Shots or No Shots!

The answer is NO! You should get the shots done! What if there were some kind of breakout and you could of have had it prevented for him! Wouldn't you want him to be safe? Sorry for the attact, wasn't trying to make it that way. Just saying that it is better to get the shots done because autism is NOT caused by that.

I believe one of the other concerns about autism was that children often get 4 (or more) shots at once. You could always spread them out and get them one at a time.

Please read this article: http://www.dailynewstribune.com/opinion/8998941003226284028

The notion that any vaccination can cause your child to develop autism is absolutely false. And dangerous. Immunize your children; it is SO important.

This article: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article79... explains how the doctor that "linked" the MMR vaccine to autism is actually being charged with medical misconduct; it seems he wasn't completely honest.

Autism and vaccines have received a lot of attention, but that's really only the tip of the iceberg if your concern is the overall safety and cost-benefit analysis of vaccinations...

The first and most major point I want to make here is that IF WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT IMMUNITY, THEN WE SHOULD ALL BE BREASTFEEDING AND DOING IT WAY BEYOND THE CURRENT UNITED STATES AVERAGE TERM. Sorry about the shouting, but I am shocked no one has said this. That's immunity 101 folks. Worldwide, the average age of complete weaning is 4 years 2 months. Those *average* children have a major immunological advantage. Breastfeeding develops your child's immunological defenses naturally. If you choose not to breastfeed, you need to make these decisions a lot earlier IMO. Additionally, if you choose to vaccinate, breastfed babies respond more vigorously to vaccines than formula-fed babies, producing more antibodies.

That said, we personally have gone on a case-by-case basis, accepting some, declining others. We have definitely not gone in and gotten all the vaxes just because it was time. I mean, once we start a series, we'll finish it within the recommended number of months, but we're not going in and getting 4 shots at once, yk?

It was a real red flag to me when I learned that the current vaccination schedule is jammed in mostly before the age of 2 because statisically after that age kids are not as likely to come in for well checks and finish the vaccine series. I'm not going to follow some arbitrary deadline when the precious thing I'm tampering with is my child's still-developing immunological safety net.

Two that I take particular issue with:
Heb B : uh I'm negative, so why should I give a healthy newborn a shot for an STD??

Chicken pox: This has been widely used in Japan for a lot longer than it's been available here. The rate of shingles in kids who've been vaxed for this is really elevated. I've had shingles. I'd rather take my son to a chicken pox party. Kids don't die from chicken pox. Adults do, but rarely. Solution? Let your kid get chicken pox. That's kind of a no brainer in my book.

I have a sneeking but unconfirmed suspicion that this vax schedule is linked to an increase in allergies in children. Because what's a vaccine? It's an artificial hyperstimulation of the immune system. What are allergies? An over-reaction of the immune system. Makes sense to me. And while we're on it, can we please all stop buying so much antibacterial soap? Seriously. We eat animals pumped full of antibiotics already, and then we wash away opportunities to gain natural immunity because we're so afraid of germs. We're creating super germs left and right. Vaccines aren't the answer. Natural immunity is the answer folks.

Two final things I want to address:

Firstly, Amanda M's comment "There are many outbreaks of mumps lately, mostly because parents choose not to vaccinate," and Julie O's comment "For those who do not vaccinate your children, try to put yourselves in another parents shoes when their child gets sick because of a parent who chose not to vaccinate."

Read the vaccine inserts. A 100% effective vaccine does not exist. The protective "herd effect" kicks in when 60% of the population is vaxed. We are still within that range. Outbreaks are not because parents don't vaccinate. Vaccines are not fail proof.

Secondly, to Kellie L's statement "If i know a child in my son's class isn't up on the al the shots i don't want that child to play with my child, why should i have to risk my son's life...."

Why? Isn't your son vaccinated???? This stuck me as a really confusing position to take.

No, that is absolutely untrue. Immunizations are part of a social contract for the society in which we live.
Straightdope.com is a debunking website which will enlighten you to the scientifically proven facts. I encourage you to visit this website.

There was a study done back in the early 90's that pointed to autism but they changed the formula and it made a difference.The chance of something happening is rare but that small chance that they could pick something up is worth getting the shots. My son had meningitis and now there is a shot for it. What he went though has left problems all his life. He is 29. Get the shots!

I beleive that they do. From what I've read, autism can be linked to high levels of mercury in the brain, which is what they used to use to make vaccinations. They use other chemicals now, but the old vaccinations made with the mercury are still being used. I'm not sure what chemical is used now, but I'm sure the side effects won't be good either.

You should confirm with your ped. but the substance that had previously been linked to autism has been removed from the shots.

No - not even thimerosal is thought to "cause" autism by most reputable sources. It is blamed because of the steady rise of autism cases after the vaccination schedule was increased in the late '80's - however, autism at that time wasn't nearly as "known" back then. The increase in cases of autism matches a steady decrease in kids being diagnosed with mental retardation as the diagnosis of autism became more prevalent. I have a child who is being evaluated for autism - and I would not in a million years hesitate to vaccinate my children for fear of autism (even is there was a link - the benefits far outweigh the risk in my opinion).

I have done quite alot of research, and there are definite links to autism. The doctors and pharmasits will debate this, but the stuff I found was shocking. Also, some of the ingredients in the vaccinations are 3times the potent amounts that the FDA recomends. Pleasse consider not vac ing him. Alot of my siblings and friends havent, and their kids are fine. however, the ones who have, have children with special needs. Kids have a good imune system they dont need illnesses injected in them.
S.

First of all, my disclaimer is this -- we choose to vaccinate our 8 mo. old son. I did a lot of research, read a lot, and talked to a lot of parents. My best friend, who has worked with autistic children for many years (and who vaccinated her young son) says there's actually more mercury in the fresh-water fish we eat, than in the vaccines we give children. (THERE is some food for though, huh? lol) And besides, most children's vaccines contain no mercury. Ask if you're unsure.
The best advice I ever got regarding vaccines was this -- Remember that you have to deal with the consequences, no matter what they are. These diseases are NOT eradicated. There are many outbreaks of mumps lately, mostly because parents choose not to vaccinate. Whooping cough (pertussis) is still around. These can be VERY dangerous diseases for small children.
Most importantly, go with your gut and do what feels right for you and your family, since you'll have to live with it either way. Good luck!

This can be a very touchy subject for a lot of people, and there is no clear answer that I've found.

I found the book "What Your Pediatrician Won't Tell You about Children's Vaccinations" to be helpful, if scary. It has excellent and very detailed information about each separate vaccine, and will help you make up your own mind.

I came down on the side of extending my children's vaccination schedule (fewer shots per visit, spaced farther apart than suggested). I don't think that vaccines for a bunch of diseases all on the same day makes sense. I think that's too hard on their systems. I also waited a few extra months for the first batch of shots. My pediatrician has been very supportive.

I also refused the vaccine for Hepatitis, because that vaccine was designed for adults, and I don't think my kids are going to be getting any sexually-transmitted diseases any time soon.

My husband and I compromised on the chicken pox vaccine - he's agreed that we can wait until age 6 and if he hasn't caught it from a friend by then, we'll do the shot.

The one other piece of advice I can give you is to be very VERY careful about what internet sites you read. There is a LOT of misinformation out there (not to mention horror stories on both sides of the debate). Make sure the sites are supported by reputable agencies.

Good luck on this very tricky decision. The best thing you can do is to be as informed as possible about each type of vaccine.

i agree with beth h. if i know a child in my son's class isn't up on the al the shots i don't want that child to play with my child, why should i have to risk my son's life. i have never heard of any shots having to do with autism. and besides if there were an outbreak on anything that could be fatal i'd be happy to know that my child would still be alive knowing that i did the right thing when he was younger.

It's an ingredient called Therimosol (spelling?). My doc. said that they use Therimosol free vaccinations but I heard people say that it may still contain traces of it. I guess I'd ask your clinic which vaccinations have that ingrediant in it and if it doesn't then ask if the Therimosol free vaccinations are truly free of the ingredient. What are your childs risks for not getting the shots? What is the risk of getting autism if the vaccination would have trace amounts? I'm all for the shots though. Daycare requires them in order to accept my child.

First of all I had to do reasearch about this for a class in college just last year.

There is no link to autism from vaccinations.

Yes the thermisol is a part of the whole thing with mercury. Basically what it comes down to, is that the medical industry and professionals realized that with the preservative in each vaccine even though each had a very low dose of mercury, that over time added up to be enough mercury to be toxic for some.

Do your research and talk with your doctor. And there are many sites out there that do not give correct information. Familydoctor.org is a good site, my own doctor gains information from there.

For those who do not vaccinate your children, try to put yourselves in another parents shoes when their child gets sick because of a parent who chose not to vaccinate.

Also Chicken pox is a serious and important vaccine, it is coming back along with whooping cough. You CAN die from both of these. This statement is in reference to the parents who felt that chicken pox is not a serious enough disease to get a vaccination.

Vaccinations are extremely important in cases of premature babies and children who have asthma because they have lower immune systems and are more susceptible.

Although it is an individual decision, weigh all the risks and benefits and please don't forget about the risks to other people's children if you choose to not vaccinate. Also some daycares and schools require certain vaccinations along with some jobs.

I feel very strongly about this as you can probably tell, but truly make your own decision, do your own research. Don't just go by what other parents suggest about vaccinating or not, without doing your own searching.

It's a tough one. I'd say ask your doc. Some think the problems come from a Mercury preservative that they use only in some vaccines. I've also heard of people that have relatives with Autism not getting immunizations, and living Autism free. Some think maybe it's a genetic thing that can be triggered by immunizations. All in all though, immunizations have been given a lot longer than autism has been on the rise.
Best of luck.
:) M.

There is no proof of shots causing autism. If you are seriously thinking about not getting your son his shots, think about the types of diseases he can contract if he isn't vaccinated. I'd recommend talking to your pediatrician. If you really want to be careful for whatever your reasons, ask for thimerasol-free shots. Thimerasol is a preservative.

I don't think so....

I think vaccinating against deadly illnesses outways the risk of autism if the two are really connected.

It bother's me when other's don't vaccinate it puts MY child and other's at risk. There was a outbreak of measles or polio or something in Iowa I think last year because the Amish don't vaccinate and that's the group of ppl that were spreading it.

I know my daugther has been exposed to chicken pox but because of the chkpox vacc. she had a single spot on her. Because she's had the flu shot the past few years we didn't have to deal with missing work, school, wages and being stuck in bed for a week. I've already asked the doctor about what age I can start and give my daugter that new vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer.

I'm all for vaccinations, the pinch and hurt for one minute and life goes on. My daughter's never ran a fever or had any bad experiances with her vaccinations. I am greatful to live in a country that offers this. I can't be sure my daughter would still be alive without her vaccinations look at the old days kids died all the time. My daughter was born 2mos.premature and because of a shot they gave me it helped speed up her lung development which led to her breathing on her own when she was born, then she had $1,000 dollar RSV shots for months after being born so she wouldn't catch RSV and possibly die. So my point is I'm glad I have chosen to vaccinate.

I think you should ask yourself if you are willing to take that risk? Are you willing to put your child's health into the hands of a drug company? Do your homework, mamas!

From what I've found, most if not all of vaccines now have no mercury in them. Autism may be linked to vaccinations, but vaccines are safer now than they were twenty years ago. Also, many of the diseases that we vaccinate for are coming back because of a lack of vaccination. My best friend does not vaccinate her kids, but I have vaccinated for diseases that are serious, not for ones that are not as serious (i.e. chicken pox). Good luck! This ia a VERY controversial issue!!

Highly recommend reading Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide by Aviva Jill Romm. There's more to it than "do they cause autism?" She explains how each of the diseases work, how vaccines work, the side effects of the vaccines, what you can do to keep your child healthy. If you're questioning whether to vaccinate or not, its important to be informed and committed to your child's health.

The short answer is, they think yes, some vaccines are linked to autism through a mercury-based preservative. There are vaccines available that do not use thimerosol as the preservative, but often these use an aluminum-based preservative, which can be just as damaging. Check with your doctor about vaccines which do not contain mercury.

Good luck!

Yes, ask for Thimerasol free vaccines. The only vaccine out there now that does contain it is the flu shot. All the other vaccines are required to be Thimerasol free now; however some may still be floating around to be used up. There are questions and studies going on concerning the MRA shot that's usually given at 12 months and linking it to autism. Autism usually shows up around 18 months. It may be that the MRA(measels, mumps, rubella) shot may be too much for such a small child. They have no evidence proving that the MRA does not cause autism. You as a parent can choose to wait on a vaccine. I waited until my daughter was over 18 months old before getting the MRA. She actually got it at 3 years old. The chickenpox vaccine isn't necessarily needed either, but I ended up getting it. Like the whole flu vaccine deal. The flu shot doesn't protect from all the different kinds of flu. And the flu strand is constantly changing. I don't do the flu shot. Just do research on the vaccines. It really is a personal choice.

I learned from our Pediatrician that the preservative which has been taken out of many vaccinations for children was the key concern for other health risks. Thimeserol contain mercury and that acts as a preservative but some kids might be susceptible to the small amounts of it. You can always request a non-thimesoral vaccination be given to your child. Most if not all the vaccines give that option today. The reason they used it was to reduce the cost of and the waste of the vaccine since one bottle had been used multiple times but now I think they product a one use bottle which is then disposed of. Not very sure about that but ask your Child's Doctor.
This link has many Medical Doctors opinions that might help to think about the best solution for vaccination scheduling:
http://www.generationrescue.org/vaccines.html and this one also:
http://putchildrenfirst.com

The advice of your Doctor is needed and this information is only given for you to think about and start a discussion with your health professional.

Steven

I saw this show the other day, it's called Health Matters, and there was an autism specialist on there that said that vaccines don't have anything to do with the cause of autism. She also mentioned that a lot of pharmaceutical companies have stopped putting thimerosal into shots. You might want to ask your doctor if the vaccine that they are using has this as an ingredient or not.