vaccanations? opinions?

newyoungmama · August 2009

not to stir a pot, but I figured this would be the best board to post on.

DD has not had any vaccinations yet, and i'm pretty sure it will stay that way.

although, I wamt to and need to hear different opinions and info. I NEED this to be a very well informed decision. any help?

ncbelle · August 2009

What have you already read? We chose to do most vaxing on schedule although we are skipping some and delaying others. If you haven't already, I think the Sears Vaccine book is a good place to start that has straightforward info and can direct you to other resources.

flutiefrostie · August 2009

I would recommend reading up not only on the vaccines, but on the diseases they cause. I feel like people forget how serious they can be.

DH works in the medical field and I used to (and hopefully will again). We will vaccinate on schedule.

flutiefrostie · August 2009

Oh, I should also say that I get very upset when people describe the makers of vaccines as greedy and only wanting to make vaccines to make money. They actually do care about the people who receive their vaccines. DH created a vaccine for the plague for his master's degree.

star173 · August 2009

I think you should read a lot. I would read all the pro and anti vax stuff you can get your hands on. I read the vaccine book and many many many websites, including the CDC and vaclib.

We decided to selectively vaccinate and go at a very slow pace. PM me if you want more info.

bbowie · August 2009

Dr. Sears vaccine book. Lays out the pros and cons to each vaccine and their ingredients. Gives alternative schedules too. This book actually calmed my fears and we went ahead with a delayed schedule...DS is fully vaccinated now except for the MMR and had zero reactions...not even a fever.

Mrs_Liberto · August 2009

I agree w/ pp's that vax should be on some form of an alternate schedule (ala Dr. Sears, et al) but am adamant that my child(ren) will have all of the vaccines we can give them.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I feel parents who do not vaccinate are risking the lives of not only their children but also the the other kids they interact with. Vaccines are based on the "herd" theory and as more and more people choose to not vaccinate, we (as a society) will become more and more likely to have scary diseases return. We've all seen exactly how fast H1N1 flu has spread around the world due to air travel. I would hate to have that happen with something like polio.

Angela814 · August 2009

flutiefrostie:
I would recommend reading up not only on the vaccines, but on the diseases they cause. I feel like people forget how serious they can be.

This. I work in the medical field and have been involved in research. There is a lot involved in any clinical trial to get a drug or a device approved as safe and effective. DD has been vaccinated on the normal schedule. I feel like I would be working in the wrong field if I didn't believe in following the research and current medical advice.

Hippinski · August 2009

I urge people to do all kinds of research on both sides of the issue. But the biggest thing I advocate is to know what is exactly in each of the vaccines you choose to give. There are a lot of additives that you may or may not know of and if you have an allergy to one of them it is important to know that so you can weigh the benefits and the risks.

And I speak from experience because I am highly allergic to Neomycin and can't have any vaccines that have use it as one of the fillers. Which is pretty much every vaccine on the market. Sad

Alligator · August 2009

I agree with reading Dr. Sear's Vaccine book. After researching, we decided to vax on schedule (give or take a little). Our pediatrician is also a REALLY close family friend and I trust his opinion 100%. I felt like there was more of a risk for DS to not vaccinate him. I also felt like he needed to "take one for the team" in order to help keep some of these illnesses away.

kbud9 · August 2009

Alligator:
I agree with reading Dr. Sear's Vaccine book. After researching, we decided to vax on schedule (give or take a little). Our pediatrician is also a REALLY close family friend and I trust his opinion 100%. I felt like there was more of a risk for DS to not vaccinate him. I also felt like he needed to "take one for the team" in order to help keep some of these illnesses away.

Well said. There is more public risk not to vaccinate at all and I find it socially irresponsible not to get any vaccinations.

HappyHearts · August 2009

bbowie:
Dr. Sears vaccine book. Lays out the pros and cons to each vaccine and their ingredients. Gives alternative schedules too. This book actually calmed my fears and we went ahead with a delayed schedule...DS is fully vaccinated now except for the MMR and had zero reactions...not even a fever.

this!!

Hippinski · August 2009

flutiefrostie:
Oh, I should also say that I get very upset when people describe the makers of vaccines as greedy and only wanting to make vaccines to make money. They actually do care about the people who receive their vaccines. DH created a vaccine for the plague for his master's degree.

And vice versa...I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.

Mrs_Liberto · August 2009

Hippinski:
I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.

Hippy, I TOTALLY disagree. While I think there are pockets of people who've done their homework on being completely anti-vax (or in your case, can't use them due to health concerns), I think those people are few and far between.

I think the majority of the population who've chosen not to vaccinate do so because they've heard anecdotal evidence that vaccines give kids autism (or, insert other scary healthy problem here) and haven't done any real research for themselves. Jenny McCarthy's anti-vax organization gets more hits and more press than the CDC's pro-vaccinations pages. That scares me.

goodheartedmommy · August 2009

Hippinski:

And vice versa...I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.

This.

I did a ton of research and feel confident in my decision. If anyone wants some links to furthur reading on it, you can pm me, but I'm not getting into lengthy discussions on here about it tonight.

goodheartedmommy · August 2009

Mrs_Liberto:
Hippinski:

I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.

Hippy, I TOTALLY disagree. While I think there are pockets of people who've done their homework on being completely anti-vax (or in your case, can't use them due to health concerns), I think those people are few and far between.

I think the majority of the population who've chosen not to vaccinate do so because they've heard anecdotal evidence that vaccines give kids autism (or, insert other scary healthy problem here) and haven't done any real research for themselves. Jenny McCarthy's anti-vax organization gets more hits and more press than the CDC's pro-vaccinations pages. That scares me.

That hasn't been the case in anyone I know that doesn't vaccinate.

newyoungmama · August 2009

sorry to "start things up.."

thanks SO MUCH for all your opinions and thoughts, like I said, before I make a decision I want to (and need to for DD's sake) make a completley well informed decision. while I have some beliefs as to a few things that have been said, I think im going to keep myself out, because I am not completley %100 informed!

thanks again!

Hippinski · August 2009

Mrs_Liberto:
Hippinski:
I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.
Hippy, I TOTALLY disagree. While I think there are pockets of people who've done their homework on being completely anti-vax (or in your case, can't use them due to health concerns), I think those people are few and far between.
I think the majority of the population who've chosen not to vaccinate do so because they've heard anecdotal evidence that vaccines give kids autism (or, insert other scary healthy problem here) and haven't done any real research for themselves. Jenny McCarthy's anti-vax organization gets more hits and more press than the CDC's pro-vaccinations pages. That scares me.

While I do understand your concerns no one I know choose not to vaccinate because of Jenny McCarthy.

Chrysallys · August 2009

Mrs_Liberto:
Hippinski:

I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.

Hippy, I TOTALLY disagree. While I think there are pockets of people who've done their homework on being completely anti-vax (or in your case, can't use them due to health concerns), I think those people are few and far between.

I think the majority of the population who've chosen not to vaccinate do so because they've heard anecdotal evidence that vaccines give kids autism (or, insert other scary healthy problem here) and haven't done any real research for themselves. Jenny McCarthy's anti-vax organization gets more hits and more press than the CDC's pro-vaccinations pages. That scares me.

We are choosing to use an alternative/delayed schedule with some vaxs not being given at all because of autism fears. However, we are not doing this because of Jenny McCarthy. We are doing it because DH already has an autistic son and if you have one autistic child the chances go up to have another one, especially if it's a boy. DH saw a difference in his first son after vax so we are choosing to not take the chance with this DS.

My pedi is supportive of our decision and is of our mind set. He has spent a lot of time talking to parents of autistic children so he understands where we are coming from.

GypsyEsq · August 2009

Mothering magazine has a good article on vaccinations this month. It specifically discusses the "protecting the herd" idea of vaccination and how it doesn't really apply to certain diseases that have been all but eliminated. Obviously reasonable minds differ on this topic but I think it's a good idea to read as much as you can on the subject -- this particular article is footnoted with additional reading material.

otc · August 2009

I am a nurse who had whooping cough a few years ago and it was 6 weeks of hell. I can't imagine a child with this, especially a newborn. If you do chose not to vaccinate, please get yourself updated with a TDap. Most children get their whooping cough(pertussis) from their parents. At least that's what I learned last year.

I follow the alternate vaccine schedule as per Dr Sears. I am allergic to thimerosol and have reacted to shots, not from the med but skin problems from the thimerosol. I only can have single vial doses without this preservative. My grandmother got french polio from the swine flu shot so I'm also slow due to the history. I always get my flu shot though.

If you don't get immunized are you going to seek out chicken pox at a young age, like 3 or 4 to prevent the adult onset which has more risks? Are you going to give your children the option to get immunized when they are older and it's their choice? If they get ill how will you explain your choices? If they die from a "preventable" disease, how will you handle your guilt? Once they are past the autism onset age, are you going to immunize? Is that 18 months or so? Whatever your choce, may sure you consider the outcome either way.

GretchenlovesMichael · August 2009

i agree with all who have said to make sure it's a very informed decision. we did a ton of research and fully planned on an alternate sched. but in the end we opted to vax on the standard sched. and i feel confident in that decision. i respect everyone's right to choose what works for their family, i am just very pro-information on this

tiggernorton04 · August 2009

Mrs_Liberto:
Hippinski:
I would like to point out that not everyone who doesn't vaccinate are doing it to be difficult or irresponsible. I think most people who skip, delay or abstain do so only after careful thought and research.
Hippy, I TOTALLY disagree. While I think there are pockets of people who've done their homework on being completely anti-vax (or in your case, can't use them due to health concerns), I think those people are few and far between.
I think the majority of the population who've chosen not to vaccinate do so because they've heard anecdotal evidence that vaccines give kids autism (or, insert other scary healthy problem here) and haven't done any real research for themselves. Jenny McCarthy's anti-vax organization gets more hits and more press than the CDC's pro-vaccinations pages. That scares me.

I strongly disagree--we are strongly considering not vaccinating and have done LOTS of research! I've been to lectures, read books and watched documentaries. And I know a few people who are also not vaccinating and these are some of the most educated people (on the topic) that I know of. I can't think of anyone I know who would make SUCH an important decision without doing the research.

But to answer your question, there's another good book by Dr. Stephanie Cave, called something along the lines of WHat your pediatrician may not tell you about vaccines.

goodheartedmommy · August 2009

otc:

I am a nurse who had whooping cough a few years ago and it was 6 weeks of hell. I can't imagine a child with this, especially a newborn. If you do chose not to vaccinate, please get yourself updated with a TDap. Most children get their whooping cough(pertussis) from their parents. At least that's what I learned last year. The vaccine does not prevent transmission, meaning you can still carry the bacteria, you just do not have the symptoms of the disease.

I follow the alternate vaccine schedule as per Dr Sears. I am allergic to thimerosol and have reacted to shots, not from the med but skin problems from the thimerosol. I only can have single vial doses without this preservative. My grandmother got french polio from the swine flu shot so I'm also slow due to the history. I always get my flu shot though.

If you don't get immunized are you going to seek out chicken pox at a young age, like 3 or 4 to prevent the adult onset which has more risks? Yes, pox parties are very common actually. Are you going to give your children the option to get immunized when they are older and it's their choice? Of course. If they get ill how will you explain your choices? To who? If they die from a "preventable" disease, how will you handle your guilt? If your child dies as a result of an immunization, how will you handle your guilt? If they suffer life long consequences as a result of a vaccine, how will you handle that (and not just talking autism)? Every action has a possible consequence. I recognize that there is a chance that my child could die of a VPD, but I also recognize that while they are more likely to get a VPD, they are less likely to suffer serious outcomes or death from those. Once they are past the autism onset age, are you going to immunize? No, autism is not the reason I choose not to vaccinate Is that 18 months or so? Whatever your choce, may sure you consider the outcome either way. Right back at you.

lanie26 · August 2009

I had whooping cough as a child and nothing was more horrifying. Nothing. I remember crawling down the hall trying to get air otc. Scary ***.

Anyway I just like when the debate gets into the "the most educated people i know don't vaccinate" area. That's always good for a laugh.

Nothing like an attitude of arrogance to those whose "ignoranta nd uneducated decisions" will likely keep your children protected.

iris427 · August 2009

GypsyEsq:
Mothering magazine has a good article on vaccinations this month. It specifically discusses the "protecting the herd" idea of vaccination and how it doesn't really apply to certain diseases that have been all but eliminated. Obviously reasonable minds differ on this topic but I think it's a good idea to read as much as you can on the subject -- this particular article is footnoted with additional reading material.

I don't believe that at all. Many "all but eliminated" diseases are coming back because fewer people are vaccinating.

Mothering magazine isn't exactly an objective source LOL.

otc · August 2009

goodheartedmommy:
otc:

I am a nurse who had whooping cough a few years ago and it was 6 weeks of hell. I can't imagine a child with this, especially a newborn. If you do chose not to vaccinate, please get yourself updated with a TDap. Most children get their whooping cough(pertussis) from their parents. At least that's what I learned last year. The vaccine does not prevent transmission, meaning you can still carry the bacteria, you just do not have the symptoms of the disease.

I follow the alternate vaccine schedule as per Dr Sears. I am allergic to thimerosol and have reacted to shots, not from the med but skin problems from the thimerosol. I only can have single vial doses without this preservative. My grandmother got french polio from the swine flu shot so I'm also slow due to the history. I always get my flu shot though.

If you don't get immunized are you going to seek out chicken pox at a young age, like 3 or 4 to prevent the adult onset which has more risks? Yes, pox parties are very common actually. Are you going to give your children the option to get immunized when they are older and it's their choice? Of course. If they get ill how will you explain your choices? To who? If they die from a "preventable" disease, how will you handle your guilt? If your child dies as a result of an immunization, how will you handle your guilt? If they suffer life long consequences as a result of a vaccine, how will you handle that (and not just talking autism)? Every action has a possible consequence. I recognize that there is a chance that my child could die of a VPD, but I also recognize that while they are more likely to get a VPD, they are less likely to suffer serious outcomes or death from those. Once they are past the autism onset age, are you going to immunize? No, autism is not the reason I choose not to vaccinate Is that 18 months or so? Whatever your choce, may sure you consider the outcome either way. Right back at you.

This wasn't personally directed at anyone. You sound, grr?

If you're not coughing up a storm, you probably won't transmit whooping cough it as it's transmitted airborn.So you won't be sick=they most likely won't get sick and since you already had the vaccine as a child and didn't die from it it's a great opportunity to prevent the transmission.

You kids may ask you why after they have had one of the preventable illnesses snd find out their friends had vaccinations against them.

Are you actually going to go to a pox party or have you been to one? What do you tell your kids? I find this fascinating. What age will you seek it out?

Just like anything, it you could have a do over, many people wish for one. Like with smoking and lung cancer, if only...

And most of the people that I know who chose not to vaccinate did so because of autism. That's why I ask.

otc · August 2009

I also read the book, A Shot in the Dark, it was eye opening but still I vaccinated.

MrsGo4Hockeychick · August 2009

we mostly follow Dr Sears schedule. We skipped rotovirus because our pedi screwed up. We will skip chicken pox until 1st grade, unless she gets it before then (and we will try to expose her between 3 and 4).

The people I know who have done the least amount of research into vaccines are the people who follow the regular schedule.

I don't care what you do with your kid. My kid will be protected because they are vaxed. But I think regardless of which decision you make, it should be done with research into your decision. I think blindly following any advice is bad form. Whether the person you're following is Jenny McCarthy or the APA.

otc · August 2009

I also think that I will try to avoid the chicken pox vaccine until kindergarten. If he gets it, so be it. One of my coworkers kids became blind in one eye because he had a pox in it. There is a lot of pressure from her to get it done. It's supposed to be at 15 months at our clinic.

When are you doing the MMR? Are you going to wait for seperate shots?

angelynn8411 · August 2009

we read The Vaccine Book by Dr Sears. We chose to spread out her vaccines, but she will be receiving all of them eventually. We give her one at a time, starting at 4 months, and get them 6 weeks apart until she has them all. insurance still covers it, pedi is fine with it, and DD has had no side effects whatsoever so far. We are pleased with it this way, but do what is right for you. I do agree with PP that you should definitely read up on the diseases/risks, etc to take all things in to consideration.

Temp108743750006959 · August 2009

what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.

Hippinski · August 2009

vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.

And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.

lanie26 · August 2009

Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.

The poster's point was that a ton of people on here went down the "everyone I know who doesn't vaccinate are super educated people, far more than those ignoramuses who vaccinate" path. Which is funny, given the OP. Get it now?

Temp108743750006959 · August 2009

Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.

sure, and that's good.

but you know, not everyone has time or resources to do that or the intelligence (and I am NOT saying newyoungmama isn't intelligent) to decipher the research. and she did seem certain right off the bat 'DD has not had any vaccinations yet, and i'm pretty sure it will stay that way.'

I am all for asking questions, questioning the norm, digger deeper, and so on. but i also feel many don't bother with all that...they watch Jenny on Oprah and the decision is made.

Temp108743750006959 · August 2009

lanie26:
Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.
The poster's point was that a ton of people on here went down the "everyone I know who doesn't vaccinate are super educated people, far more than those ignoramuses who vaccinate" path. Which is funny, given the OP. Get it now?

yeah, pretty much. And I am not pointing any fingers at newyoungmama either b/c I've been there. I mean, come on, our NEWS is sensationalistic and even the Weather Channel has frigging cliffhangers, so it makes sad sense that people hear a snippet about vaxes and just make a snap decision. I've done it. It's takes a lot of effort to (1) stay calm and (2) do sound research. Personally, I turn to my pedi cause the I think she is an expert and I am def not.

lanie26 · August 2009

vccake:
lanie26:
Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.
The poster's point was that a ton of people on here went down the "everyone I know who doesn't vaccinate are super educated people, far more than those ignoramuses who vaccinate" path. Which is funny, given the OP. Get it now?
yeah, pretty much. And I am not pointing any fingers at newyoungmama either b/c I've been there. I mean, come on, our NEWS is sensationalistic and even the Weather Channel has frigging cliffhangers, so it makes sad sense that people hear a snippet about vaxes and just make a snap decision. I've done it. It's takes a lot of effort to (1) stay calm and (2) do sound research. Personally, I turn to my pedi cause the I think she is an expert and I am def not.

Ooooh thems' fighting words here!!!! (re: Pedi) many people believe that after reading a book or two, they know more than their physicians. It's quite interesting.

tiggernorton04 · August 2009

lanie26:
Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.
The poster's point was that a ton of people on here went down the "everyone I know who doesn't vaccinate are super educated people, far more than those ignoramuses who vaccinate" path. Which is funny, given the OP. Get it now?

I don't think ANYBODY said that those who vaccinate are ignorant or idiots. It's a personal choice.

Temp108743750006959 · August 2009

lanie26:
vccake:
lanie26:
Hippinski:
vccake:
what's interesting about all this is that I am not so sure 'newyoungmama', the original poster, did most research, but seemed damned sure she wasn't giving her child any vaxes. just a guess or a feeling. i could be wrong, of course.
And everyone urged her to do research and to educate herself.
The poster's point was that a ton of people on here went down the "everyone I know who doesn't vaccinate are super educated people, far more than those ignoramuses who vaccinate" path. Which is funny, given the OP. Get it now?
yeah, pretty much. And I am not pointing any fingers at newyoungmama either b/c I've been there. I mean, come on, our NEWS is sensationalistic and even the Weather Channel has frigging cliffhangers, so it makes sad sense that people hear a snippet about vaxes and just make a snap decision. I've done it. It's takes a lot of effort to (1) stay calm and (2) do sound research. Personally, I turn to my pedi cause the I think she is an expert and I am def not.
Ooooh thems' fighting words here!!!! (re: Pedi) many people believe that after reading a book or two, they know more than their physicians. It's quite interesting.

lol, but I didn't mean it for a fight. I do think people should question -- we should not be sheep when it comes to the medical field. but on that same token, we should not be sheep to scare tactics or miracle cures, etc. etc. it's not easy to be a momma in this day and age.

MrsGo4Hockeychick · August 2009

otc:
I also think that I will try to avoid the chicken pox vaccine until kindergarten. If he gets it, so be it. One of my coworkers kids became blind in one eye because he had a pox in it. There is a lot of pressure from her to get it done. It's supposed to be at 15 months at our clinic.

When are you doing the MMR? Are you going to wait for seperate shots?

personally, if they start producing the separate M,M & R shots before K starts school, we will do that. If they don't she will have the MMR before she starts school and not until then.

I had chicken pox twice as a kid...and it most definitely was worse the second time I had it. It's more dangerous the older you are. So I do want her immunized, but from what I've read/heard, natural immunity is better for the pox especially. I saw a local news article a while back that talked about pox outbreaks in high school because the vax had worn off (I'm not sure if they are now recommending a booster or not), and I'd rather her miss the school, etc when it doesn't matter as much than have her miss a week in high school.

jebuell · August 2009

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned (or at least I didn't see it, honestly, I skipped most of the replied posts)- ask your parents if YOU had any reactions to vaccination. If you had a bad reaction research what may have caused that reaction and if it's possible that your child might have the same one.

DH had a HORRIBLE reaction to a couple of his, though back then they gave them to you almost all at once so his Mom doesn't know which ones caused it. I also had a horrible reaction to a booster shot (had a small seizure and couldn't walk for a week, oh yeah, and this was a few days before kindergarten started... great way to start out school- the kid in the wheelchair who doesn't understand why!), though no reaction to the actual vaccine which my pedi thought was weird. But allergies can develop over time.

My Dad doesn't want me to do any vaccinations. And this is a very well-educated pharmacist who has done a lot of research in the area and deals with it first hand on a daily basis. I do not plan on doing no vaccinations, but because of my history and DH's history we will do only one at a time on an extended schedule and some will be skipped. Because of our proximity to a third world country where large numbers of the population do not have access to vaccines our children will be more at risk of "eradicated" diseases so to skip them altogether is not something I am comfortable with.

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