Hi Jen- boy what a question! This is something that I feel you really need to do some serious research on to find your own comfort in knowledge. Over the years I have done some research and the outcome left me quite uneasy about the "safety" and "effectiveness" of vaccines. There have been events (outbreaks) throughout the last couple of years that have also raised concern as to the effectiveness of vaccines. Also for my family, we have been around some folks who have experiences with vaccines that we have insight to. Don't be afraid to ask what others have experienced.
My first suggestion would be to know your family and its history regarding vaccines. How have other family members reacted or not to them and mostly how have you and your husband reacted. Also, take into consideration how you and our husband react to medicines in a general sense.
Secondly, ask yourself if there are family members who have children with concerning conditions such as anything on the autism spectrum, retardation, developmental delays etc. Do you know of the circumstances surrounding the conditions?
Thirdly, weigh your family's risk factor for "exposure". What type of environment do you live in?
Lastly, research the very fine details of potential risk factors (those often not mentioned or brushed by) and determine whether or not that is a risk you and your family should take. Do not rely on Dr.'s info- really look into this on our own- there is lots of material out there. Know how the meds are made!!
For our family it was a conflicted decision because my husband wasn't inclined to research (I felt he needed to read his own materials and come to his own conclusion on this) and tried to hold the position that because meds are FDA approved (this should be something you research anyway regarding meds as a a whole) and that vacs are "mandated" we had to do it. In the end it was decided that our daughter will not be vaccinated. (Please contact me personally if you want to know more- as I said, this is a personal decision and I am not open for debate on what I feel is necessary for my family.)
You can be selective and you can choose a delayed vaccine schedule if that is of more comfort to you. I beleive many peds will also accomodate separation of vaccines (MMR etc). However, should you choose to forego vaccines the State of Ohio allows 3 forms of exemption and do not be fooled by anyone claiming it is against the law or that you cannot enroll your children in school- FALSE! (Check out Ohio Revised Code for how vaccination regulation reads)
Most of all, make the decision based on being informed and in respect to our family's beliefs- you are mom and you need to do what you feel is in best interst of your family.
Good luck with your decision.