Questioning Immunizations

You sound like someone who is doubtful of what is discussed on the internet. So, go by what the CDC, AMA, NFID, AAP say....they do NOT consider those "factors" you listed to be valid reasons not to vaccinate. You are correct in saying there is so much information out there...however, you don't want "hearsay". Then why not go according to the "professionals". Asking the question of a group of people who are here to share their opinions and personal experiences might just get some "hearsay" in the mix. Plus, it might be taken a bit insulting by some that by asking a valid question about vaccines is "opening a big can of worms". There are thousands of ordinary people who have done years of research on this subject and wouldn't feel that discussing the deeper implications of immunizations is a bad thing.

I would just delay them. Get one at a time. Instead of all at once. I def have the same beliefs as u. Good luck with ur decision.

A.,
Congrats to you for wanting to do research. The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears is great. He gives you all the facts and then lets you make a decision.

Personally, I decided to slowly vaccinate my daughter (she's now 2 1/2). The rules of thumb I used were (1) only one shot per visit, (2) allow at least a month between shots for the immune system to recover, and (3) never vaccinate when the child is sick - even with a common cold. Many doctors will say that as long as the child doesn't have a fever, they can be vaccinated. I don't agree with this (based on some research I've done). If you think logically: even with a common cold, your child's immune system is still working to combat that cold. So why overload their already fragile immune systems by adding the vaccine?

I have a nephew who experienced regressive autism following his shots. He is now pretty well recovered due to intesive biomedical therapy (something that the AAP routinely denies as a "cure" - even though there is TONS of clinical evidence to suggest it DOES work for many kids) and TONS of hard work on the part of his parents. However, it has been a costly, emotional road for them - something no parent should ever have to go through (to get a good idea of what they - and many other parents - go through, I recommend Jenny McCarthy's two books about autism). And I find it hard to believe that there are NO links between vaccines and autism/ADHD/allergies/asthma. My nephew was tested for his immunity to measles following his MMR shot and he's now shown to have the measles vaccine colonizing in his digestive system. And with so many symptoms of regressive autism linked to digestive problems... I don't understand how a doctor (and the CDC) can claim that there is ABSOLUTELY NO link... The problem is that it hasn't been studied extensively.

Another good source of information is "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Allergies, and Asthma" by Dr. Kenneth Bock. Dr. Bock talks about how toxins (including but not limited to those in vaccines) affect these disorders and offers an alternate schedule as well. This book also helped me realize the importance of a healthy diet to protect our bodies against an ever-more polluted environment.

Even with all of that being said, I honestly do think there is value in vaccines. But the current "one size fits all" schedule offered by the AAP, CDC, et al, just doesn't make common sense. And I really wish they'd remove some of the toxins used to make these vaccines (Dr. Sears' book will enlighten you on that part - there is actually formeldahyde in some of the shots!)

Best of luck!

Hi Mom
I would suggest maybe breaking up the immunizations so that you don't get them all at once. That way if there is a reaction you can pinpoint it down better. I too was worried about immunizatons. My MIL said the benefits of them far out weigh not getting them. Good luck!

Don't get the vaccine if your child is truly ill; call your doctor and discuss. I would also discuss your other worries.

This is a personal choice. You sound like you understand the benefits of vaccinations but also realize there could be a potential reaction. Do you have Dr. Sears Vaccine book? He is not antivaccine - he prefers a different schedule. I recommend reading it.

I don't recall what shots your little man is up for, but google alternative vaccine schedule and it will come up. You have to discuss with your dr as they may not be as receptive.

Again it is a personal decision, one that can not be taken lightly. Discuss with your dr and if your mommy gut tells you to wait until he is over his illness or wait a few months then do it. My dr. would let me wait until my son was 18-24 months for the MMR if I wanted. That made me feel better - that way we could see if he had any symptoms of autism since that is about the age is shows up (in many cases).

Good luck.

Hi A.,
I think you are definately right to be concerned, especially with his history of allergy and illness. I have done significant research regarding vaccinations as to date we have chosen not to vaccinate, however there are many options for you. THere is an excellent alternative vaccination schedule http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/labels/Alternati...
Basic recommendations include avoiding multiple vaccines at the same time, spread them out by several weeks, do not give vaccines when child is sick in any way and boost the immune system before and after giving vaccines. If you would like any additional information on this, please feel free to private message me. I have some other resources that i do not have with me right now.

Talk w/your pediatrician. We delayed many immumizations with both of our kids due to health / allergy issues. It's OK if you want to delay, and your pediatrician can work with you on a schedule that will be best. Good luck!

If you feel uncomfortable, talk with your pediatrician. I personally thought that there was too many shots at 12 mo, so I decided to postpone the MMR to 18 mo. It worked out well for me. It's all personal decision. Good luck!

There are alternate sched. you can follow for shots. talk to your ped and explain how you are feeling. It will not effect him getting in school as long as he has them by the time he goes to school.

My son is 3 has never received a single shot. My neice is one of those kids who don't really exist - autisim after shots.
With that said, it sounds like you already started your round of shots so you can't quit even if you wanted to.
Is your son in daycare or somewhere that requires him to be up to date on his shots? If not,maybe you can hold off for a year until his immune systmes has more time to develope. Or at least space the shots out a few months... Talk to your ped. before the day your son is supposed to get his shots. If he/she says you have to get them now I would call around to other dr.'s. Tell them your looking for a new ped. and your situation. I know people who have spaced them out so it is possible. Good Luck!

Vaccinations were designed for older children who are not immune compromised.

Personal experience:
I have friends and relatives who are convinced that their children became autistic immediately after. My brother knows someone who became mentally retarded and is in a wheelchair because of a bad vaccine. My wife knows someone who's child died after getting a vaccine.

Bottom line:
You're doing the right thing... weighing the risks/benefits. Don't make a fear based decision. I personally think that risks of getting the vaccinations outweigh the benefits. (based on my research and personal experience)

A.,

I agree with you. My daughter got her 12 mos immunizations about about 15 mos...she had been sick and on antibiodics and I didn't want to do all of them at the same time...to make sure she didn't have any reactions. SHe is allergic to penacillin and strawberries. I considered delaying hte MMR until 2...and discussed it with my ped. Ultimately, I decided not to wait.

My advice is to write a list and really discuss your concerns with your doctor. If you are concerned about the lump being a reaction...have the shots done in the other leg and arm, and one at time to better be able to determine if he is having a side affect.

Good luck!

You can pick and choose what vaccines to get and when to get them.

I considered each vaccine.. and did some reading about the incidence of the disease... Does it realy make sense to vaccinate someone for a disease that isnt really prevalent in this area??

There are some shots that need to be given is series.. (if you get the 1st and 2nd shot... you need to get the 3rd shot in a period of time for the immunization to be effective)

YOu might consider calling the drs office to see what shots are scheduled for this visit.. then consider which ones you think your son should recieve at this time.

I do not know anyone who was seriously injured from vaccines. After numerous studies there have been no links found between autism and any vaccine.

However I did delay some shots and I did refuse some shots. I am hoping my kids get chicken pox naturally if they do not - they can recieve the shot after they are 10 or so years old.