My 9 mo old is getting his 3rd set of shots tomorrow. I have been scared to death after reading all your stories regarding the link to vaccinations and autism. I am aware that the 15 mo vaccinations are the ones that cause the most problems but as far as his 9 mo shots, what precautions should I take? Are there any special requests/instructions I should I make such as splitting up,delaying,etc? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I've been so stressed out all day worrying about it b/c i feel I'm doomed either way. I'll feel responsible for whatever fate. What if I go ahead with the vaccines and something terrible happens? I could have prevented it. And then what if I don't get the vaccines and he contracts a serious disease? I'd feel responsible yet again. I thought the hard part was over. When I was pregnant I refused caffeine,alcohol,and anything that could possibly harm the development of my child. I ate yogurt,healthy fish(even though i hate fish) and took extra EXTRA care of myself because it wasn't just me I was eating for. Once he wasborn and out came the most perfect and healthy little boy, I felt I could finally breathe. Now THIS! Sigh.
What can I request regarding his MMR shots? I'd like to alert my pedi ahead of time!
Also, I take my baby to daycare twice a week so I need info on obtaining a waiver if I decide to delay. Thank u!
PS- CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A PEDI SYMPATHETIC TO DELAYING VACCINES???
Thank you SO much for all your advice and info. After reading the links and info a lot of you sent me, I've decided to delay his vaccines until he is 2. I am not omitting vaccines all together, just delaying them. I do not see any reason to rush. I think waiting 1 yr and 3 months to let his little brain develop will not harm him. This is what my instinct tells me and I feel so much better. No more stress. I just hope my pedi is understanding or else I'll have to switch. Thanks again!
Don't stress about it...he'll be able to pick that up and feel it. Don't worry about it until something happens. My son
has had all of his shots, and nothing happened with him. My ped doc usually gave him Tylenol after his shots, so don't give him anything before until you ask them about it.
Also, there is no known etiology for autism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_autism
Hi Alex,
I will gladly be the bearer of GOOD NEWS, but don't be alarmed please! Go to www.WebMD.com and read-up on all the studies that have been done and all the immunizations that your child will need.
I am a Proponent of all vaccinations, this is one small way to protect your child. Their are side effects as in any medication/shot that is given or taken.
Some people have voiced concern about vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury compound additive that kills bacteria. In 1999, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) set a goal to have this additive removed from all U.S.-manufactured vaccines. At this time, all routinely recommended childhood vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market contain either no thimerosal or only trace amounts.
Symptoms of autism often are first noticed around 1 year of age, which is around the same time children receive their first MMR immunization. The timing of these two events has resulted in some people assuming that there is a connection between them. However, numerous recent studies have found no scientific proof linking autism with MMR immunizations.
Measles, mumps, and rubella are potentially serious diseases that can cause permanent damage and disability to a child, possibly even death. A child is at a much greater risk from measles, mumps, or rubella than he or she is from a serious side effect of the vaccine.
There is no study or test that has been done that says it causes what people claim. There just isn't. Please educate yourself and read and research as much as you can and go with your gut feeling. Don't get alarmed by others, do what you feel is right for your child!
Good Luck!!
G. B.
PS..you can do more harm than good by NOT having them done....I would suggest you giving your child Tylenol or Motrin 30 minutes before his appointment....
Overall, I fear there may be more prevelent problems with children overall when they don't get vaccinated. The percentage of children who have severe reactions to vaccines are very rare.
For discomfort, give your child a little Children's Tylenol, call the office and they will tell you a proper dosing. The Tylenol given about 30 minutes to an hour before the shot and a couple hours after the shot is a good timeframe. If you give it after the shot without giving one before the shot, it doesn't really help as much.
Alex,
Check out this link http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller15.html
It will give you some good information to help YOU make the best decision for your son. Don't feel pressured. Just educate yourself. There are LOTS of view points out there on this subject. You just have to pick which one fits what your gut, heart & mind tell you.
We vaccinated, and I believe in vaccinations, but if I had it to do all over again, I think I'd use the schedule recomended in this article. There ARE risks. Kids do have complications sometimes. Even if it is 1 in 1000, it would suck to be that 1! There are too many parents that swear their kiddo was just fine until after getting certain shots to brush them aside. Just as the FDA & breast implant companies swear there is no link between leaking silicone implants & health problems in the women who had them, I'd rather make that call on my own by observing those with problems. In the mean time, I'll keep my salines!
You have to decide, pray, delay, if needed, but feel good about your decision.
D.
BOTH MY GIRLS WERE VACCINATED BUT MY SECOND DAUGHTER HAD A REACTION AND SCREAMED FOR 3HRS STRAIGHT THE NIGHT OF HER VACCINES. I KNOW THEY MADE HER FEEL TERRIBLE SO WHEN WE HAVE OUR 3RD CHILD THERE WILL BE NO VACCINES UNTIL THE BABY IS OLDER AND THEN ONLY ONE AT A TIME. THE WAY I SEE IT IS WE DON'T KNOW FOR SURE THESE VACCINES ARE 100% SAFE AND I DO HAVE A FRIEND WHO'S SON HAD A SERIOUS REACTION AT 18MO AND IS FINALLY RECOVERING BUT HE IS NOW ALMOST 9! I SAY TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS AND DON'T LET THE DOCTORS CONVINCE YOU OTHERWISE! YOU ARE THE MOTHER AND GOD GAVE YOU THE SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT FOR THAT CHILD SO USE IT!!!! I BELIEVE MEDICINE IS GREAT AND HELPS MANY BUT IS NOT THE KNOW ALL END ALL! HOPE THIS HELPS! STAY STRONG AND DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD! GOD BLESS!!!!
I can understand how concerned you are. I did vaccinate my children till they were 6 months old. I stopped for many reasons but one of them being that after being vaccinated one of my girls had a seizure that put her in the hospital for almost a week. My other reasons are b/c I have a child who has a skin disorder that is already compromising her immune system and would make things worse to inject her with vaccines that contain live viruses at times and preservatives in them. I also have done much research and found the book "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of your Doctor" that was written by an M.D. It is a good book and explains the vaccines and diseases well. Like the others have said you have to make the choice YOU feel is right for your son and be ok with it. You could also delay or do one at a time to put you at ease. Good luck!
E.
My son never experienced problems with vaccinations and I'm sure most kids don't. It's a good idea to take some Tylenol with you and give it to your son prior to the shots (maybe 15-30 mins) to help with pain/discomfort. Also, voice your specific concerns to your DR and ask questions so he/she can calm your fears & concerns and you can relax. Generally, the worst part is the sting of the shot and related crying. Remember that you're being a good mom by protecting your child and try not to stress about it.
Just talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. I'm sure he's/she's aware of all viewpoints and statistics. Give him/her the opportunity to answer any questions you might have. Ask him/her about precautions and what side effects to watch for. Try not to stress about it.
Hi Alex, you have a right to be concerned, but as others have stated.....educate yourself and do a plan that works for you and that allows you to sleep at night. I have been giving my children only two at a time (MMR by itself..I did find a contact to get it separated if interested)...it is not necessarily the vaccines themselves, but the amount of antigens their bodies have to fight at once and filter through their bodies. You have every right to do what is best for your family...but just to share some info I have learned...
**doctors receive a dollar amount per every fully vaccinated child.
**their is a fund created in the federal government just for children who are 'injured' due to vaccinations
This is not a game. Just as Perry signed in the vaccine for our young girls without going through the appropriate chains...there is a political agenda here. Yes, it will benefit our society I guess, but to make it mandated and it is not spread via breathing or whatever like the majority of the current required....there is a lot of money in vaccines and a lot of political pressure....you have to think for yourself. Doctors do the best for their patients, but don't be silly and think there is not other sides to their business.
I do support vaccinations, however I give my children theirs on our schedule and I do some things like give them cod liver oil (research how much to give him..too much vitamin A is not good) for a few days around the date to help boost their immune system. The book "What your doctor may not tell you about children vaccinations" (I think that is the full title) was great in helping my husband and I come up with a plan.
Good luck and this is where faith in God is a must....either way you decided. If I can help with anything else...let me know.
K.
I understand your concern. Could you call your Pediatrician today and discuss with them? I would assume you like your son's doctor and trust his/her opinion? I know I interviewed several b/4 I selected my daughter's Dr. and valued her philosophy, knowledge, etc. I talked to her and she gave me a good response that made me not question it any longer. My daughter is 4.5 now and so far she is healthy and has had every vaccination they are supposed to get (including yearly flu shots).
I'm currently expecting all boy triplets and will be doing the same thing with them (or whatever my Pedi recommends).
Just know the risk is there but imagine if he is not vaccinated for those illnesses - it would be more dangerous for him to contract one of those diseases (even deadly). You will also have issues once he starts school if you don't (although I'm sure there are ways around it such as religious preferences, etc.)
Hang in there - and try to find out something to put your mind at ease either way.
T.
