What are your views on vaccinations?

Heather - posted on 04/27/2011

"Autism is also diagnosed before the age of three, so the MMR vaccine which so many children have very adverse reactions to and is "debated" to cause autism, I am allowing them to administer after he is 3 years of age."

Oh. My. God.
GAH!!!!

From the mother of an Autistic boy - VACCINES DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah - posted on 04/27/2011

"...Vaccines DO NOT and NEVER HAVE protected against or stopped illnesses. In many cases (pertussis for example) your chances of catching these illnesses go UP when you vaccinate..."

How do you explain the complete eradication of small pox in 1979? How about polio? Please explain.

Karmin - posted on 04/27/2011

I had my oldest son (now age 9) vaccinated on schedule. And yes around the age of 1 1/2 he developed mild signs of autism. After his preschool round he started to become violent. My two middle children i delayed until school age because their school would not let them attend without vaccinations. they too began to show signs of violence, hyper activity, defiance, and destruction just like my older child. My daughter who is almost 1 1/2 has not had any vaccinations but the ones at the hospital when she was born. She will not have any more. I made the choice because my children were "normal" until they had thier vaccines. I don't know if they cause autism or something just doesn't go with my families DNA but the fact remains my kids were different afterwards.

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

Seriously Sabrina, I have said this before in this thread and I will say it again, it is incredibly insulting for ANYONE to assume that those of us who choose to vaccinate our children have not done our research.

And I won't address the whole stupid doctors incomes debate again - other than in Australia, our vaccines a FREE, so nope, no doctor's incomes benefiting there. We don't even have to take our kids to a doctor to get it done, a registered nurse can do it in our community centres.

"Vaccines DO NOT and NEVER HAVE protected against or stopped illnesses."

THAT is the single most ridiculous statement I have ever heard.

Kate CP - posted on 04/27/2011

"... Vaccines DO NOT and NEVER HAVE protected against or stopped illnesses..."



o.O



Where the hell did you get THAT piece of crap information? What do you think stopped polio in the US? Or small pox?! Are you just insane?!

Jennifer - posted on 04/27/2011

We were torn in the beginning but I chose to do them as scheduled. I don't have the research on hand but I had read that there were outbreaks of the measles in my area because of the trend to not vaccinate. It is a difficult decision to make. But in my opinion, many of these vaccinations are now standardized. I wouldn't want my little one to get any of the illnesses these vaccinations are aimed to protect.

Sabrina - posted on 04/27/2011

I would be interested to know how many parents who have such strong views about why we should all vaccinate or who are super proud that they did have actually done any decent amount of research beyond asking their undereducated doctor... The research doesn't lie people. Vaccines DO NOT and NEVER HAVE protected against or stopped illnesses. In many cases (pertussis for example) your chances of catching these illnesses go UP when you vaccinate... You know what else goes up when you vaccinate? Doctor and drug companies incomes!

Kate CP - posted on 04/27/2011

Tirzah: A young child and even an infant or a neonate who is healthy (you shouldn't vaccinate sick kids anyway) can handle the vaccines just fine. Unless you have a family history of vaccine reaction there is a very slim chance your child will be injured by vaccines.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cg...

Shannon - posted on 04/27/2011

I swear i just heard a *sigh* from my computer

Kate CP - posted on 04/27/2011

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if you have a family history of vaccine reactions it makes sense to not vaccinate or do a delayed schedule. However, not vaccinating just because you don't want to is, to me, kinda dumb.

Sabrina - posted on 04/27/2011

I was injured by vaccines and nearly died as a teen from a booster... I've done nearly 15 years of research and study on the subject and today I do fundraising and awareness work for anti-vaccine groups and vaccine education groups. Our children are 100% vaccine free & 100% naturally healthy!

Tirzah - posted on 04/27/2011

The thymus gland which is the center of the immune system and responsible for manufacturing the immuno-globulins/ antibodies that are the reaction to an assault by an antigen protein or basically anything that the body sees as invasive..is not mature until 6 years of age. My problem is that they are injecting massive amounts of invasive and severe infectious disease antigens into a body that does not have a mature immune system, and also do not tailor the vaccines in a dose appropriate manner. They give the same vaccines to infants and children that they give adults. Not to mention the metals, monkey kidney (a cell foreign to the human body (I wonder if this cell since it is alien to the human body wildly proliferates and causes cancer..just a thought since uncontrolled dividion in a cell causes cancer), the anti-freeze etc, and the exponential increase in the number of cases of autism, and cancer, and other horrible things that happen to children, I believe are caused by bombarding the immature immune system with all these foreign materials. After each assault, it takes the immune system 6 months to a year to fully recover. I can only deduct that this would prevent the immune system from growing to its' natural and full potential, as well as damage it in the process. So...after finding out this information I decided to wait to vaccinate my son until he was 6 months of age. I also decided to combine his vaccines (Pediarix combines 5 vaccines in one)-so all the metals and things they use as prophylactics (or to keep fungus and bacteria from growing in the vaccine)..would only have a chance to assault his system once. I also spread these three months apart. The Pediarx vaccine I got has Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis, HepB, and Polio and spaced all of these first three months apart and the last one six months apart. I am only getting him the bare minimum he needs to get into school. I haven't gotten him anymore after the last series. Autism is also diagnosed before the age of three, so the MMR vaccine which so many children have very adverse reactions to and is "debated" to cause autism, I am allowing them to administer after he is 3 years of age. I would rather be safe than sorry, the immune system is miraculously and wonderfully made, and knowing what I do..I decided the above was the best path for my son's health.

Yvonne - posted on 04/27/2011

I would like to add a PS. I think that it is very horrible and irresponsible for a parent to not only put their own children at risk, but everyoone elses as well, by not vaccinating their children on schedule. A woman in my area newborn baby got the measles, because she was too young to vaccinate and someone else was to irresponsible to properly protect their own child, and thereby put this poor baby at risk. Her baby is alive but had to suffer through weeks of pain and misery, needlessly.

Yvonne - posted on 04/27/2011

I have eight children and vaccinated everyone of them on time. I believe that it is irresponsible to not vaccinate your children. Not that many years ago, many of these diseases killed and disabled many children each year. My fatherinlaw had polio when he was a kid and had to wear leg braces and had a terrible time. Because of vaccinations these once devistating diseases are all but irradicated in the US. Recently, we have seen a rise in measles and whooping cough cases in my area. The majority of these cases are showing up in illegals who did not have the opportunity to get vaccinations. We should be grateful for the blessing that we have of protecting our families from these terrible diseases and take advantage of immunizations.

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

There are reasons why Dr Mercola and Dr Tenpenny are not considered unbiased sources for vaccine information....... that's why we don't see them as legitimate resources to quote. And as I said, I refuse to have to give my email address in order to read an article that is supposedly in my best interest to read. If he REALLY cared, he would let me read it without signing up to his website so he can later use my email address as a marketing tool for his products.

Laura Zoey - posted on 04/27/2011

Well that was a fun read! I'm not so into popcorn but my cheetoes were fabulous!
I read the vaccine book by dr Robert sears. I felt it covered a great deal of my questions and based on that book and lots of links I've read from moms here I formulated my plan for my kids. I feel like the choices about vaccines will always vary mom to mom. I understand both sides for the most part and I feel comfortable in the decision we came to for our kids.

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

Ok. You want to see how much of a fraud and profiteer Dr. Mercola is?

Go to his online website- http://shop.mercola.com/

The guy reccommends a new product, WEEKLY. Not other people's products.... his *own* products. He also advocates his own brand of formula to nursing women. The guy is a scam artist.



Please tell me how WHO and government websites are biased. When neither profit from vaccines?



Dr. Tenpenny is equally a disingenuous fraud bent on profiting from her books and products here's her webstore:

http://drtenpenny.com/store_a.aspx

Sarah - posted on 04/27/2011

Oops yeah I need to clarify my post lol. If you have private insurance, the insurance company pays for the vaccine & all you pay is whatever your co-payment is. People with no insurance or a govt type insurance can go to a free clinic & pay nothing. But, a person with private insurance can't go to a free clinic & request free vaccines. I mean, I guess you could lie and say you don't have insurance lol.

Alecia - posted on 04/27/2011

FYI if u have insurance u dnt technically pay for vaccines...the insurance company does. but yes, u can take ur child to a free clinic and get them done (usually)

Sarah - posted on 04/27/2011

Just to jump in on the free vaccine thing. In Texas (I don't know about any other state) you can only get free vaccinations IF your child has NO insurance or a government insurance like CHIP or Medicaid. If your child is covered by a private insurance company, you have to pay for your vaccines.

September - posted on 04/27/2011

We vaccinate our son on time because we feel it's what's best for him.

Erin - posted on 04/27/2011

I agree you should never make a decision just because someone told you you had to do it. Every one needs to do the research and decided what is the best option for their family for us it was getting vaccinated for my friend it was not. I only take issue with the fact that some people argue that company's and doctors push for vaccinations because they make money off of them. Of course they make money, my point is that is not a valid argument for or against vaccination. You need to be an informed parent and do what is best for you and never criticize some one else for their choice.

BTW I can say for a fact that whooping cough is making a comeback I have had it three times in the past four years. and had to be re vaccinated when my daughter was born, it is fairly harmless to me but could have been deadly to her because she was to young for the vaccination. just keep things like that in mind when you do your research and research from trusted sources.



Every thing you read on vaccines is going to be in favor of one side or the other, there is no truly unbiased source out there. Just read it all, talk to your doctor and go from there and if your doctor is pushing you to do something you are uncomfortable with find a new one. Don't assume its because he or she wants to make a quick buck and not do it and don't assume that they are all knowing they are people like you and me they are not God

Joanna - posted on 04/27/2011

As far as the polio vaccine causing cancer- I have not found anything that says the vaccine itself does, but on the list of ingredients I found:
Formaldehyde -classifed as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyd... 
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)- also known as lye and caustic soda
 Potassium dihydrogen phosphate - is used as fertilizer and a fungicide/ pesticide
Medium 199:A complex medium of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins, polysorbate 80* and other substances diluted in water for injections
*polysorbate 80- A common emulisfier in cosmetics, vaccines and even ice cream, has been proven to damage fertility. (Baby female rats were injected with polysorbate 80 at days 4-7 after birth. It accelerated the maturing of the rats and caused changes to the vagina and womb lining, hormonal changes, ovary deformities and degenerative follicles.

Read more at Suite101: Polysorbate 80 Causes Infertility: An Emulsifier That Can Damage Your Reproductive Health | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/polysorb... )
Aluminum Hydroxide- in 2007, tests in mice of the anthrax vaccine using aluminium hydroxide adjuvant were reported as resulting in adverse neuropathy symptoms.

So the polio vaccine may not directly cause cancer, but I am not going to inject lye, pesticides, embalming fluid, and chemicals that will affect my children's fertility directly into their blood stream and hope for the best.

Also, I find it amusing that you are ready to site biased information when you are looking to support your side, but as soon as we site Dr. Mercola, or Dr. Tenpenny, you cry foul because we are siting biased one sided arguments. The pharmaceutical companies are biased and one sided as well.
And no, I am not saying they should not get paid for their products and services, but we should not accept their word as law. It would be like saying we MUST by a Ford because the Ford manufacturer tells us everything else is not as reliable and they are the only car that will get you from point A to point B safely. We research and discover that there are other options, and the Ford may get us there fine, or we will have to drive slower, or we may have to do constant repairs to keep it running, or it may not get us there at all.

Lynette - posted on 04/27/2011

Okay I get my baby vaccinated ontime always because there are just to many germs and stuff going around and I really can't see her getting sick...

Erin - posted on 04/27/2011

But remember that the choice is yours and no matter what people say on this thread you need to do what you feel if best for your baby and your family. I have a friend who did not vaccinate and that was her decision, I don't agree with hers and she does not agree with mine but thats life.

Erin - posted on 04/27/2011

Ok there is one school of thought here that I take issue with; That one reson not to vaccinate is because pharmecutical companies fund the reaserch and doctors make money off of them so they are not to be trusted. With that school of thought then I should not pay my mechanice for fixing my car, my lawn guy for mowing my lawn, the vet for taking care of my dog, actually I guess is should not pay anyone for providing me with a service.

As far as the medical side is concerned should I never take any medication because my doctor prescribed it? I thought that was why I had a doctor, so that when i got sick there was someone to help me get better weather that is suggesting a change in lifestyle or prescribing a medication.

So when I got whooping cough I should not have taken Biaxin because surly my doctor made money off of recommending that to me right or when my daughter got an ear infection we should not have given her amoxicillin.

God forbid doctors and pharmaceutical companies make money off of the service they provide.

And I also find it offensive people assume that because I choose to vaccinate that I did not do the research. I did and for me the benefits out weighed the risk

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

jennifer I understand wanting me to b able to show things to support my claims, but for me Iam not always able to. Due to the threat on mine and my children's lives. I am one of those people that doesn't say someting unless I know for sure. I do my research.

Jan - posted on 04/27/2011

With my oldest, we did delayed vax the first year, then selective for the next few years but he was caught up by kindergarten.

However with my youngest we've decided to vaccinate on schedule and only skipped a few of the non-required vaccines like rotovirus and flu. This is because he has a school age brother bringing home all sorts of illnesses.
That said, every parent should really research every vaccine their child is being given and prioritize which ones they consider most important.

For example, my own mother acquired polio at 3 months old (unvaccinated) and was permanently crippled from it, so we considered that a very important vaccine that was worth the risks entailed. But ritivirus or chickenpox? Not so worried about those :P

Bottom line? There are dangers inherent in vaccinating and parents should make sure the benefits each one offers is worth the risk of complications and not just blindly follow a schedule, unless they really feel all the suggested shots are necessary...

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

It's ok Constance. It was more to help you support the argument because there are a lot of other posters stating they have to pay for immunizations in the US. That's why we were getting into all the immunizations are for profiting arguments.
I don't need it confirmed to me. I already know we're not being exploited for profit.

Shannon - posted on 04/27/2011

Ok ladies i found this link which may help

http://www.oucom.ohiou.edu/csp/programs....

Specifically quoting "Childhood Immunization Program (CHIP)
Funded by the Ohio Department of Health, CHIP serves 21 Southeast Ohio counties. Regardless of income or insurance status, children 0-18 years of age receive free immunizations and assistance with kindergarten registration, and adults have access to county-wide flu clinics, regional hepatitis B immunization clinics, parent education, and referral services."

Hope that helps with the current debate:-)

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

If you can't accept that sorry but that is all I can give you.

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

I have fourchildre and all were vaccinated at the health department for free several different states. Will not post the states for the safety of me and my children.

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

Only to children under the age 18

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

If you can find a reliable government source to support that it would be peachy. ;) FDA or the like.

Not saying I doubt you. Just to confirm.

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

Everywhere we have ever been anyone can get them free even with insurance

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

No Mel, me neither. I'm not about to hold up a pro-vacs picketing sign or give anyone the 3rd degree in RL for not vaccinating. I'll stick to dispelling fears and concerns on COM. ;)

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

Oh yeah they are require by law for chilren to be inroled in schools, daycare..... so Getting them for free is the only way they really can enforce this law. Exspecially because your children have to be inroled in school by a certain age or you can go to jail. It is what I like to call the Catch22. They always say parents have the right to make the decision themselves but really they don't. Unless they are going to home school, religious reasons, or medical complications due to previous vaccines they have to be done. Got t love our government they want to prevent and they have found a way to do it. Like I said Catch 22 which in this case I agree.

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

hmmm. I don't think that's entirely true Constance.



http://health.state.ga.us/programs/immun...

They still charge a nominal fee and office charge. Also it is more for the underpriveledged or those who are under insured. Although this is Georgia gov site so it could vary from state to state:

Mel - posted on 04/27/2011

*baby

Mel - posted on 04/27/2011

yeah, Ill admit when I went to see another bbay back when my daughter was having feeding issues this kid I was helping to get etaing as well anyways when i heard the mum say "my doctor is great and even respects my choices not to vaccinate" I did kind of worry for a second. But I didnt have a go at her for her choice. I guess I understand people probably have thier own reasons

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

SNAP Jennifer. I thought the same as you. That they all had to pay for them.

Does it depend on your insurance coverage, or is it free regardless?

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

Ok, thanks. I just keep getting this impression that you have to pay your doctor to get the vaccinations (which we don't have to here), that's why I was curious. So obviously you can get them free :)

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

So most vaccines are free to the public in the US as well?
very, very interesting. ;)

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

US

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

Constance, what country are you in?

Constance - posted on 04/27/2011

I don't agree that doctors profit or even pharmicutical companies because everyone no matter how much money you make can go to the local health department and have your children vaccinated for FREE. Other medicines maybe but not this.

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

See Mel, this is where you and I differ. I don't respect a 'choice' that affects others. I can't. If it was just their children who were affected, then it is none of my business. The problem is; their choice affects others. Young babies who have not been vaccinated yet and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Mel - posted on 04/27/2011

I got them on time provided my kids werent sick, but the 12 month ones with my first daughter I hesitated i wanst sure if I wanted to keep going or not after hearing about al the kids that have reactions. But I ended up getting them done. I got them vaccinated because I dont want to risk them getting anything, but I can understand people with family history of reactions not wanting to, and i have friends who dont vaccinate and I respect that choice.

Jenni - posted on 04/27/2011

Doctors in Canada and many other countries outside the US do not make large profits from vaccines! Heck, I'm not even entirely convinced doctors in the US do. Vaccines are purchased by our government. After rigorous and continuous testing by an independant agency.



We do not pay for office visits in Canada. We do not pay for required child vaccinations. They are paid for by our government and our publically funded basic healthcare insurance. Guess what? Our government who pays for the testing and the vaccines.... supports vaccines 100%. Do you honestly feel that our government is being duped by general practioners and nurses into a money-making scheme?



(I realize this is a long thread. But it would be nice if people took the time to read the posts... or at the very least skim through them, before posting).

Jodi - posted on 04/27/2011

**head/desk**

I give up. Heil Dr Mercola. The website where you have to give your email address in order to actually READ his articles. Fantastic marketing strategy. And you are berating the pharmaceutical companies for.....what was it again?