter because boys seem more affected by them (at least autism) than girls.

I know you're wanting info, but I don't have any to give right now! I used to have a file on it once upon a time when I did a ton of research. I bet if you google "MMR vaccination dangers" or something like that, you'll find some info. It's good to get the danger side as well as the doctor's side and then make your decision so you're getting the full picture from both sides.

I do know that my friend's fifth child is severely autistic. She said he wasn't born that way and when he had the MMR, he quit walking and the light went out in his eyes and he started flapping his arms, etc. He is the most severely autistic child I've ever met (and, oh so sweet!). She thinks that some children are genetically more sensitive to certain things in the vaccinations and so that is why some children react and others don't. I bet there are a ton of different causes of autism. I've recently heard about it possibly being caused from many ultrasounds. There was a study done on mice and they were able to detect a change in the brain cells. I can't remember all the details! But it was very interesting. Who knows what causes it all...there are so many possibilities and I hear so many different things and some seem a little crazy and some seem to make more sense. Sometimes these decisions almost seem too hard to make!

Anyway, I say listen to your gut. You are her momma and only you can really know what is right. Just try really hard to stand up for yourself if you are put under a lot of pressure. We've been put under a lot of pressure a couple times and had to get a little snippy with them to back off. They are now very respectful (especially since we refuse to go back to certain people who proved to not respect our decision-making abilities). It's no fun to do...but keep focus on what you think is best. No matter what you decide, you are choosing the right thing if you are doing what you think is best.

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R.M.

answers from Houston on

I have to tell you that I stopped vaccinating my now 4 1/2 year old when he was 18 months. My 20 month old son has never had a vaccine. I started questioning the need for vaccines when my doctor told me my child needed a chicken pox vaccination. That made no sense to me. Who dies of chicken pox?!? You get it, you itch, now you're immunized. (Notice that I call them "vaccinations" NOT "immunizations". Vaccinations do NOT immunize.) When I was pregnant with my second son, I had anxiety over the issue. I am NOT an anxious person. I listened to my instincts, something I consider to be God leading me. If, as I learn more, I decide that they both do need the vaccinations, I can get them. Right now, my decision is an absolute NO!

Now on to you....listen to your instincts and do NOT vaccinate right now. You can always change your mind and do them at any time. So you'll be behind the vaccination schedule...who cares?!? The incidence of autism is 1 in 100 children. The incidence of Measles, Mumps, or Rubella is what...I don't remember...but it's definitely NOT 1 in 100! Your uncertainty is enough reason to at least wait. Just tell your doctor that you are researching the subject and have not made a decision. If your doctor does not respect that, then you need a new doctor, no matter how much you have loved him/her in the past.

Onto research....google "vaccination dangers", "pros and cons+vaccination", "natual health+vaccination", "autism+vaccination", "vaccinations", etc. Some websites I found helpful are: the 909 website someone previously mentioned, www.909shot.com,(lots of good information!!!)
www.gval.com,
www.healing-arts.org/children/vaccines/
www.healthdangers.com/drugs/vaccinations/index.htm
www.autism.com

Know that if you decide not to vaccinate, you will come up against many people who are very opinionated, as you can see by your responses here. You may be bullied and ridiculed, but just keep your big girl panties on and stand up for yourself. :) A well-rounded education is key to the controversy you will encounter. Be sure to read both pros and cons on the subject and then decide for yourself. You are the mother, and you make the decisions for your children. The people who will very vocally disagree with you don't come to you for parenting advice, so you can very politely tell them that you don't want their advice, either.

All that being said, I had to change doctors when I decided not to vaccinate, and I could not find one single pediatrician who would see my children. I'm sure that has to do with malpractice insurance. I tried about a dozen different doctors' offices. I ended up with a fabulous doctor named Dr. Gilbert Manso. He is on the web at www.drmanso.com. He's a family doctor who uses natural remedies such as nutritional supplements and dietary restrictions when possible, and prescription medication when the situation calls for it. (I noticed you are in Houston, too.) Another doctor I know of who will see non-vaccinated children is Dr. Julius DeBroeck on Hwy 6 between the Copperfield and Bear Creek areas. I don't know him, but I know several families who go to him. He is a family doctor.

As far as school or preschool, my preschool has me get a note from my doctor saying my children are healthy to attend school without vaccinations. Public schools require a form from the state which I will fill out stating that I refuse to vaccinate. If you need more information on this, let me know. I don't remember all of the details, and the website that I've used in the past is down right now (www.chirodiscover.com. They provide a link to the information).

Good luck in your research and with your decision! Do not do anything until you can make an informed decision. This requires alot of work on your part, but it is well worth the effort, no matter what your decision. Keep in touch with me if you would like.

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T.B.

answers from Dallas on

I wish I hadn't deleted an email on this topic just the other day. I do remember them saying that children who weren't immunized still showed signs of autism at the same time as children who were immunized. One theory is that a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, used in some vaccines, could be connected to autism. Still, no one really knows for sure what causes autism. I will tell you that it is your choice. I was worried too but more worried about the diseases the MMR prevents. My oldest boys 7 and 6 were immunized on time and suffered no ill effects, thankfully. I wish you well in your decision and hope you find peace about it soon.

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

Let me say that I am a strong believer that if everyone stops vaccinating their children the diseases we don't hear of will come back. That said...

With my oldest, who is 13, I held my breath when he got the MMR because that was about the time (95-96) they were just starting to say that there was a link with Autism. He was fine, all was jolly and not until my 4th child came did I ever hesitate again. I never thought twice about #2 or #3 getting their shots.

My 4th child had me worried about autism and when I was discussing my daughter's issues with my pediatrician when she was 16-18 months old, my pedi filled in my words asking me if I wanted to postpone the MMR. I was so happy my pedi offered and didn't give me a hard time about it. So I did. My daughter has changed completely and while I am no longer worried about her I am still concerned about her getting the MMR until later. I will most likely postpone it again at 2 (which she turns in March). It scares me with the what ifs.I did ask my pedi's clinic if they would could get the shot split up where all three aren't together, but they won't purchase it in one dose each for me because of the cost. I may even call the Dept of Health and ask about getting them split since I read this could be the problem having all 3 doses in one shot. I am undecided at this point when I will get the MMR for her and since she stays at home with me I am really not in a rush until school starts.

I realize I haven't offered you a lot to really go on, but just my thoughts and what I am doing. Since, my children are immunized, then hopefully they will be covered if eventually unimmunized people bring these diseases back from another country or someone from another country brings it here.

I know I will eventually get my daughter the MMR in some form. We don't travel and don't know people who do and for me I am weighing the outcomes of her getting one of those diseases vs her going back to being the way she was. I am going to discuss it with my pedi this time and get a feel for what she thinks. I don't know if you are in my area (Galveston COunty) or not, but I can recommend her or if you are in Tarrant County, I know a great pedi there.

I have to be on the same page as my pedi. With 4 kids, I see them quite often and I like knowing I am being supported as a mom and I like feeling confident my pedi respects me as a mom as well. That is very important. If you don't have that relationship with your pedi, then I highly suggest you look around until find one. I have been through several to find ones I love.

Good luck in your decision!

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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

AS far as what your pediatrician will say, they will give you the CDC partyline. And, please note that the CDC guidelines are RECOMMENDATIONS and NOT REQUIREMENTS. I do agree that it's not just the thimerosol alone that triggers autism, the child must also have a genetic predisposition and many autistic child just do not detox properly (there are abnormalities in their body's detox pathways). And, while most childhoold vaccinations no longer have thimerosol (mercury), they do still contain aluminum, which is a neurotoxin. They also often contain formaldehyde, which is another toxin. I have chosen not to further vaccinate my children since I have learned all of this and have learned that we have some of the genetic abnormalities in our detox pathways. You do NOT have to have your children vaccinated to go to school. You can get an exemption for reasons of conscience. The form that you need to request is now available online. The form is on this website along with all the other info, including the CDC GUIDELINES: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm

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N.

answers from Dallas on

Immunizations can cause all sorts of problems in children who have a compromised immune system at birth. It has nothing to do with mercury, just an over abundance of vaccines in a body too small and not ready to handle any kind of toxins, but vaccines are the problem because it is too much too soon. This is mainly a problem with babies born early, low birth weight, or just a struggle coming into this world. There is no test to check if your baby has a predisposition. My son has autism. He was early, and had a difficult birth. Ofcourse, there is no way to know for sure, but based on all the research I have done, it is very likely to be that the overabundance of vaccines on his little body was too much. Having a child with autism, my advice would be, why take the chance? I'm not saying don't vaccinate. Just be smart about it. Delay until 2 years and don't give any multiple vaccines when you do start giving them. Until you have a child with autism, you have no idea of the heart ache you will experience watching your child struggle everyday and work so hard to be part of this world. With our second son, we delayed vaccines and separated everything. He does not have autism. Again, he might not have anyway, but I'll never know. Atleast I know I gave him a fighting chance. THERE IS NO CURE FOR AUTISM. There are cures for most of the illnesses we vaccinate for. If you look at the data, you'll find that people who died from any of these illnesses today were old (the vaccines are not life long. They 'wear off' by adulthood) or babies who were not old enough to have received that vaccine anyway. The CDC has given the statement that vaccines may cause problems in some children but the loss of a few is for the greater good. I'm sorry, but I do not appreciate my child being the sacrifice for 'the greater good'. If that is the case, then perhaps CDC should put more effort into coming up with a blood test at birth that will determine if a child is likely to have a reaction of some kind. Vaccines are not only thought to cause autism. It is possible that they may also contribute to Dyslexia, ADHD and any type of developmental/speech delay. If you have a history of any of these in your family, I would think twice about following the recommended schedule. Also, did you know who is on the CDC board that came up with this 'recommended vaccination schedule'? Heads of pharmecutical companies, and politicians who have a hand in the profits. So why in the world would they a) limit the amount of vaccinations given and b) admit that they are a bunch of crooks! Talk about inviting a law suit!! Pediatricins will tell you to vaccinate (most of them anyway). That's because they read their journals that are published by pharmecutical companies and don't do any further research. Did you also know that there was a drop in many of these illnesses before the vaccine was even introduced? Better sanitary conditions, refrigeration etc were the cause in the drop, not the vaccines. Many of these vaccines were not introduced until several years later! Also, it is a RECOMMENDED schedule of vaccines. Not required. You do not need to be vaccinated to attend public school. You can receive a waiver from the state health department. You do not need a note from your doctor. You just send a letter to the state health department asking for the 5 waiver forms that you are entitled to, fill it out, get it notarized and send it to school.

So, just do your research and if you choose to vaccinate your child I hope to God that you are one of the lucky ones who does not have to grieve for your child who suddenly disappeared yet is still standing infront of you but you cannot get to.

N.

PS If you had any of the MMR illnesses as a child, you passed on that immunity to your child. There is a simple blood test to determine if your child has the immunity. I had mumps and measles and both my boys have the immunity. (And I am still alive today!) Also, the boosters are usually not needed. Only 5% of the time the shot did not take the first time, so get the blood test done to avoid any unnecessary boosters.

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L.S.

answers from Phoenix on

There's a lot of info out there to confuse you. You should talk to your Dr about this and discuss maybe a delayed schedule.

We opted to vax on schedule and have not run into any issues I beleive. As posted previously, you have to weigh the risks. My dh travels to countries where these disease are still prevalent (there was NY times cover article on measles in Africa killing countless children), and we also planned to travel with our son. There have been children who have had adverse reactions to the vaccines; however, keep in mind that almost all the vaxes now are thimerisol free (also ask your ped about that).

I know several families with autistic children. Some vaxed, others did not and their children still ended up on the spectrum. A much higher determinant if autism runs in the family. It does not in ours and that was another thing we took into account when deciding to vax.

I really think you need to talk to someone with a medical background that you trust and to do your own research. I saw Jenny M on Oprah and, I'm sorry about her son, but I think she was a bit off on some of her explanations and understanding of autism. I would not necessarily rely on a celebrity alone in making my decision.

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N.B.

answers from Houston on

the ingredient "thimerisol" which was thought to be causing the autisim, I believe is not even used in immunizations anymore. I had a friend actually have the nurse read off all the ingredients in the shot before she allowed it to be given to her kid. Both my kids have had there immunizations and are fine. What you have to ask yourself is, is not getting my child the immunizations worth the risk of them getting the diseases that the immunizations protect them against. These diseases still exist today.

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R.

answers from Dallas on

http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns/mmr_autism_fac...

Please note that this is from the CDC.

I realize that what I say may be controversial, but I feel very strongly on this.

Why, exactly, do you think these diseases are so rare here? Vaccines. Millions of vaccinated adults and children have all but eliminated them.

In light of that, those parents who choose not to vaccinate are relying on everyone else to protect their children from these dreadful and deadly diseases.

I think that burden should be on the parent's shoulders, not everyone else's.

So, I have vaccinated my child on time, every time. In doing so, I am helping to eliminate the horrifying diseases that wiped out so many people at one point. I am also protecting my child, which is a parent's single most important job.

Stepping off my soapbox now.

That said, you are in America, and it's your right to choose. Please choose wisely and with accurate information.

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C.R.

answers from Dallas on

Ok here is my standard letter that I have posted before on this site. I wish you well on your personal decision regarding this hot topic.

I have chosen not to vaccinate our children because I believe that most of the diseases are no longer a threat in the area of the world in which I live.
And the ones that are seen here are treatable if taken care of in a timely fashion.
While researching this I lost my faith in a system that has turned a blind eye to the possibly that there are problems with their vaccines but at the same time keep their selves in a position of safety from any liability.
Also I question them with the history of use of heavy metals and other toxins used in their injections for the sake of shelf life and profit. Why would they even put this stuff in there in the first place if they cared about my children?
And then there’s that nagging question about autism.
The number of vaccines that are suggested to give to a child are more than 44 individual vaccines by the age of 6 or 55 if considered “high risk”. This is at an age when some serious development is going on. The nervous system is not yet fully developed and we are bombarding the body with toxins to fight off. Both the very young and very old have compromised immune systems already, why would we then take that time in their life to vaccinate them? I know that why they suggest the vaccines to begin with but think about it. I don’t have any data to support my theory but I believe that is why most think that it is “normal” for a child to have up to 8 colds a year. My eldest son is three and has only had 3 colds that I can remember and only one ear infection. Both of my boys are very healthy and I feel that one of the reasons is that their immune system is available to fight the infection instead of being compromised with batting inoculations! Again this is my personal thought to reason.
I asked my doctor at one of my first well baby check ups why they are vaccinating against Hep B starting at birth if the disease is a blood disease that is passed by transmit ion of blood. His answer was that we are going to have an epidemic in 20 years from now. That’s some crazy thinking to me! I don’t want to expose my child to toxins that might be a problem 20 years from now! I think it’s just gotten a bit out of control!
I think that too many of us go blindly into the whole vaccine schedule thinking that we have protected our children from disease. This is not true. Written in each of the vaccine inserts states that: As with any vaccine, vaccination with ______may not protect 100% susceptible individuals. There are many known cases of people contracting the very disease that they where vaccinated against.
The only vaccine that I have considered is the TT (tetanus). But I am having my doubts about it as well. It is found that once a person has had tetanus they are able to contract it again. So you cannot obtain a natural immunity from it which blows the whole inoculation thing out of the water.
So I am again looking at my options.
I thought in the beginning that I would just delay the giving the vaccines but now I don’t think we are going to vaccine our boys after looking into it more. I would though highly suggest that someone that is considering vaccinating use single doses instead of the "combos". I don’t believe that our bodies are capable of healing themselves of every illness without the help of drugs, surgery etc…. I just feel that the health care industry has conflicting interests in the care of my family and it is my duty to question their care of me and my family.
I could go into facts and statistics but it’s very hard to find anything with any consistency on either side! Unfortunately with it being a subject of great debate it is very hard to weed through it all! So bottom line I have chosen through research and much prayer that this is the best decision for our children.
Best Regards,
C.

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N.O.

answers from Dallas on

Hi Elizabeth,
The most recent thing I've heard regarding Autism and shots was a segment on the news that scientists have concluded there is NO evidence that children's vaccines cause Autism in children.
I also have 2 children and am pregnant with a 3rd and I have to agree with the other post. I will be getting my child's shots as I did on time with my other children and never had to spread out the vaccines.

My children have never had any problems with the vaccines and my youngest is now over 2 which I hear if they pass 2 w/out showing any signs, then they are in the clear of Autism.
Try not to worry yourself to much about it. Autism is also more common in boys vs. girls if that helps ease your stress a little.
This is such a debated topic so I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice but just go with your gut and what YOU feel is the best choice for your daughter.
If you don't agree with your doctors opinion, you can always get a second opinion.

Good luck and take care!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

My son is up to date on his vaccinations and we have never had a problem. We travel a lot (out of the country) so it was a non-issue. If you decide to not vaccinate, think about whether you travel, if people around you travel or people around them travel. It is true that many of the diseases we are vaccinated against are no longer an issue here, but they are in other countries. When I was a highschool a friend of mine got measles (she had never been vaccinated) from a friend of a friend who had been out of the country. True, it probably doesn't happen a lot, but it is just something to consider. With that said, I believe that you should do what you think is best for your child. I would just advise you to make an infomred decision. Educate yourself on the pros and cons. Look at your daily life and whom your child is around. Just make sure whateve you decide, you are aware of the potential dangers.

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M.P.

answers from Corpus Christi on

My children are current on their shots and I have never thought of not doing it. There is no credible evidence that measles vaccine or MMR increases the risk of autism. The CDC is the best reference for information on things like this. http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns/mmr_autism_fac.... I understand that people have very STRONG feelings about shots and other things like this but there is a reason why children need them to go to school. Also, yes, we did have chicken pox as children but if a child with chicken pox comes into contact with someone pregnant - who has not had the chicken pox or the vaccine, it could be dangerous. I went through that when my father had the shingles - which is the same virus as chicken pox. I would also look at history, there is a reason why these diseases are not around in this country any longer.

Good luck with your decision and I would certainly discuss this further with your doctor.

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H.I.

answers from Dallas on

There is no definitive link from mmr and autism but there is speculation to it, they are not sure what causes autism but there are children that seemed to become autistic after the mmr. Go research teh effects of the mmr. Nothing will happen if you choose not give them the shot, you will just have to sign more papers throughout their life, it is your option to immunize your child and how you do it, I made them spread all my daughters out so I could note any reasction. It is your right to make the choice, don't be bullied into it if you really feel like you don't want your child to have them! I have seen children that they suspedt are effected b immunization, on the other hand my daughter got all hers and is a straight a student.

http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/articles/childhood/arti...

http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/articles/childhood/immu...
http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/articles/childhood/merc...

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

Elizabeth,
First, you have to decide and it's hard. Second, I have a child with Asperger's austism and I DO NOT believe the immunizations caused it. I believe it's genetic, so your child already is autistic or isn't and it won't be noticeable till age 2.

The reason there aren't any measles mumps and ruebella out there to sicken your child is because most everyone has been vaccinated so the spread of those diseases has stopped.

There are doctors out there that will work with you and spread out the immunizations for your child, so the negative effects are lessened.

Austim has increased, but I personally believe it's because people have now defined it more braodly (just since 1992!)... with lesser variations of autism like Asperger's.

Small pox was irradicated by a vaccine. Vaccines can be wonderful. Chicken Pox is generally not a big deal... but some people who have had Chicken Pox get Shingles from it later in life and I can tell you that my husband is miserable when it pops out on him.

You have to decide. It's hard. Find a doctor that will help you make the best decisions for you and your child.

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S.M.

answers from Austin on

I have asked my doctor about which vaccines are actually prevalent to todays day and age and he said mainly the ones not needed are the MMR, flu and HEP. I have not given my last child those vaccines and I wish I hadnt given my others them. They say that children cant get autism from vaccines but I strongly disagree.

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B.

answers from Houston on

Neither of my children are vaccinated. Our family tries to have more of a natural health approach using herbs over antibiotics. We're not totally crazy, if our children really do need to go to the doctor for antibiotics than we'll take them but we'd rather give them herbs first and watch them closely. We do not practice preventive modern medicine. So we do not want them to be vaccinated. I can't explain all of it on here. It's just too complicated. It is something that we carefully researched first. My daughter commented last time we were there on how healthy they have always been and only on antibiotics twice. I recommend that you just really do a lot of research this weekend.

The best advice that I can give you is that if you do not want to vaccinate, then make that decision and stick to it. Many people will bully you and try to pressure you to vaccinate her. The first pediatrician that we saw miss diagnosed my daughter and we wound up in the ER that night only because she never examined my daughter that day, she only griped at me for 20 minutes about why I should vaccinate. I have had friends tell me that I should vaccinate and my grandparents think that it is a horrible decision. I have a friend that didn't want to vaccinate her daughter and her pediatrician bullied her into it. With our first daughter we were only going to let her have the vaccines that were not made with aborted fetus cells (several of them are) so we took her to the dr. and the lady there promised me that the vaccine she was giving did not contain those cells. Later I looked at the box and it was listed in the ingredients. So since then she has never had another shot. My girls are very healthy and happy and I feel like we are doing the right thing. So if you make the decision not too, you have to stand by your guns.

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S.K.

answers from Sherman on

Many vaccines contain Thimerosal (a mercury derivative), formaldehyde, and many other chemicals. There is a lot of information to be had if you look for it. I was told at one time, by a ped, that there is no longer mercury in vaccines, but that is simply not true. I would thoroughly research the diseases you are considering vaccinating for before giving my child the shots. If your gut is telling you to delay or not do it at all, then please don't do it. I have not had any problems declining shots, but I have a wonderful ped now. You are not required by law to immunize on a schedule or at all, even though they would have you think that.

http://www.909shot.com/Diseases/mmr.htm

http://www.vaclib.org/basic/measlesvac.htm

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

GET THEM! I am an ER nurse and have seen a child be extremely ill from the parents choosing not to vaccinate them. The diseases that we immunize for are now extremely rare because parents DID vaccinate their children. What if everyone stopped vaccinating? Vaccine preventalbe diseases would return and an epidemic of disease would occur. Which is exactly what happened in Japan in 1979 when they stopped vaccinating most children. Yes there is paperwork that you must fill out if you wish for your child to attend school, daycare, or play ball. You have to be state exempt from immunizations and you must renew ever so often, I believe. My neighbor chooses not to immunize her children and has mentioned the paperwork involved. Needless to say we don't go visiting them or have them over. I am not going to have her depend on my kids being immunized to keep her kids safe, that is irresponsible in my opinion. As far as autism goes, it is just as likely to occur in immunized children as it is in unimmunized children. Choose as you wish, but I choose to be responsible to my children and my community as my mother did for me. If you choose not to vaccinate you leave your child at risk for infection with a vaccine preventable disease, your child will be a threat to others, and at times your child may not be allowed to attend school or daycare. Do you remember the 2006 mumps outbreak among american college students? Like I said the choice is yours, however I would not want my children attending school or daycare with your children.

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

I feel your pain Elizabeth. Vaccines are man made. And the fact of the matter is...humans make mistakes. Just look at all the diet pills that go wrong or prescribed controlled substances that mess people up. I say go with your instinct. Instinct is unlearned. It is a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason and for the purpose of fulfilling a specific need. It's a behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level.
Trust your instincts. Second guess science.
You can always delay until your child is ready for school. They start kindergarten at what,5? And in that time,perhaps these "docs" may figure out what the real deal is with autism.
Good luck to you. And stop worrying. There is no rush to vaccinate your baby.. unless of course you plan to vacation in Malaysia this summer.;)

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A.L.

answers from Houston on

If I am not mistaken, you will need to get the MMR before your child begins school. I would verify this though. I waited but I still got it. Talk with your ped and do some research on it...try webmd.com or something. Go with your mama instincts :)

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E.D.

answers from Dallas on

For our house, we believe in immunizations. We didn't allow two "live" vaccines at one time. My son reacted to the first MMR and got the measles ten days later... so not giving him Chicken Pox the same day was a FANTASTIC choice for us.
Immunizations are very sage. They no longer have mercury in them. You can't send your children to school without them...
Space them out if you want... give your child tylenol before you go... Giving them the shots on three separate days just means they have to go back three times and get afraid of going to the doc because they ALWAYS get shots.
GOOD LUCK!

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T.V.

answers from Houston on

Like the other moms have said this is a hard issue. We waited to start vaccines with our dd until she was one. My pedi was okay with that but his thinking is that these are diseases that will KILL your kiddo if there is an outbreak. Not to mention the "herd" syndrome which is the thinking that by everyone else vaccinating their kids yours is safe, but it's just not true, if there is an outbreak the unvaccinated kiddos are going to be the ones at risk and I wasn't willing to chance it.

You can ask to see the box to make sure that Thermasol is not one of the ingredients and you can wait until older (we'll be caught up by 24 months) so their little immune system is stronger.

Best wishes in which ever way you choose to go.

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C.S.

answers from Amarillo on

If you can read the book by Jenny McCarthy "Louder than Words" she talks about this being part of her son's reason for autism. I read it about 4 weeks ago and I read it in 2 days bc I couln't put it down and I will say this--I am 25 weeks pregnant and I have no reservations about giving my baby the shot when she's born. MAybe bc she is my 3rd and I just see how well my other 2 did with all their shots. I think it is required for public school--but even if it isn't--it stands for measles, mumps and rubella. My friend's son had the mumps last week (he's 16) and she said his throat swelled up to where it looked like he swallowed a baseball. Maybe someone else will have better insight for you--but I am going ahead with it. Good Luck!

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E.E.

answers from Austin on

Only you can decide what you should do. With my first he was vaccinated, and had horrible reactions to both tetanus, which there is none in texas soil, and MMR. The MMR was horrible, we ended up in the ER, it was a scary 3 days. I have known people who have caught Measles and Mumps, and there were sick, but fine. So with our second we are not vaccinating. Personal choice.

A.G.

answers from Houston on

I am currently reading a book, the author claims his mmr vaccine late in life, then a course of antibiotics basically gave him crohns disease and an auto immune disorder. I come into contact everyday at work with women who won't give their children this shot, or women that claim this shot contributed or caused problems with their children,a little boy i know who had it, has gotton ear infections ever since, he is 3 now i have not given it to my daughter and i am protesting it officially so that she will be allowed into kindertgarten. There are differing opinions on it. Too many people say its important, and too many critisize, I would just do all the research you can.

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