To Immunize or Not To...

I wrote a series of articles evaluating the actual package inserts, including links to the inserts themselves. EVERY responsible parent should read these. MOst doctors haven't.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/alisaterry

You just have to scroll down a little to start getting the list of articles. I hope you find them helpful.

Let me say you are very brave to pose this quesiton knowing how people feel on the subject. The problem is there are thousands of "validated" sites that have thoroughly researched thier point of view the ultimate being the American Pediatric Association. I wrestled with this same question, but ultimately had to think how I would feel exposing my daughter to a potentially deadly virus which could have easily been prevented with a shot.

I reccomend the book Vaccinations A guide for Making Personal Choices by Dr Hans-Peter Studer. It can be ordered online from Floris Books in the UK. It presents the facts about the illness as well as the vaccination with no scary hype for either side. I found it easy to read and it was much easier to make my vaccination choices after reading it.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has a website cdc.org. I found information by just typing vaccine in the search box. They are current on all of the latest studies based on scientific research and not just anecdote. I know several parents of autistic children, some of whom believe strongly in a connection between their child's condion and vaccinations. But their opinions are not based on research - just personal feelings and observation. The truth is that the most current research does not support a link between SPD and vaccinations. Additional studies are currently being done. An analysis of the risks vs. the benefits of vaccinations has convinced me that immunizations are the way to go. That being said, it is a personal decision and one you have every right to make as a parent. I would definitely research the subject, but be careful to consider the source as to its basis in research and fact - not fear and anecdote or opinion.

Just as an additional note, my pediatrician told me about a study in which children at 6 months old were video taped - some that had develeoped autism and some that had not. Pediatricians were asked to view the video tapes and determine which children were autistic at 6 mo. old. In this particular study, the physicians were able to identify with 100% accuracy which children went on to develop autism. This suggests a tendency to autism which predates the MMR vaccine many feel is responsible for SPD disorders.

The one thing I did not see on anyone else's response was to actually read the inserts. Yes, vaccines are considered drugs and have inserts just like any other prescription drug. I think that combined with looking at CDC's site and Dr. Sears book/website will get you some good information. I think in this whole argument what gets lost in the debate is that these diseases are deadly and/or horribly disfiguring at some point in life. If I remember right from when I researched this, tetanus KILLS over 50% of those who contract it and it can be contracted by contact in an open wound with dirt. My mother (as a toddler) and uncle (at about 10) had pertussis and have struggled w/ upper respiratory issues their entire lives. To rely on the rest of the population being immunized is irresposible - that's letting everyone else do your dirty work. So, yes, I immunized my kids, just not on the "correct" schedule. I spaced them out (extra nurses visits) and didn't do MMR until they were 5 because all three of these are minor diseases for young children but horrible for those past puberty.

Hello~ here are a few sites I found, one will link over to CDC reports the other is from The American Academy of Pediatrics.

http://www.cispimmunize.org/fam/fam_main.html

http://www.cispimmunize.org/fam/fam_main.html

And here are some that go the other way, but one thing I have learned in reading this is that it may not be the vaccines so much as a predetermined marker already on a child that determines whether or not they will get it, and that a lot of the rise in Auitsm and other conections is just a better understanding of these consitions.

http://specialchildren.about.com/od/autismandvaccines/i/v...

http://www.know-vaccines.org/autism.html

Good luck on your decision, but I hope you do vaccinate, maybe spread them out like I heard some parents do on the site, protect your DD and everyone elses children.

Hi C. ~

Here's some I have saved after hours of researching...

http://thinktwice.com/

http://www.truehealthfacts.com/reasearch-news/vaccines.html

Unfortunately, the information regarding the risk of vaccinations is not as readily given to parents. I remember taking the doctors, ' ... do it everyday... ', attitude towards these shots as reason enough to not be concerned. How completely horrified I now feel, for not doing more to understand just what it was that my children would be getting. Instead I just put trust in someone I didn't even know... just because of the title that they carried as the preface to their name; MD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_FMr8kdvQY
I understand your not trusting google too... my own advice, though I know you weren't looking for personal opinion so, for what it may or may not be worth, look beyond information provided by any '.gov' sources as well...
Anyway,.. it is definitly worth your time, and your child's wellbeing moreover, to really research this topic as thoroughly as you can. Do bear in mind however, the information against the use and 'benefits' of immunizing can be a bit difficult to dig up,.. but only because facts and research that provides proof of why NOT to immunize is not very profitable for those who have invested interests in the companies producing the injections.
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't help my own concern. When, in true American hypocracy, we readily enforce and happily DARE our kids in their schools, yet, think little of the constant 'pusher' found in any form of our everyday media. The difference only being that in, '... ask your doctor...', you are consulting the accepted 'dealer'...
Kudos to you C., for taking a moment to actually think first about what you have been told to do, instead of just doing it.

~ J
... I responded from my email and hadn't yet read all other responses... Having done that, I'd just like to add...
A fact that is very important to have at the fore while researching is, that when one recieves a vaccination, one is actually injected with the very thing that the vaccine is to 'protect' one from. This is why upon my kids being given the polio shot, I was given the recommendation to keep them from certain others,... because my children became the carrier and for a specified period of time, they were exposing those in their company to polio!
Also,.. be wary of CDC info...

You need to be careful about signing off immunizations too quickly. One of the arguments about why immunizations are not necessary is that most of the diseases are virtually obsolete in this country. This is not the case for many of the diseases for which your child is immunized. Your child is not properly immunized for hepatitis A or B, pertussis (whooping cough), or meningitis. These diseases are very dangerous and still very common in the US. The hepatitis B vaccine is only marginally affective when administered to an adult. To achieve full effectiveness it must be given to an infant. As far as pertussis goes, the immunization only lasts until the child is about 5 years old. This means that anyone over 5 is not immunized and it is a common cause of coughs in adults. An adult can handle whooping cough, but a baby or toddler does not have the lung strength to combat that type of cough. By the way, I have a masters in statistics with an emphasis in epidemiology and public health so I have studied this information quite a bit; particularly the numbers.

I can't refer you to sources for SPD, but I have kept an eye on various research done on the subject. This is what I have observed. All of the evidence linking SPD with immunizations is only related to the MMR vaccine, not any of the others. The evidence for this link is anecdotal. This means that there are individual cases where there seems to be a link. However, many studies have been done to determine if children who get the MMR vaccine are more likely to get SPD. Comprehensive studies have been done on the populations in Sweden and Germany where they keep complete medical records of everyone in the country. No link could be found. With a population this size a relationship should be detected if it exists. What this means is that there may still be a link, but if it exists the chances of getting SPD as a result of a vaccine is very small. Your child is more likely to contract polio, measles, mumps, or rubella, than get SPD from a vaccine.

Hi C..

I spent a lot of time contemplating this myself and researched extensively on the subject. I chose not to vaccinate my daughter. I applaud you for at least thinking about it and not just following what the doctors tell you. Here is a link that I just got last night for a 2-hour DVD on vaccination. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/2...
If you do choose to vaccinate, I would at the very least suggest demanding single-dose vials. If they don't carry them, then have them order them. There are less preservatives in them. The second thing would be to get the shots one at a time rather than all at once. They say, then they have less pricks or times at the doc. But it's just too much attack on their little immune system.

Good luck with a tough decision. I almost caved in, but my eight-year-old daughter is very healthy and has never been on antibiotics, never had an ear infection. I don't regret my decision in the least.

L.

Hi C.,
I would recommend reading a book titled, The Sanctity of Human Blood : Vaccination is Not Immunization by Tim O'Shea and the latest edition can be found at www.thedoctorwithin.com. I had an instinct against immunizing my older daughter but when I tried to talk to the nurse about it she told me I didn't have a choice. That was over 5 years ago and I have since learned that was a load of crap and I have all the right in the world to act in the best interest of my child even if that means going against common medical practice. In reading the book I learned that "well baby visits" were developed for the sole purpose of vaccinating your child. If your child is not ill and is developing appropriately (and a DR doesn't have to tell you if that is the case or not)then I wouldn't even go. With my second baby now 4 mo. At her one week visit I discussed in length (15 min) that I would not be vaccinating and while he discouraged it he ultimately accepted my position. Well 2 weeks later at another post delivery checkup as we were leaving his office he bid us farewell and said "See ya in 2 mo. that's when the stabbings begin". I just said, "Yep we'll see ya later" I have no intention of attending any well baby visits because that is the purpose of the visit and I do not want to constantly repeat myself. I have made my decision and am at peace with that choice. The book is a good quick read and educates the reader on almost all vaccinations available. Good luck in your quest.
L.

My little girl was also born at 37 weeks (in October)! We were on schedule to get her shots and then she got sick so I was able to do more research. I purchased The Vaccine Book by Dr Sears. There is an alternatve vaccination schedule in the back that we are following. Now, she did not get ANY shots until she was almost 4 months old and my Dr did not see any problems with starting with the 2 month shots and following the schedule (but modified for the right months). She will get her 3 month shots when she is actually 5 months and so on.

Dr. Sears is NOT anti-vaccine but he makes some very good observations about how and when to give these shots. The book is well writen and I appreciated all his research. My Dr. (Kaiser) did not even blink when I suggested this schedule. It breaks up the shots that have higher risks for side effects and allows the body time to metabolize all the aditives and the vaccine before the next round.

There is a lot of scary information on the web so please be careful about what you read.

Good luck!
J.

Hello C.,
Neither of our daughters (ages 2 and 7) are immunized, nor was was my husband.

It looks like you already have a lot of great research recomendations! I would add mothering.com. You can find well many well researched articles, as well as other suggested reading!

Also, don't underestimate the natural immunity, on physical and emotional levels, of breastmilk and breastfeeding!

My sons have both been diagnosed with SPD and have not been immunized. After going through therapy and listening to what the therapist recommended we do for our boys, made me realize that my gut feelings were right on about how to handle my sons. Dr. Spock, the famous pediatrician, said, shortly before he died, that good mothers and fathers instinctivly know what is best for their child. So, after having a Therapist tell me I need to pay more attention to my 3 year old, and get him involved in sports, and also to give my 6 year old his own personal special space, I had to kick myself becuase I "knew" that is what my kids needed and I had to pay $400.00 for someone else to tell me that. So, do your research, talk to a professional, and consider the money spent as "peace of mind" co-payment.

check out this website

www.dcatherapies.org or any information on anthroposophic medicine.

I recently saw the doctor from the Denver Center for Anthroposopic medicine talk and he was awesome and it really made a lot of sense!

You may be able to call his office and get some information over the phone!

good luck, we didn't immunize our boys and its not a decision to make lightly, but definatly do what you feel is best for your family and be responsible with what ever choice you make!

This is my personal choice. My oldest two were imunized (except for chicken pox) until they were five/four. Then I stoped. My youngest has not been immunized. Two of my children do have Autism. I do not blame it on the vacines - however, I do believe that certain people (namily our family) can not handle them. I have had bad reactions to vacines as well as my son. My nefuee got type 1 diabeties a week after getting his shots. I have a friend with a son who is also Autistic who recieves all his shots religously. The one year she stoped giving him the flu shot he became verbal and had other huge milestons. I would deffinatly do your research and talk to your doctor. If your child does have SID/SPD then he/she is probably a bit more sensitive then most children and I think it is great that you are doing your research about this issue.

A true Homeopathic will have homeopathic choices which are not shots filled with aluminum, formaldyhide, monkey viruses, fetal cells, egg protien and all the other fillers and irritants that make vaccines work.

www.icpa4kids.com has alot of research. I recommend not immunizing and I am a pediatric chiropractor with more eduacation on immunization than medical doctors.

Dr. L.

I felt the same way so I am following Dr. Sears book 'The Vaccine Book' it lists all the different vaccines, their ingredients and a new suggested time table for administering. I get to choose which brand of vaccine I want. Note: the county Health Dept. is the only place that carries all brands so I go there. The local ped and family clinics only carry what they want, not all.

I would speak with your pediatrician who is familiar with homeopathy, or perhaps call a local homeopath or naturopath to get some good recommendations for books that can give you both sides of the issue - these professionals spend a lot of time educating parents about the immunization issue, and the ones I've consulted on the subject have been very open about the pros and cons of both sides of the story. You might also do a search on amazon.com for immunizations and see what comes up - they usually do reviews, etc. so you could get a good idea of the "flavor" of any books you might consider ordering. One book that I've found extremely helpful (and informative) is "Vaccine Free Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Contagious Disease with Homeopathy," by Kate Birch, RS Hom (NA), CCH, CMT.

Hi Calli! I just wanted you to know that autism is not the only concerning factor in immunizations so I applaude you for wanting to search out your options. A website I have recently found is www.informedchoice.info . I am trying to see which vaccines I will choose and this has a glossary that includes ingredients which is key. The list is current and yes folks, they do include mercury no matter what they say on TV or at WIC. www.mercola.com is a good website, lots of sound info. I have done quite a bit of research on this issue because I want to make what I feel is the right choice whether it means shots or not. We have a more natural ped. but I will say this, they are bound to push shots. I would talk to your ped. but I would also ask some chiropractors and natropaths(sp?). I asked every professional I could and researched what they said. Good for you for not wanting to take things at face value! Make some calls and press for info! It is your right to know! I will try to find the names of the books I have read and message you. Good luck to you! And remember, you can always delay shots. There is a good schedule at www.mercola.com. Feel free to message me anytime!
***I just want to add that you if you do not immunize that you are NOT "exposing" other kids to these diseases. It is more likely that you will get the disease from someone recently immunized. Fancy that:)

There is a book called The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears, that is supposed to be very helpful. He reccomends vaccinations but provides a modified schedule, so babies are not so overloaded all at once, esp. at the 4 month visit.

Jenny McCarthy referes a book about immunizations in the back of her book "Louder than Words", sorry I dont know the name of the book or the Dr. she referes people too. Its from a Dr. who has a different schedule on when to get shots and I believe the why of it. I dont know much about it but I decided if I have another child, I will do the same as you and educate my self as much as possible before making that decision.
GL.

http://www.nvic.org/ This is the best website out there for vaccine info.

I would check out www.mercola.com and search his site for immunications. We decided not to get the last few sets w/ our third child after reading and doing research. This site had the best and yet scary info.

I recommend Vaccinations by Aviva Jill Romm
Good Luck!
H. Gaitten
www.naturalchoices4baby.com

The National Vaccine Information Center is an excellent clearinghouse of information on vaccine issues. Their website is nvic.org and I suggest you start by reading their About Us page to get an idea of where they're coming from. I consider them to be a highly reliable and well-informed source.
Good luck on your decision making. It's a difficult choice to make but your best tool is educating yourself.

Hi C.,

You're right, there are a lot of opinions on this subject. If you are hesitant about immunizing DON'T DO IT. I read some books on the subject AND researched on the internet and decided not to immunize my children... except for Tetanus at the time they need it. There is a lot of information out there. Try an Amazon search. I won't go into detail here about all the reasons I chose not to immunize, but I take it very seriously. My daughter got extra immunizations without my permission when they gave her tetanus and the nurse was very apologetic. I suppose I could press charges and she was worried. It is YOUR decision. I have found that as long as I tell them I researched and CHOSE not to immunize, they respect my decision.

One way to prevent the doctor pushing you, would be to not go to well child checkups... I know. Heresy. But you have God-given instincts to know how your child is doing. Listen to your own instincts. You don't need a doctor to tell you your child is healthy. :)

How's that for a different opinion???

Hello, I didn't see anyone else recommend it, so the book I like and have found very useful is "Vaccinations, a Thoughtful Parent's Guide" by Aviva Jill Romm. I has a lot of the history of vaccinations and considerations of why you may or maynot vaccinatate for any or all of them. I chose not to for the first year at least, and possibly never. If anyone wants you to "catch up" I would suggest not doing that and getting more information like from Dr. Sears book that does a modified schedule. Good luck.

We struggled with this as well and our doctor, who is okay whether your immunize or not, related it to the stock market. Basically you do your research and make a decision and then you need to be okay with the outcome as nothing is guaranteed. You can immunize your kids and then they still can get the disease or maybe get something that is linked to immunizations and you still have to be okay with your decision. Or you can choose not to, and then your kid can get the disease and you have to be okay with that. The book that I loved reading was "What Every Parent Should know about childhood Immunizations" Good luck with your decision. I'm glad you found a pediatrician who is open to either option.

I am studying this subject for a school paper and the best source I found was The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears. You can get it at Amazon and probably and a Barnes and Noble. It is informational and true to both sides of the issue. I personally immunize because my children have been to or will be going to Asia and Africa and I don't want to take any chances, but he has a good schedule to spread the vaccines out over more months or even a selective schedule of the most necessary vaccines. Good luck!

That is a challenge that I have struggled with since my daughter was born 16 months ago. There is so many things to read and the Dr.'s just have an agenda for the shots. I was referred to a book called "How to raise a healthy child, in spite of your Doctor" by Roberts Mendelsohn. He is a doctor and has pretty firm information on immunizations. Hope this helps.

Hi C.~
I am so glad that you are willing to educate yourself on the immunizations before you decide to do them or not!! A great website is 909shot.com. My son does not have any immunizations, nor will he. You can always wait until your daughter is a little older. One of facts that always makes me think is... they give the same immunization to you that they give to your 6 month old daughter. Any other medication is given in a lower dosage... isn't that strange? Hope that helps.

J.

My husband, a chiropractor by profession, had me read the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations." To be honest, it almost made things worse because it was so objective in presenting both sides! In the end, I decided (for hubby let me make the final decision despite his strong feelings on the matter) that I'd rather take my chances with nature than with the vaccines. Perhaps you'll choose differently, but I think this book is an excellent source to let you make up your own mind!

I know your not asking for personal opinions but there are 2 thoughts rarely stated in this

1. It is not the other American children you need worry about when your child is not immunized, it the person who came in contact with the third world that will carry something to your child. These diseases are real and still kill.
2. Autism is not necessarily rising--it is just more widely recognized and diagnosed then it was years ago. As are many other conditions. People with epilepsy use to be put in institutions for instance-no more people now have it-it is just diagnosed correctly.

My friend who has also struggled with this issue ALOT found comfort and balance in Dr. Sears' new vaccination book that came out in December, I believe.

I am also looking into this issue, as I am currently pregnant. I just purchased a book on the topic by Robert Sears but have not had much time to do more than flip through it. It is the most current book I could find and the Sears name is well respected in the parenting community. I hope this helps.

First of all... Good job on deciding to your own research before you decide. I am still battling eith these decisions daily. Here are a few websites I found very helpful. I plan on buying some books soon. There are a lot on Amazon.

http://iansvoice.org/default.aspx

http://drtenpenny.com/Documents/the%20truth%20about%20the...

http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller14.html

http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller15.html

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/4871067965174317057

Hi C.,

I know this response is a little late in coming, but I just wanted to respond. There was a lot of good advice on websites and books to read. I chose to not immunize my son, because of this risks involved. We are fortunate that Colorado is a right to choose state and we can take an exemption. I have had a nurse say that is there is an outbreak of "X" then my son wouldn't be allowed to come to school. I have to say that if there was an outbreak of "X" I wouldn't want him there in any case! So that argument doesn't hold up with me.

Does your daughter have SPD? I am currently working with a biy who has SPD and we have seen great results. There are many integrative medicine techniques that you can use. I would be happy to chat with you more about that if you would like.

Best of health,
R. www.myherblady.com

Immunizing is a tough call to make, and a personal decision at that...I did end up choosing to immunize my now 13 month old daughter. However I felt like I just ended up giving in because I didn't know enough about any alternatives. I wouldn't be afraid to begin some research using the internet. I wonder if you could find out some names of people who are researchers or specialists on this topic via "google". I know in San Diego there is the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Maybe they would have some resources for you??? Good luck with your research:) Sincerely,
C.

Now I do not have any research to provide but I am a SAHM of 4 children. We had our 1st 3 kids have their shots as the doctor's recommended and they have all been fine. Though my 11 year old went in for her tdap (whooping caugh is part of this!) shot in November and ended up with an awful cough 2 days later! We have always been skeptical and with our 4th child (now 3)she still got her shots but I limited it to ONE shot per visit-therefore, yes, she is "behind" according to the charts but her body has not been overloaded with injections-the ratios of the drugs put in the little bodies is outrageous and ridiculous(my opinion) and we are much more comfortable doing it this way. The doctor's cannot make you catch up or get any shots. If you are not comfortable with it- put it off till you are able to make a decision you would be comfortable with. Just my opinions and experience here. Good luck!

I have family on both sides of the issue. The main issue, if you read studies, is to actually wait until after 2 years of age, instead of the state recommended before. So, if you're not sure, compromise with yourself and just wait until after age two.

My son is 5 now - I went through the same struggles - we ended up doing all shots except hepatitis (for a baby????)- I just could not do it. He just started his Hep series and seems fine with it now. I appeased most of my worries by doing one shot at a time every 4-6 months. We see Nancy Dawson at Dublin Primary - very much in tune with mothers concerns - she writes the batch numbers and really cares about our worries. Girls have less incidence of autism than boys which may calm your fears. Choosing a homeopathic doctor is the first RIGHT step - they are hard to come by. Perhaps one shot at a time will ease your mind. I am a special needs preschool teacher and have always been sure vaccinations are linked to autism - now I am interested in the genetic link and the effects of mercury everywhere in our environment - even in the mother's tooth fillings! Good luck to you (relax - you will get through it and it will be ok! It seems like just yesterday - don't let anyone bully you!)