To Vaccine or Not?

Updated on July 18, 2008
R.C. asks from Flower Mound, TX
24 answers

Hi Moms, you helped me before when my two year old daughter wouldn't brush my teeth, so I'm going to the well again. I have a precious little son, 13 months old. He got VERY sick after his 6 month well visit....didn't recover for 10 weeks. At his 9 month appointment, his dr. diagnosed him with developmental delays, and we placed him in ECI. At the 12 month appointment, I asked the dr. if we could put off the MMR until the 15 month visit. She swapped it with the chicken pox shot, but only after making it clear that it's because of his delays, not that she thinks it could causse autism. I'm not really concerned about that...socially, he's fine. However, every time I turn aroudn I'm hearing another horror story concerning babies that are fine, then they get the 12 month or 15 month shots, and it's downhill from there. My question is - are there any moms out there that have a child with some delays, gets sick at the DROP OF A HAT, and chose not to vaccine...or to put them off? How did you get your pedi on board - because mine is absolutely rigid on the vaccine schedule. I will say this, I'm not anti-vaccine...I just think my son is not a normal circumstance. My daughter is 27 months old and current on her shots...and just fine. Thank you in advance for your time. God bless you.

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Try going to Dr Bain. She works with different shot schedules. I really like her alternative options. www.healthykidspediatrics.com

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

R.,

It is good for you to question. Pediatricians are annoyed with the whole vaccine issue because it takes more time to deal with questioning, knowledgeable, independent minded, internet-surfing mothers like yourself. Doctors have schedules to keep. The insurance companies demand it. All those extra questions mess up the day! In addition, doctors have been bamboozled into pushing these vaccines for years. Understandably, it is difficult for them to acknowledge after all this time that they haven't been questioning vaccine safety sufficiently. They just took it for granted that someone else was taking care of that. It's embarrassing for them. Nobody likes to be embarrassed. In addition, there's just a teeny weeny bit of benefit in it for them when hoards of kids file through their offices every year for a routine serving of vaccinations, keeping their revenue streams nice and healthy. Keep this in mind when they get defensive.

1. A good website for vaccine information is www.mercola.com. Use the search feature.

2. Vaccines are loaded with HIGHLY dangerous heavy metal toxins (lead, cadmium, mercury, formaldehyde, etc). The contents are so toxic, the manufacturers refuse to disclose them to physicians or patients. Do you buy food for your kids without reading the labels? If so, this may not concern you.

3. There are also concerns that vaccines unnaturally tamper with the immune system, in a way that causes long-term autoimmune malfunction in the body. People with poor immune function get sick a lot. Autoimmune disease has risen dramatically since mass vaccinations.

3. If a delayed schedule is your objective, it is my understanding that the delay should be, at minimum, until the child is 3 years old. NOT 18 months.

4. I also endorse the recommendation of Dr. Bain in Frisco. I also know that family practice physician Dr. Daniel Chartrand in Allen is holistically minded and supports alternate vaccine schedules. www.harmonyfamilyhealth.com.

5. Texas does not require vaccinations AT ALL if you fill out a waiver form. This goes for all schools, public, private, summer camp, etc. You send away for the form from the health department, you fill it out saying your child hasn't been vaccinated for your own personal reasons, and you get it notarized. Don't let anyone tell you that your child won't be able to go to school without vaccines. This is the case in other states, but Not Texas.

Good luck!

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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

If I knew then what I know now, I would not have my kids vaccinated. It is BOTH genes and the vaccines (and other neurotoxins) that cause some kids to be made ill by them.
Babies these days are born with the toxins that their mother has, such as mercury from amalgam fillings and the vaccines the mother would have had, thus as time goes by the burden of toxins increases for each generation. That combined with all the vaccinations that kids get so young is a recipe for disaster.

Unless you have a gene test on your child and do the research on all the negative impacts associated with their
genotypes, it's a game of chance. I am just so thankful that the impact on my sons has been recoverable.

This video is the most objective on I've ever seen on the vaccinations:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6351515212287981735
And, I've checked out some of the research myself as this lady suggests we all do. Don't believe anyone - don't believe your doctor - don't believe your family - don't believe any of us. Just, please do your own research.

The most telling statement in that video is that many of the diseases for which they are giving vaccinations were on the decline (due to improved sanitation, etc.) when they started them. Just think about the fact that smallpox went away with only about 10% of the population vaccinated. Also, it is known that some of the vaccinations do not even work. For example, if you have a DQ2 genotype, you don't develop antibodies to hepatitis B. And, it's actually the same with MMR for some geneotypes. AND, the hepatitis B can trigger autoimmune arthritis if you have the DR4 gene (this is information from published medical literature). There's very little (if any) scientific research showing that the vaccines even work. You can read the stories about the outbreaks of diseases in schools, etc. and it is often the vaccinated children that have gotten the disease - not the ones that opted out.

Unfortunately, most mainstream pediatricians are not at all supportive, since vaccinations are the bread and butter of their business. Some will even "fire" you as a patient if you don't get vaccinated. The way I get around it is to ask for the vaccine insert and I when I find things they are allergic to (vaccines are derived from all sorts things, such as cow's milk protein) to or have concerns about the neurotoxins that they use in the vaccines (formaldehyde, aluminum, etc.), then I refuse on those grounds. Almost all vaccines contain aluminum as it spreads the material in the vaccine rapidly through the body.

You can also now get the form online to give to schools etc. so that you don't have to get your kids vaccinated:
http://vaccineinfo.net/exemptions/index.shtml

And, for folks whose kids have been impacted in some way by the vaccines a GF/CF diet can work wonders to improving their behaviors and development. You can search on that term GF (Gluten Free) and CF (Caseine Free) and autism to see why it works well - it is the most effective treatment for autism to date. My olders son was on the Asperger's end of the spectrum and has improved tremendously on this diet. And, it's also great for some of the ADD/ADHD reactions and anger issues that seem to impact some kids.

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R.W.

answers from Dallas on

I am an advocate of vaccines; however, there are substantiated compaints about the effects of vaccines when they are given in groups. Too many vaccines given at a time.

My friend has a son with autism and she is without a doubt convinced that it is because of his shots. Whether it was MMR, she does not know. However, she said that if she could do it over, she would gradually give immunizations over an extended period of time. Take one and then wait. Take another once there are not signs of problems and then wait. It's logical. One reason doctors give so many vaccines at once is because insurance regulations.

When the boys (and some girls) of our nation are having unexplained gene responses to immunizations and our legislatures are not finding the answers, then sometimes we must find the answers for ourselves.

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

R.,
I encourage you to do your research and don't be fooled by an uninformed doctor-vaccines can cause Autism, Death, and Developments Delays for children whose livers do not process toxins well and those with compromised immune systems. Vaccines are loaded with toxins not just mercury and if you don't believe there is still thimersol(mercury) in vaccinations do your research they have just changed the names
wxyz.com a station out of Detroit Michigan just did a great interview (you can listen to it on their website) making people aware that 19 shots still contain mercury. The interview was following the Autism rally in DC last month.
My 7 year old nephew has heavy metal poisoning/Autism as a direct result of his immunizations. Learn more about this at his awareness website www.camsvoice.com and there are also some great links for research on the site.
Also after reading about your son I would HIGHLY recommend you remove toxins from your household and personal care products by switching to safer alternatives. We have fully converted our home over to protect my children and now their immune systems are much stronger. Visit www.LIVETOTALWELLNESS.com/TEXAS to request more info from me on safer choices for your family.
Blessings,
M.
____@____.com

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E.F.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, R., I believe your concerns for your son is God's way of saying you are right to have these concerns. I am a mother of 6 and have not vaccinated my last 3. My third son had problems due to his vaccinations. I believe one child is ok and another is not due to how healthy their immune systems are when they are born. My third pregnacy I ate awful, was stressed out and he was born a month early. With each pregnancy the baby takes from your body all the nutrients needed, even if we take prenatals(most you do not absorb) if your body is depleted of certain nutrients then our baby does not recieve that nutrient either, therefore their immune system is not as strong as other babies who recieve all the nutrients needed.
So vaccinations in babies who's immunity is low cannot fight off the vaccinations therefore causing a variety of reactions. I believe your son getting sick after his shots was due to his shots even if the doctor convinced you otherwise. I encourage you to research online for yourself, not the reasons why you should vaccinate but the reasons you should not. God's word says "My people perish for lack of knowledge.
You will find more for vaccinations than not,find the sites that tell you why not. Read them and then pray about it. I believe they are more harm than good. God gave us bodies in his image and Jesus died for our sins and diseases. If we eat good food and drink good water and have love in our hearts and are active we have the ability to stay healthy as God made us.
Natural health is my passion and for every disease there is a natural way to heal your body. Doctors are taught how to diagnose what is wrong and write a prescription and very little about nutrition. There is no law that says you have to vaccinate your child. I have exemptions for my children in school. They are easy to obtain. So please do not let your doctor talk you into something you already have concerns about. This is your child and she does not know more than you because she has a degree. Your mother instincts are right on. Do not be decieved in the world full of evil. Your doctor may have the best intentions for your son, yet she only is going by her medical knowledge and I for one know it is not what it is made out to be. So please,please research this for yourself.
I know a couple who got behind on their son's shots and decided to update them and he became autistic after recieving his shots only days later. Before he was updated he was talking, pointing to pictures in a book, playing like a normal healthy 23 month old would. Then a few days later he was a completely different child. The "world" would have you believe that it could'nt possibly be the vaccinations. Yet when you sign the waiver for the shots you also get possible reactions to the shots. They know. It is all about the money coming in. The Drug companies make billions of dollars a year on drugs and vaccines, that are killing millions each day.

Well that is a whole different story.I hope my advice helps. May God direct you path whatever you decide. Many blessings to you and your family. E.

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

Dear R.,
I am pained to read your post. I have a son with autism and he was FINE before his MMR . He got sick too then all the delays started coming. YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT THE VACCINES OR SOMETHING IN THEM CAUSED SOMETHING IN YOUR SON TO WREAK HAVOC!!!! It could be a million things. Have you ever read the ingredients in them? I too am not anti vaccine but the schedule today is INSANE! There are too many too soon. I am very involved in the autism community and just got back from Washington to rally for safer ingredients and a lighter safer schedule. Your doctor is NOT going to listen to you. You have to be your son's protecter. You need to change pediatricians and fight like hell for your son. He has already been through enough. If you would like some doctors names who are using a safer schedule or who will split up the MMR, then you can write to me. I personally would NOT give my son another MMR shot!) You can get titer (blood) tests on your children to see if they even need a booster shot. Most DO NOT! It shows their immunity. PLEASE PLEASE be pro active with this. I too thought my son was "social" and it had nothing to do with his diagnosis. His little body cannot handle the toxins and you already know that so do what you have to do to save him of any more pain or delays.
I have a lot of info if you are willing to read it.
let me know.
L.
____@____.com

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E.P.

answers from Dallas on

23 years ago, while pregnant with my first child, I found a book in a California library called "A Shot in the Dark." After reading it, I decided to delay all my children's immunizations -- and this was back in the day when everyone, including my pedi, thought I was crazy! . . . but I stood my ground!!!!

Back then, I had to claim a "religious exemption" for schools here in Texas. Now, you can claim a "conscientious exemption" and fill out an easy form obtained online from the Tx Health Dept. The only hassle is that the state makes you notarize it & update it every 2 years, so get as many copies as they will allow each time - - you will need to keep them on file at every daycare or school.

My youngest child is now 11 years old, and I've still delayed most of his shots. Hep B especially. Since he has no contact with used, dirty needles and unsafe sex right now, I still feel that is one shot that is totally UNNECESSARY in young children - - especially a newborn or 2-month old!! Goodness gracious! I understand why a new nurse would get a hep-B, but not a new baby!!

My best friend has lived with a son with Asperger's Syndrome for 18-years. Now, his child-outbursts have become grown-man-violent-outbursts (he knocked down her bedroom door this year and she had to ask him to move out). My friend swears that he was a normal, healthy toddler until the day he had a high fever & seizures - one day after receiving vaccinations. Her life & his life have not been easy.

You decide. Dr. Mercola at www.mercola.com has a lot to say. Listen.

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M.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hi R., I thought about not having my son vaccinated when he was little. However, the diseases he could have gotten without the vaccinations were much worse than any discomfort he suffered. I agree that you should be informed, and if your son is having developmental delays, I would certainly get a second opinion about vaccinations (or to see if the vaccines are causing it). People believe there is no need to get the vaccinations now because the vaccinations have done their job in preventing those diseases from running rampant. Chicken pox can be deadly and it does not make your immune system stronger. It either kills you or it doesn't. And, you could later contract shingles (an alternate form of chicken pox). Polio is an awful disease as well. My son's great grandfather suffered from it as a child and it is still a danger in some parts of the US. I think that you must make an informed decision about what is best for your child... I wish you and your son the best.

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H.J.

answers from Dallas on

Hi R.,

I agree with Heather: you have to find a pediatrician who respects your decisions. I have 3 boys and the older ones have been vaccinated. With our baby, now 13 months, after doing a lot of research on the Internet, we decided not to have him vaccinated. I found a good pediatrician in McKinney. Her name is Cheryl Eley and her office is at the hospital of McKinney. She is very respectful of your decisions (vaccination delays or not vaccination at all). Let me know if you want her phone number.
H.

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

Definitely do more research on this. I vaccinated my daughter and tried to avoid preservatives in the vaccines... boy, was that naive. Luckily she seems OK... My son will be on a very delayed or possible no vacc's. I'm still researching. I have one nephew who had developmental delays after his MMR (I think). I am trying to be more informed especially since my son may be more susceptible to side effects. Boys seem to be more vulnerable.

My 6 year old daughter is current on her vacc's except I haven't given her chicken pox (and won't be ever).

Dr. Sears has a delayed vacc schedule that you might prefer.

Your instincts are 100% that you shouldn't vaccinate your son when his immune system is down. I've been reading that a child with weakened immune system can't process the metals or preservatives in the vaccine (thimerosal has supposedly not been in use since 2001. Although aluminum hydroxide doesn't seem much better for anyone)... this causes issues.

Definitely gather more information. Do not let the doctor push you into vaccinating before you are sure it is right for your son- especially if you don't think his immune system is at it's best. Use the time to build up good bacteria in his system, etc. Vaccines have only been around/promoted since the 1950s. Nothing is settled.

It also helps to know what the vaccine is supposed to prevent. For instance unless you injected drugs via needles, your child should be at risk for Hep B until a teenager when he may be involved in promiscuous sexual behavior or drug us. (God forbid) Anyways over 60% of people lose detectable antibodies within 12 years... so our kids aren't really protected by the HepB we are giving them at birth. It's information like that that has me delaying until vacc is appropriate.

Just like doctors push women to c-sections and other interventions for child birth... they do the same thing by pushing us to do stuff to our kids. What drives me bonkers is that I've read of several doctors who delay vacc's or no vacc their own kids, but they have no problem enforcing vacc schedule of the AMA.

In Texas you can have philosophical reasons for no vacc- and still go to school or daycare. So delay until you are convinced your son is ready and that it is right decision for him. Get another pediatrician if they are so touchy about the subject.

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

I do not agree with the opinion of others who say "no" to vaccines. There is no reason to believe your child is delayed due to the vaccine itself. Yes there is a lot of hype over mercury in the Hep B vaccine that they rec. at birth and six - 18 months.

"In 2006, an estimated 46,000 people contracted hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the U.S. Hepatitis B is caused by a highly infectious virus that attacks the liver and can lead to severe illness, liver damage, and in some cases, death." (http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4090.pdf)

We researched the subject because our daughter started having motor tics at around 9 months old. An opinion was voiced that it could be from her hep B shot but her tics started before the vaccine was given at her 9 month apt. After A LOT of research and many doctors and tests later. It has been determined that her motor tics, speech delay, sensory issues and physical delays were all caused by her being born with Torticollis.

At her 15 month apt she was diagnosed with a speech delay and started with ECI as well. Although they did not help us very well in that dept and we switched to Therapedia in Southlake and showed an improvement. She is 25 months and has a 26 word vocab and learns a new word or sound every week. Yes she is way behind others at her age but she is improoving. She attends Speech Therapy once a week, Physical therapy once a week and Occupational therapy once a month with ECI and we do it at home with her as well.

If I were to believe others that her vaccines were the cause of her problems and stoped her vaccines because of that I would of been grossly mistaken. I have been to MANY doctors, and it has taken a YEAR to have a full diagnosis of what is wrong with my DD. Even her own Neurologist had to change his diagnosis...we are still getting testing done! We just had a chromosonal test done to find out if this is possibly a cause of her delay.

My advice to you is DONT JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS! Yes, there are impeeding battles overy the vaccine and autisum and other issues. This by no means mean that that is what is wrong with your child. Your child may just have a hard time immune wise dealing with some vaccines but not ALL vaccines.
It is a good idea to spread out vaccines so he can recover from them.

You may also want to consider if your child does have a poor immune system that vaccines are a good idea. I get sick at the drop of a hat and i catch everything! So i am so thankful that i have my vaccines. I was in the medical school so I had to have my booster and an Hep B vaccination that was not avail. in 1975 when i was born. So if your child grows up and wants to be in the medical proffesion he will have to get all his vaccinations done anyway.

I dont know if I could live with that guilt that I could of prevented my child from being sick or prevented his/her death just by giving a vaccine. And always wondering if my child will catch something that they could of been vaccinated for.

Another thing....you are going to have to find out what your child school policy is re non-vaccinated children. Some schools will not allow a child to attend school who are not vaccinated.

It is your decison and yours alone. Do the research, ask second oppinions, see a developmental peditrician, see a speech therapist and ASK QUESTIONS! Find out all the facts before jumping the gun and saying NO to vaccines.

If you would like more info re our treatment and what we do to help with our DD speech delays I will be happy to help.

Good luck!

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C.V.

answers from Dallas on

If your pedi isn't listening to you, you need to find a new pedi. Don't forget that you know your child best, and your doctor is there to help you... not for you to just follow blindly and without question. You can always administer a vaccine, but you can't take one away once it's given. You might want to look into the DAN method for administering vaccines (google it).

Do what feels right to you, and don't let a doctor pressure you one way or another.

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H.G.

answers from Dallas on

I say go find a new pediatrician. All doctors should respect your decisions on how YOU want them to care for your kids. He/she needs to address your concerns, and not pressure you into anything you're not comfortable with. My pedi in Frisco, Dr. Bain (you can read about her at Healthykidspediatrics.com) is very consciencious about vaccinating/overvaccinating. She also has a special interest in nutrition, behavior issues, etc. It might be a perfect fit for you. Personally, I'm not convinced that autism isn't linked to vaccination. There have been too many stories. Sure, maybe there is a predisposed factor that vaccines trigger, but who wants to take that chance? I plan on not only delaying MMR's, but spreading them out as well. I'm holding off until at least 18 months. Dr. Bain is more than on board with that. She delays her patients anyway on vaccines. She also doesn't give some because she doesn't like them (oral rotovirus). Good luck!

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have a dtr that is 6 yo, very healthly and totally up-to-date on her vaccinations. I also have a 5 month old son who is just as health but we choose not to immunize him. We made this decision after my sister had a son who was diagnosed with Aspergers (form of autism) and two of my first cousins both have sons that are autistic. That is alot for one family, so we felt that we should wait. We spoke to our Pedi, who has been totally supportive. She did not make me to feel ignoragant. I work in healthcare and know the pressure that is out there to immunize everyone, but everyones circumstances are different. Follow your peace, and find another Pedi if you have to who will honor your wishes for your children.

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

Education here is the key. NVIC.org, Vaccineinfo.net and the cdc website are good places to go to gather information. The first 2 sites are more anti vaccine then not but they at least are putting out the information that the cdc's and your Dr don't want you to know. None of my children have been vaccinated on schedule. My 5 year old has all of his vaccines now because I believe that vaccines can and do save lives. On both sides, my husbands and mine there are family members who have disorders and delays ranging form Autism to Turrets to mild learing disorders. My pediatrician did not bat and eye when I told her given my family history that I was choosing to delay the schedule. Knowing that your son already has some delays it is VERY WISE to postpone the vaccine schedule. I personally do not believe the shot in and of its self causes the problem but that the vaccines along with genetic predisposures are a BAD combination. Vaccine Injury Court all but said the exact same thing as the found in favor for a little girl who was fine until she had her MMR shot. Do your homework make the decision that you as the parent the person who is responsible for your son's well being is comfortable with. Whatever happens good or bad has no effect on your Dr. but it will forever effect your family so if you Dr is not on board with your decision find one that is.

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

I have a son with autism. I don't think the vaccines caused it. I believe it's genetic. It could be that some people are genetically predisposed to autism and that vaccines have an effect... but there is no evidence on that yet.

I'd say go to one of the docs that'll separate out the MMR into 3 shots instead of the combo. And spread it out over time.

What your child can get for certain from not being vaccined is bad.

You have to decide what you can live with. It's very scary being a mom ... so many choices we have to make for our children. Just make the most informed decision you can.

Good luck.

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G.W.

answers from Dallas on

We have chosen to postpone many vaccines and completely skip others. We are trying to get the MMR seperately in the next several months. Our daughter is 3 months old now and has had no vaccines. Our son is 22 months and has had Dtap only. Trust your feelings on this. I don't know for a fact that vaccines cause autism, no one does but there are too many questions at this point and I will not take a chance with my children's lives/ health. We have two great friends who have children with autism after their 18 month vaccines. My lil ones stay home at this point so they have had little exposure to illnesses. Our dr. does a good job of doing her job while respecting our decision. She and her staff tell us the vaccines that are most needed and give us the info sheets on each one. She knows how we stand on the issue and has never done more than ask if we are going to get the recommended vaccine(s) at that visit. We say no and the conversation is over with. We feel good about our pediatrician, Dr. Darletta Kincaid of MD Pediatrics. We saw Dr. Fitzgerald (in the same practice) once or twice and he did not seem as respectful of our wishes on the issue. Trust your feelings and don't get pressured into more vaccines until you have done your own research, especially since issues have arisen. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Dallas on

You are not alone in wanting to be very careful with vaccines. I am a grandmother of a 3 yr old and 20 mo. old, and my daughter-in-law has done much research and is spacing out the children's vaccines more than the vaccination schedule does. Her dr is not exactly supportive, but will only give the shots mom approves of at the visit. It takes more dr visits, but they give so many more vaccines than they used to, that we all believe it is worth it to spread them out. You are the parent and have the final say, not the pediatrician. Of course, if the dr doesn't respect your opinion, which is quite valid, then you may have to switch drs. Good luck, and stand firm for your son's health!

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

It is so difficult to make these decisions -- like you, I struggle with my decisions for my children.

I have chosen to vaccinate my children because my uncle had polio as a child and I saw his mangled legs and the crutches he used all of his life. (Don't think he was too sad, though. My mom said he could whack you good with those crutches.) I am with many others who believe that some children are susceptible to reactions to vaccines, while others are not. Therefore, if you feel this child is having problems with the vaccines, then I suggest you find a new pedi who will either not vaccinate or space out the vaccinations.

Another thing to check for your child is his diet. There are some children who have food allergies or other reactions to certain foods. Because their bodies do not process the food properly, they are actually nutritionally deficient (even though their bodies look fine). See if your pedi (or a specialist) will do food allergy tests.

I am an MDO teacher and we had a child who was VERY constipated and showing autistic behavior. She was also frequently ill. Her mother went through a lot of stuff and finally ended up at the food allergies -- turns out the girl was allergic to wheat, soy, milk, and a lot of other stuff that she loved eating. When they changed her diet, I saw distinct changes in the child's behavior. It will take a while (and some ECI help) for her to catch up, but I think she is on the road to recovery. Basically, her body simply wasn't absorbing the nutrients from the food she ate and her brain was starving. I have also heard of other similar cases -- I think that's Jenny McCarthy's issues with her son were also helped by changes in his diet.

Sounds like you are doing great with your own research. Stand up to the pedi -- they are there to help, not to tell you what to do. YOU know what is best for your child. This will not be a perfect decision. Make the best decision you can given the information you have and you will have loved your children and served them well. Hugs. D.

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N.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have a son with autism and I chose to stop vaccinating both of my children when I realized and told my pediatrician that my son is autistic. That was at his 18month old well visit. A child is diagnosed with autism every 20 minutes and 1 in 98 boys is autistic. Do your research and make up your own mind. Vaccines don't neccessarily cause autism but they may be a contributing factor. There is no such thing as a genetic epidemic and autism is now an epidemic. 1 in 6 child is developmentally delayed. Some kids just cannot process the vaccines. This really is a personal choice, ask moms like you are doing, read up both sides. Dr. Stephanie Cave has a book called What Your Doctor Won't Tell You about Vaccinations. I hear Dr. Sears book is good too.

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

I would suggest that you do some research and get your mind made up what you want to do and stick to you guns. You are in charge,if your Ped won't work with you find a new one. If your child already has some issues there is nothing wrong with putting off the MMR and you can also have it broken down into single doses Measles 1 year Mumps the next and Rubella after or however you choose to do it. I read a great book by Dr. Stephanie Cave called "What your doctor might NOT tell you about vaccines" VERY helpful! Finding a doctor to work with you is a challenge, but it is possible just don't waiver on you convictions you are the one raising your child NOT the Doctor. Go with your gut!

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S.S.

answers from Phoenix on

it's so sad to me that doctors are treating patients like they are uneducated! you have a right to do what you wish with your child. I recommend "the vaccine book" by sears... it is an objective look by a pediatrician at all of the shots... he is not anti-vaccine, but wishes there was more safety research available about the vaccines... but most importantly he empathisizes with parents who have been treated less than generously by their pediatricians when questioning "traditional" vaccine schedules...my experience was i asked the ped on call during my daughter's birth and they told me to find another practice if i didn't want to vaccinate... so i did... i found a wonderful pediatrician who doesn't treat me like i'm some uneducated fool just because i don't want her shots right now (because like you, i'm concerned about the safety of them)... and it's not just about autism (which is usually the first repsonse you get from a pro-vaccine doctor)... it's also about all of the ingredients and side-effects from the vaccines! anyway... sorry this is so long, something i feel passionate about. hope it was helpful!

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