Immunizations - Akron,OH

Updated on March 19, 2009
J.K. asks from Cuyahoga Falls, OH
34 answers

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about immunizations and the possible links to neurological disorders, such as Autism, etc. Does anyone feel strongly, one way or the other? I was just curious because of all the media coverage on this topic.

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So What Happened?

I want to let everyone know that I believe EVERY child should be vaccinated-I never said that I was not going to protect my children. I simply wanted to hear others opinions on the matter, one way or the other. So, for those mothers who shared their personal stories with me-thank you.

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S.M.

answers from Dayton on

Lots of people say there is a connection between vaccines and autism. Any scientist will tell you that the evidence just isn't there. Autism becomes evident at about the same age that children are receiving their vaccinations, so people jumped to the conclusion that it must be the vaccines. Scientifically, that is the ONLY correlation. There are many other variables--allergens, food additives, pesticides, pollutants, to mention a few--that have NOT been studied. Because of the rumors, vaccines HAVE been evaluated, and all studies have been negative. They have shown that vaccines do not cause autism.

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P.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

We have only done the flu shots, the mist because we think it is most likely he would catch that and the nasal mist version does not have any thimerosol in it.

We read Dr. Sears' Vaccine Book, a fairly unbiased book. We will probably get the chickenpox vaccine soon. I think that the vaccine schedule by the CDC is too aggressive. If and when we have to get vaccines, at least my son's system will be a lot stronger.

If you do the research, you will see that they have no idea how these multiple vaccines interact, and the number suggested are significantly higher than what we got as kids.
Also, some of th combos don't make sense to me in this day and age. For example, we would have gotten the whooping cough vaccine if it weren't bundled with diptheria and tetanus. I think my son could have been in danger of getting pertusis (wc), but we aren't going to visit any third world countries where diptheria is prevalent, and I didn't think it was likely he'd be stepping on any rusty nails before the age of 2. If he got a wound nasty enough to require a tetanus shot, we would have been in the emergency room anyway, and he would get it then. Just an example of one shot.

I also don't trust that the pharmaceutical companies are acting in my best interest, so I think this like any product consumption requires the "buyer beware" philosophy.

Good luck!

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D.M.

answers from Columbus on

I am a mother of 4 with my oldest being 16. They have all had all of their immunizations and have had no problems. I feel the media is just trying to stir things up like they do. I don't take much stock in what they say about the immunizations causing autism or other things. Immunizations were given to us a children and many generations before us. I just don't believe what they say.

D. M.

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T.V.

answers from South Bend on

You have to make your own choice. I have seven beautiful daughters. The first two we started with shots. The first one started out okay and then the second one had a seizure after having shots at a year and a half old. It was quite scary but I chose after that not to immunize. I was told that the likelihood of her having more seizures was very high. My last five children have had no shots and have been healthier than the first two. With the first two we went through lots of ear infections, colds, always sick. These last five are lucky to get a cold every now and then. My 8-year-old has been to the doctor maybe twice in her whole life and it was for strep throat. My doctor knows that I only come in if my children are sick, why would I take them in to a place where there are sick people when they are healthy. I feel very strong about this and I know there are people who disagree strongly but my belief is that my God is a big God and he can protect them from the biggest diseases! You have to do what you think is best for your children and yes I have been told I am very ignorant but experience speaks for itself! My children range from 17 to 5 months. I hope this helps your decision.

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C.S.

answers from Canton on

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.

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J.D.

answers from Columbus on

I am a mother of four, and I have had all of them immunized an schedule. My mom is a doctor, and hubby is a RN. There is no way I would have not gotten those shots! First of all, if I refuse immunizations and them my child gets a disease they could have been immunized against, wouldn't it be hypocritical of me to THEN request the assistance of the medical community? SEcondly, the drugs used to fight most diseases are much worse than the immunizations, not to mention that many of the diseases are deadly. Yeah, polio has pretty much been eradicated, but every person who was ever given the vaccine is currently shedding live polio cells, our water supply is full of them, and that is how the illness gets around, stop immunizing and see an outbreak! I personally felt I would be doing a disservice to my children by NOT immunizing them.

All parents are entitled to do what they feel is in the best interest of their child/children, and while I don't understand or agree with not having your kids immunized, I tend to think that others will do what they feel is best and I will do what I feel is best, and on this matter, it is usually best to agree to disagree or else someone is bound to be upset/offended. I think you should do your own research, make your own decisions, and be proud that you are doing what you think/feel is best for your child.

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi Jen,

As the mother of a vaccine-injured child, I am a bit biased. But what I recommend to others that ask (I don't offer any info otherwise since it is so controversial) I think you should thoroughly do your research and decide for yourself.
http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/
Most people that are totally for vaccines have never truly researched the other end of things. I found out the hard way because I was one of those people.

I just have to add that I find it funny that people that believe in fully vaccinating without question, worry that unvaccinated kids may harm their children. If the vaccines work - what is there to worry about? AND you do have rights - you do NOT have to vaccinate to send your kids to school.

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P.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I agree with Cyn S. Do the research and make the decision that allows you to sleep better at night. Most of all do not surrender your gut instinct and rights as a parent or individual to a medical professional or system that is failable. You do have a choice and your child can go to school either way. It's a hard decision and I wish you peace during the process. You are welcome to contact me personally if you want more personal experience information.

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S.K.

answers from Evansville on

I have four children. My oldest was just fine until his second set of shots. Then he developed eczema and developmental delays. Note that he was doubled up on the shots on this visit because my husband was in the military, he got an ear infection, they skipped one round and doubled up on the next.
My daughter got hers on schedule and has never had any problems.
My third child however, was born with getting water in his lungs during birth. He was very sick with ear infections, asthma, colds, pneumonia and the such until he was about three. He had to skip appox. 3 regular immunizations. He was perfectly fine developmentally until we moved to a different state and his new pediatrician went bullistic that he was so far behind. She demanded that he get everything at one visit. When I objected she actually picked up the phone and threatened to call social services. We relented and let her give him the shots. It was a nightmare for the next four years. He became uncommunicative, violent. We spent day after day living in hell! He was diagnosed with ODD, put on meds for ADHD (thay made him bug out even more), bipolar, and possibly autism. Social Services was called because somehow, our home must be the problem. After many different doctors, hospitalizations for the major behavioral problems, and years of crying almost 24/7 by everyone in my family, we found a doctor willing to take the time and go through his history. Guess what? He was confirmed with Aspergers via testing last fall. Everyone else had refused to do the testing! The doctor we were working with had been treating him for bi-polar. We had started giving him acidopholos about three years ago, the same time the bipolar meds were started. Now that he is properly diagnosed, all he is on is the Acidopholus and guess what, normal, mostly fully functioning, reasonable, and smart 13 year old, wise beyond his years. And getting better every day. Functioning at grade level in school for the first time. Immunize but don't let anyone bully you into multiple doses and stretch them out as far as possible. I wish I could sue that no good, holier than thou pediatrician, but there is no proof and the time has run out. These are your kids, call their bluff, stand your ground and take advice from someone who has been there. They ruined my child, he will have to live with the reputation he got for the rest of his life. Its in his records, and they won't remove the wrong diagnoses.

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D.T.

answers from Muncie on

We were able to pick and we choose which shots she gets based on necessity and the likely hood of her contracting the specific illnesses. Some shots to need to be started early because several need to be given to build the immunity properly. Some shots can be avoided until she is older and more likely to come in contact with those illnesses. Like a flu shot, the flu could be deadly for a baby, but my daughter was never in daycare and still isn't that exposed to other children, so that's one we skip. Our doctor is really good and he explaines each and ever shot recomended at each if her check ups and he let's us choose. She a happy healthy 2.5 year old now.

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T.B.

answers from Columbus on

Just wanted to let you know that your child does NOT need to be vaccinated to go to public school. They tell you that - but it is simply not true and I speak from experience. Thank God the government can not MAKE us vaccinate our children.
Best of luck with your decision. . . it is a tough one and you will get different information in your research. . . a lot of it comes down to who paid for the studies.
T.

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N.R.

answers from Cleveland on

GET YOUR CHILD VACCINATED! There is no scientific link between vaccinations and autism or other neurological disorders. This is a myth that has been perpetuated and needs to come to an end. It is more important for you to protect your child from life-threatening diseases that could lead to death. There is a reason why kids don't get polio or die from rubella anymore. If you do not get your child vaccinated, you will find it difficult to ennroll them in school. Follow the schedule that your pediatrician has for vaccinations. The other parent who responded did not do this and had to "catch up" on vaccinations. I don't necessarily think that that was what lead to the behavioral problems, but it is generally not a good idea to get all vaccinations and boosters in a short period of time. Her pediatrician was wrong in doing. I have never seen any ontoward effects in my child with her vaccinations.

If you are afraid of autism and ADHD, don't feed your child artifucial flavors and colors and preservatives. Yes, the ready-made meals are easy, but this is what will cause problems in your child. There is scientific evidence for this. Feed your child fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products and don't feed them snacks that are chocked full of chemicals.

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D.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

This can be a touchy subject because it's somewhat controversial. Talk with your doctor about it. Go to your nearest medical library and read the (many) studies done in the past 10 years in several countries. There is NO conclusive link between the vaccines and autism. In fact, the rate of autism has gone up in the last 10 years or so since mercury was taken out of most of the vaccines in the US. There are thermosil-free (the most controversial ingredient) vaccines you can ask your doctor for. My pediatrician says most of his moms that worry just tell him 'no vaccines' and don't even ask for them even though they are readily available. In fact, it's all his office uses. Many studies do prove the many benefits of the vaccines, though.

Please do not research this online because many websites are very biased one way or the other. There is also alot of false information or very out-dated information because many websites do not cite sources. I've seen many anti-vaccine website talk about vaccines that haven't been used in the US for 20 years but make it sound like it just happened. So just go read the studies yourself and get the hard data and then make up your own mind.

I often see the "my child doesn't go to daycare so they don't need the shots" excuse. Those people really need to think. Do older siblings go to school? Do friends come over to play? Are they at the playground or McDonald's playland? Do they go to library storytime? Do they go to the grocery store or toy store? Are they in a playgroup? Do you or your spouse go to work? All of those situation expose your young child to a myriad of diseases that their young body may not be capable of fighting off. And there's no such thing as "just the chicken pox or measles". People get very sick from them and spend time in the hospital. Children used to die from the chicken pox and measles. Herd immunity has been a great thing.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Jen,

I have to agree wholeheartedly with Nancy and Jennifer - get your children immunized. It protects not only your children but others as well. We are fortunate that these terrible diseases are no longer taking the lives of our children and others with what we now realize are compromised immune systems.

There is no verifiable scientific information to support the idea that immunization causes the disorders mentioned - that's why you're seeing all the new media coverage. But we're learning all the time what these "convenient" chemicals, preservatives and sweeteners, are doing to our little ones and to us as we grow up.

Follow your pediatrician's schedule. Now I have to get my youngest in for the second round of her Hepatitis vaccine!

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N.S.

answers from Columbus on

You can get the book by Dr. Sears on immunizations which gives tons of information. I wish I had read the book b4 I had my son. I would have handled his immunizations differently (as in spacing out the imm.) Personally, I don't think that kids can get autism for immunizations. There might be a link that imm. can trigger autism but it could be that the kids that get autism are already pre-disposed to it or carry a gene. I think research w/autism is only in its infancy in conjunction w/imm. From what I learned, autism is genetic and cannot be caused by imm. But this is my personal opinion.

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R.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi Jen K,

This is a little bit of a "can of worms" but I'll answer your question.

I have very, very seletively immunized and certainly not on the agressive schedule that the CDC recommends at this time. I will not give the MMR and he has had a minimal number of "shots."

We made the right decision. I absolutely believe it in my gut. I will not take the risk and put him in a situation where there is any possible danger. There is no danger from possibly getting "Chicken Pox" but there is a danger that something about the preservative, or administration of immunizations contributes to health issues in certain children. We made the right decision not to take the chance. My boy is home with me, not in daycare, and was nursed, fed organic foods, etc. He is now 3 1/2 and bright, happy, talkative, funny, and socially interactive.

They said BPA in plastics was safe, too. Then, they retracted their statements and halted production and sales of BPA products for babies.

By the way, my son is very healthy and rarely, if ever sick. No ear infections, no nothing.

Good luck in your research!

All the best,

GW

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P.S.

answers from Elkhart on

I would have to say, I would bet the farm, and about all that I possess that my oldest son is autistic because of his MMR immunization. He was a normal, healthy boy by all the areas that the doctor checks and by watching him grow. He was babbling on time, talking on time, perhaps even a tad early. He was late in getting his MMR immunization, and within 6 weeks of getting the one that is suppose to be given around 1 he no longer spoke, he wiggled fingers in front of his eyes, he rocked, and eventually was diagnosed with PDD-NOS which is on the autism spectrum. We have done several therapies since and he is doing pretty well. He was given the immunization is the 1990's. Rumor has it that they have changed the shots. But rumor had it that there was NO link either. That must be why Eli Lilly tacked a rider on the Homeland security act just before it was voted on after 911 that holds they are never financially responsible for the effects that immunization could ever have. Hum... Amazing they happen to have a senitor right there..

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A.E.

answers from Columbus on

Jen, I didn't ahve a chance to read all of your responses but, just wanted to tell you 1 thing. I am registering my son for kindergarten in Ohio and I am almost 100% sure that immunizations are mandatorty before placing a child in a public school. I hope this helps.
A.

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

I was born at home in 1960 my grandmother delivered me . We were taken to the hospital later that day to be sure we were healthy. My parents never had me vacinated for anything. I am now 49 years old I had the chicken pox , I had the mumps, I had the german Measels as well all of which they now have immunizations for.In grade school they never pushed the issue of getting our shots, it's not like we were dogs and going to develope rabies. Jr. high came along and my parents refused to have me immunized on religious grounds.But my sickly sister 3 years younger than myself had all the shots. She continued to be ill so far her whole life, she is now 46 years old.We have a even younger half sister who up until she entered school was a very healthy child but then my step mother got all the shots and immunizations the schools asked for. After recieving these shots she became ill a lot and still does she is now 26 years old and a mother of two who have had all the shots and her children are always ill. So in saying this I think these immunizations are nothing more than poisons to our systems.I know many will disagree and that is okay every one has a opinion.But personally I would not have a child immunized.I have seen too many that they only made ill. The only immunization I have ever knowingly received was a tetnus shot after being bit by a stray dog that we had no idea if it could have had rabies.I was in my 30's then and the Dr. at the ER gave it to me before I could object.They had numbed my arm to stitch me up and just gave me the shot then asked me sign the papers. I was furious.
You have to make the right decision for your children but I believe they are no more than poisons.

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E.W.

answers from Cleveland on

My osteopath doesn't like immunizations but she said if I have to get them space them out and do not get more than one at a time. I did this with my youngest son. If you are near Richfield, Dr Cheryl Leuthauser from Integrative Wellness is a great doctor who specializes in natural remedies and is great with kids.

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S.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I think children need to be immunized. Without them we would be bringing back alot of diseases that have since been gone. Although there maybe a slight risk (maybe) with immunizations, the benefits far outway the risks. Besides, I don't think they can start school without them! And it is with good reason, I think.

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M.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

Jen...Have you already given your children immunizations? There is a lot to read out there about it. My grandson has Autism. It is a terrible disease. The measles wouldn't be that big a deal. Haven't we all had the measles? I would suggest studying up on the subject of Autism.

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J.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi, Jen,

I agree with everyone who said you need to research it to make your own informed decision. It's such a personal thing.

I do feel strongly about it --- for my children. But for those who immunize, I don't give it a second thought - it's their decision. Not my business.

I started out immunizing my oldest, but then he had a severe reaction (went to the ER) with the MMR, and soon after we saw a personality and behavioral change. So I quit with any vaccines I don't think are necessary. Neither has had the chicken pox vaccine. I know children die from the disease, but it is rare, and I believe that we are actually weakening our children's immune systems from all these vaccines.

My second child has had many less vaccines than my first child did. I do not regret the decision. Although she is exposed daily to many different children and germs and viruses, she is rarely ill. My oldest tends to get sick more often than his sister, but still not very much.

When it came time to give the second MMR, I refused it, and my pediatrician was fine with that. I told him I wanted to split them up, and so far my son has had the mumps vaccine. He will get rubella and measles in subsequent visits. I will split my daughter's MMR, also. Oh, and I also have them on a much delayed schedule - I think most vaccines are given way too soon. So that's another way to go - get the vaccines, but do it on a delayed schedule.

I wish you the best in making your decision, and please remember that whatever you decide, it will be the right decision for you and your family.

Blessings, J.

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D.D.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi Jen
God Bless for asking this question and having this concern. I am very passsionate about this topic, because a friend of mine swears her son's Austism was caused by his immunizations. He was fine, progressing well until around 14 - 15 mos when he got the needed immunizations. 1 1/2 days later he was "different". To the point she gave me information when I started to get my daughter immunized and here it is. There is an preservative, if you will, added to the vaccinations. The name of it is Thiomersal, it is a mercury based substance added to vaccines as a preservative to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. It is used for multi-dose vials, meaning once a vial is opened a needle can be introduced into that vial multiple times. So when your child is getting that particular vaccine and then the child in the next room gets the same one and then another child two hours later and so on. They will use the same vial, obviously another needle, this is perfectly fine but when this is done this preservative is added so it can be done. My pediatrician does not use the vaccines that have this addiative in it. So question your peds office and ask if they use multidose vials for vaccines, which I'm sure they do, then ask if it contains the addiative Thiosmersal. Hope this helps, and good luck!

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M.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi Jen,
I have to agree with the moms on here that you should space the shots out. You don't need to be a genius or even do research to realize that being injected with 6 different viruses at once isn't a great idea. First, think about how these vaccines work. You're basically injecting your child with a very small amount of a virus, so that they can build immunities to it. That's WAY too much for a little body to endure.

You also have to think about which ones are most important. When was the last time you knew of a kid that had polio, mumps or rubella? My son had the chicken pox at 9 months old which he contracted from an older cousin. Even though he hadn't been vaccinated (they don't recommend it until 1 year) he was still fine. His case was bad enough that he will never get the chicken pox again, but he barely had a fever the entire course of the disease. I consider him lucky because when I was growing up, my brother wasn't so lucky and had to be hospitalized. I was also breastfeeding at the time, which I think a lot of people don't think of as an immune booster.

There's also a lot of "my child doesn't do a, b, c, and d, so they're not suseptible to many diseases". Maybe that's true now, but what about when they have to go to school? Do they think they're the only parents in the school whose children aren't vaccinated? They're forgetting about immigrants whose religion is strongly against vaccination and come to this country possibly carrying diseases that you're choosing not to have your child vaccinated against. Because like other mom's have posted before, vaccination is NOT a requirement to enter a public school. They only request the info to see who is vaccinated and who isn't.

Personally, I don't get my son vaccinated for the flu. I think it's pointless. It only covers certain strains of the virus and may not cover the one that "goes around" that year. And I don't know how many times I've heard of people getting the flu after they've gotten the shot. You really need to think about this logically and statistically. I think spacing it out is your best option, but just make sure you do your research and ask a TON of questions when you go to the doctor. One more thing... If vaccines are the reason for autism, why doesn't everyone have it?

Good luck!

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J.A.

answers from Indianapolis on

My 3 month old niece passed away shortly after getting 8 different vaccinations all at once. I also have a friend who had 2 children both having negative reactions to the Hep B and the MMR shots.

Because of all of the terrible things we have witnessed through friends and family, we chose to have our children's vaccinations given one at a time. Yes, it meant more visits to the doctor's office (once a month for about a year...) but it was worth it.

Once my boys reached the year mark, I would allow for two at one time - but not if the vaccinations were mixed. For example, when they got their MMR's - that is ALL I would allow them to give at that time. Never anything else along with it. My children are healthy and developing nicely.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'm on the fence. I'm doing them but only one shot at a time. I think they've sufficiently proven that there's isn't a mercury-autism link (now they are working on pitocin and induced labors causing autism!)
I would get Dr. Sears's book on them. "The Vaccine Book" has pros, cons, ingredients, etc...all the stuff doctors don't bother to take the time to tell you.
There are a lot of scare tactics out there - "this is what your child can look like the day before they die from meningitis..." vs. "if you vaccinate your child can suffer long-term effects" so it's a lot of info to weed through.

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B.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

I know this is a growing concern, and know people who would swear that their children's issues were caused by vaccinations, but I've never been totally sure.

Both my daughters have had all their vaccinations, and have suffered no ill-consequences (aside from the usual soreness around the injection site or crabbiness from having gotten a shot) from the shots. Both my husband and I have felt that it is better to have the immunization then endure the consequences of getting whatever the immunization was to try to keep them from getting...that the possible consequences for actually getting something like polio might end up being worse than not having gotten the shot in the first place.

I will tell you that sometimes getting the shots at the pediatrician's office can be rather expensive, and the county health departments can administer the shots for considerably less than the pediatrician's office will usually charge.

For what it's worth, and good luck with your decision.

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M.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

Check out the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) to get information as to why it is so important to get your child immunized.

Right now there is no hard evidence linking vaccinations to autism. Please don't listen to Jenny McCarthy either. Seriously...she's terribly anti-vaccination but admits she's a Botox addict (i.e. she inject Botulism into her face).

Ultimately it is your family and your decision. Personally, we chose to be safe rather than sorry and have my son get measles or some other disease that could cause serious harm.

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B.K.

answers from Evansville on

You've gotten a lot of great responses and I feel the same; it's a very personal choice. The only thing I feel strongly about is that there is not enough unbiased, methodologically sound, scientific research to prove either way at this point. Be careful about who is publishing the studies because, once you dig deep enough, you will find many "researchers" have a financial tie to the vaccination companies. I question why so many new vaccines and why so many at one time at such a young age? It just doesn't seem natural to do that to a developing neurological system. However, I also do see some importance to vaccinations. Personally, I have chosen to vaccinate my son but on a delayed schedule and I am not stacking. I will not have him get any shots closer than two weeks together and I was even a little uneasy about that. I'm also not having my son get any shots that I don't feel are necessary. Just another opinion; good luck with your decision. Just keep in mind that no matter how things turn out you made the best decision you could with the information you had.

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J.F.

answers from Toledo on

Ok, I didn't read any of the other responses so I may offend someone, but I feel very strongly on this issue.

If you dig into a topic and research it enough, you are always going to find someone who has an adverse reaction to anything. There has been no solid proof of any neurological disorders (that is why the class action lawsuit was dropped in the case of autism).

On the ohter side, there is concrete proof that much harm can come to your child (and the general popluation) if they are not vaccinated. Many people say "well those diseases aren't around anymore anyway, so why do they need the vaccinations?" Well the answer to that is that those diseases aren't around OUR AREA because of the vaccines. If more and more people choose to not vaccinate their kids, the diseases WILL make a comeback and with a vengence. There is a reason your kids are not allowed in public school without being up to date on the vaccines.

I feel it is very irresponsible and selfish to not vaccinate your kids against potentially deadly diseases. Inform yourself about them if you need to, but then make the best choice for you kids and keep them (and all of the kids around them) healthy and protected.

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S.J.

answers from Dayton on

Dear Jen,

There is more than a little bit of information that all the shots don't have the desired effect and can have some big down sides. Do some net searches and look for the newsletters on www.3000health.com. If you have specific questions try Tracey Merkle at ###-###-####.

God Bless,

S.

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K.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi Jen,

This is a very tough subject for me. I have been researching this subject for about one year now and I am totally freaked out and unsure what to do. My 4 year old is totally vaccinated and healthy (knock on wood) - I never even thougt about this when he was born. However, my premature twins came along (one born at 1pd 9oz) and once again didn't think about it and had them vaccinated. I started reading things when they were 12 months old and stopped vacinnating them - especially the 1 pounder...he has some preemie issues and I thought he was the perfect candidate for not giving him the vaccines.

At my twins' 2 year well check the doctor insisted on them getting their shots, but my thought is why can't I wait until they are a little bit older? I don't have them in daycare and we don't go to too many places in the winter months. I left not pursuing the shots and I actually might look into a new doctor that supports delaying shots. My chiropractor gave me a video to watch and many parents believe it was the shots that caused autism.

I am interested in what other have to say also. I am at a stand still and don't know what to do - especially the MMR. Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from South Bend on

I say get the shots! The more kids that dont get them, the more kids put your children and mine at risk for diseases. There is no actual proof of a link between the autism and shots. Drs wouldnt have highly recommended them for children for years if they didnt see the benifit in them. For me, the risk of diseases is far greater then the risk of autism.

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