What is your view on medication?

~Jennifer - posted on 06/23/2010

Michelle,

If you felt attacked or put down, you could have simply flagged the post - as the rest of the members do.
That's what the Admin & Mods are here for to review flagged threads, comments, and issue warnings......instead, it becomes an "I'm right and you're wrong" argument.

It would be a lovely world if we were all just "allowed" by everyone else to parent our children as we personally see fit.

Thanks for your replies, Ladies.
.....and "lockdown"

~Jenn~
WtCoM Moderator

Jean - posted on 06/23/2010

I agree completely. It's true that medication can keep the bodys immune system from doing its job. I have been learning about herbs and their benefit to the body and you might find it interesting. Also vaccines can be very harmful and thats something to look into as well.

Courtney - posted on 06/23/2010

I don't give my daughter any meds but tylenol. It teaches the immune system to work for itself and therefore makes the child healthier overall.

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

We over medicate our children in this day and age... vaccines are pharmaceuticals too. When parents medicate their children, they are, from what I've seen, also vaccinating their children. I believe that a parent said that they do not medicate or vaccinate (like our family) and a certain someone put them down for it. Parents who stated they don't vaccinate are being called "dumb" "irresponsible" and are "looked down upon" so perhaps this thread should have been locked long before people started sticking up for themselves?!?!
I am only saying this because, it seems a little bias now that someone is standing up to these "attacks" we are being warned.
I came on here originally and posted that I do not give my child any meds at all... including Tylenal. It wasn't until I started reading through all the "attacks" at non vaccinating parents that I decided to step in. Of course this topic is going to get heated. The original attacks should have been warned long before now.

~Jennifer - posted on 06/23/2010

Ladies,

The question was about medication, NOT vaccinations.
Please get back on topic, or this thread will be locked.

~Jenn~
WtCoM Moderator

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

Not too heated, I don't believe I've personally attacked anyone...although been attacked myself. But no worries, I'm moving on!

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

Re; "Melissa, you are espousing a common assumption -- that by not vaccinating your children, you are affecting only your own kids, and not other peoples' kids"
I vaccinated my daughter just like I was told too, and she was injured. That's why I don't vaccinate my children. I paid the price once (and so did she), I don't feel the need to vaccinate the rest of my kids for the "greater good" thank you. I've done years of research and I know that the benefits of vaccinating do not outweigh the risks.
Re; "The fewer children that are vaccinated against a particular disease, the greater the odds that this disease will spread"
Lets talk about odds shall we?
Do you know what the odds were of you having a negative reaction to natural Measles BEFORE there were ever a vaccine for it?
We are talking in the 50's. Over 99% of the MILLIONS of cases in developed countries contracted it and got over it without indecent. Do you know how many parents see their child regress into severe autism as soon as they received the MMR? Or died of SIDS hours or days after the DTaP? I won't even mention Asthma, Allergies, Eczema, etc we see an ever increasing trend these days. I'll let you look into it yourself, but I like the odds of getting Measles and getting over them than getting a shot and not being so lucky.

Re; "I know someone whose three-week old baby got whooping cough due to being exposed to an unvaccinated child who had contracted it. Were I that parent, I'd be out for blood"
Ok, in that case did you find out where the disease originated from? Prob a vaccinated child; would you still be out for blood then? Or what if YOUR child received a vaccine at 4mos old, to have them not wake up from their nap only 8hrs later, just to find out that MANY other parents experienced the exact same situation with their child...would you be out for blood then? Or would you just say, "hey at least I was looking out for all the rest of the kids in my community... if my child had to die for the greater good, then so be it!???

Come on it goes both ways. It all depends of which side of the war you've been most affected by. A vaccine injury, opposing vaccines. Or a disease claiming the life of someone you know, opposing the non vaccinated....or then there's those who have not been affected by either or who have actually researched and made in informed decision about vaccines...and those who have not researched and base their decisions on fear and intimidation.
Which ever way you look at it, the fact remains that most of these vaccines are; a) not effective. If they are temporarily effective, you need to be re vaccinated after 5yrs (chickenpox for example; have you all had your 6yr olds revaccinated for the pox before attending school? I highly doubt it), b) No safety studies have been done on pregnant women, children under the age of 4yrs, or combined like most of the shots these days are.
And on the flip side, most of the diseases we vaccinate for are mild, and over 99% of the population in developed countries will get it, get over it and be "immune" for life, therefore (really) protecting the vulnerable.
We can count on most of the data regarding diseases historically, and make in informed choice on whether it's worth getting...but there are way too many "unknowns" when it comes to vaccines... I choose not to use my kids as guinea pigs for experimental medical research. Again, IMO!

RE; "My stepmother contracted rubella in her first trimester, and my brother is profoundly deaf as a result"
Again, it depends of what side you've been affected by. I am luckly in a way that I've been on both sides of the coin in a few cases; I lived through chickenpox (so has my kids), Mumps, whooping cough (same with my brother), know MANY people who lived through Measles, rubella, the flu and phenomnia that are all hear to talk about it. On the other hand, my brother was vaccinated for whooping cough and still got it...my youngest sister stopped breathing 7hrs after her DTaP shot; as a result has many health issues. 2 close friends' children have died right after their shots; one only hours and the other 2 days.

Re; "These diseases can kill. Or they can do serious damage" And so can vaccines...what's your point?

Re; "Were you aware that a bad case of mumps can render you infertile?"
OMG...you can't be seriously trying to use this scare tactic are you? Wow, mind sharing the statistics on this please for humor sake?

Re; "The number of children harmed/killed by those diseases VASTLY outnumbers the number of children who were harmed by the vaccinations themselves"
All I ask if for you to prove this! There are no reliable studies done to show the true occurrence of negative reactions to vaccines. (we are told about 10% are ever reported) So how can you possibly even make this assertion? There is however, occurrences of bad reactions to most of these diseases in DEVELOPED countries (years ago) which show that majority of the population survived without complications.
Take a look around you... since we keep increasing the number plus the doses of each vaccine, our population just keeps getting sicker and sicker. We are the MOST vaccinated and medicated in the world.... and we are SICK!!!
It's common sense!

Katherine - posted on 06/23/2010

Please watch the personal attacks. If it's getting too heated, I will lock it and then re-open it in 24 hours.
Thank you,
Katherine
Administrator

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

@Melissa

I am sorry to hear that. I choose not to take Autism any day of the week, or SIDS or anything else that happens right after a vaccine....



SIDS is not related to vaccines in the least!!! I got this right from the SIDS network.



The studies showing no increased risk for SIDS with the DTP immunizations actually showed that fully immunized infants had a lower risk for SIDS.

Iridescent - posted on 06/23/2010

Thanks for the correction on the whooping cough name - that was certainly an error. And while our opinions differ greatly, I am certainly not uninformed. Thanks to vaccinating my children, instead of having children that are potentially dead from that neglect, or paralysed, or permanently brain damaged, they are doing exceptionally well. Autism is a part of who two of my children are, and we know it's unrelated to vaccines. It's fortunate your children are healthy, and I'm absolutely certain you can thank your community for vaccinating their children in order to protect yours as you refuse to do so.

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

Re; " Do you have a child that has passed away thanks to Measles? If not, you really can't speak for them, can you?" Nope not a child that has died from Measles, have you? I do however know 6 children in RECENT years (both vaccinated and non vaccinated) who have contracted the disease and were perfectly fine. 2 of them hardly has any symptoms. I've also worked in a senior home where I had MANY conversations with them about Measles, majority of them all had it and lived this long to talk about it. So I am sorry you have been scared into vaccinating for a MILD disease.
RE; "I have two autistic children. It was not from vaccines, but even if it were, I'd still have had them vaccinated"
I have one child who regressed into Autism within a week of her MMR. I stopped vaccinating because common sense told me too... she is nearly fully recovered!
Re; "Nor did we have whooping cough (Diptheria) when that went through each of the last 6 years. And I'm grateful for that.
Hunny, whooping cough is pertussis not diphtheria! And just as many vaccinated children get whooping cough as non vaccinating. My brother was fully vax'd for this disease and still contracted it. Treated him for bronchitis because they would not admit that a child who's been vaccinated could contract it 6mos later!
Re; "I'll take autism any day of the week for it"
I am sorry to hear that. I choose not to take Autism any day of the week, or SIDS or anything else that happens right after a vaccine.... I guess thats why my unvaccinated child is healthier than ANY of the kids around her. I am thankful for that!
I am sorry, but any mother who says that even if they knew vaccines caused their two children to become autistic, they'd still vaccinate because they don't want them to catch (and over 99% likely to get over) Chickenpox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, whooping cough, diphtheria and certainly tetanus... is not someone who I consider to be very informed AT ALL!
In my opinion of course!

Krista - posted on 06/23/2010

Melissa, you are espousing a common assumption -- that by not vaccinating your children, you are affecting only your own kids, and not other peoples' kids.



That is incorrect.



The fewer children that are vaccinated against a particular disease, the greater the odds that this disease will spread.



You probably figure that it will only spread to kids like your own, who are not vaccinated via your own choice, so what's the problem, right?



Well, not everybody is unvaccinated due to choice. Some people are unvaccinated because they have autoimmune disorders. Or in many cases, because they are too young to be vaccinated. I know someone whose three-week old baby got whooping cough due to being exposed to an unvaccinated child who had contracted it. Were I that parent, I'd be out for blood.



Diseases that were formerly all but eradicated are now making a resurgence due to this anti-vaccination sentiment that you and others embrace. Polio is nothing to screw around with. Nor are whooping cough, measles, mumps, chicken pox, or rubella, but to name a few. My stepmother contracted rubella in her first trimester, and my brother is profoundly deaf as a result.



These diseases can kill. Or they can do serious damage. Were you aware that a bad case of mumps can render you infertile? The number of children harmed/killed by those diseases VASTLY outnumbers the number of children who were harmed by the vaccinations themselves.

Iridescent - posted on 06/23/2010

Melissa, that's a matter of opinion. Do you have a child that has passed away thanks to Measles? If not, you really can't speak for them, can you? I have two autistic children. It was not from vaccines, but even if it were, I'd still have had them vaccinated. Because they are vaccinated, we didn't have polio when it went through our town a couple years ago. Nor did we have whooping cough (Diptheria) when that went through each of the last 6 years. And I'm grateful for that. I'll take autism any day of the week for it.

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

Re; "I would NEVER not vaccinate my child. I think that is seriously irresponsible and just plain dumb" And I think it's just plain dumb to vaccinate without reading the inserts. I think it's just plain dumb to take your doctors word for it that these shots are safe and effective...when clearly they are not for every child! Fact is you will NEVER know if your child will be the next one to be harmed by these shots and you will have no one to blame but yourself....no one will be there to take the blame or compensate the damage done....so I really hope before the next time you shoot your child up with toxic substances you really think about what I said and start doing your own research. You can change your mind and vaccinate-but you can't unvaccinate if you change your mind!
If you really look at the diseases you seem to think are so dangerous, you will clearly see the benefits of contracting the disease naturally outweigh the benefit (or lack thereof) of vaccinating for that disease.

Melissa - posted on 06/23/2010

Agree 100%. My youngest has NEVER even has Tylenol! She is the healthiest kid I know!

Kelina - posted on 06/23/2010

Also the vaccines don't guarantee 100% that children won't get the disease, only that if they do get it, it will be a milder version than the full blown thing.

Kelina - posted on 06/23/2010

I believe in medicationw hen medically necessary and to someone who posted that vaccines can cause neurological damage then i;m scared to see how smart me and my son would be if we hadn't had them! He's 16 months, understands every word I say and has figured out how to play dumb. I accidentally insulted him once(I thought he was sleeping) and he started screaming and wouldn't let me hold him for several hours. He was 10 months old. Neither of us is allergic to anyhting in the vaccines and I would rather have them than not. I won't vaccinate against the flu because that's pointless, they only guess which strain in going to make an appearance durng flu season and I've only gotten the flu twice in 20 years. However, on the flip side of that, I see why people choose not to vaccinate their children. There are a lot of children who react badly to the vaccines or in whom they are not effective. There are also a lot of children who are allergic to something in the vaccines and it makes them almost as sick or sicker than the disease they are vaccinating against. Other than that, when it comes to medication I'm not one to run to the doctor very often. I know my body and trust my judgement. When I or someone in my family has an infection that I knwo won't go away without antibiotics, I'll go. For a cold, no way. My son is lucky to get tylenol when he's got a cold and that's usually just to help him sleep. He's only been sick twice, the first time with a fever of a little over a hundred that I managed to bring down naturally with cold towels on major blood vessels and half of a dose of tylenol. That's my opinion though, and I know there are those of you who will feel differently.

Josie - posted on 06/23/2010

I would NEVER not vaccinate my child. I think that is seriously irresponsible and just plain dumb. Vaccinations are mandatory for a reason. That's just my opinion of course. If you want to not vaccinate your child then that's your choice. You better believe I will be suing your ass if my child gets a disease from yours though.

Anna - posted on 06/23/2010

I feel that for non-life threating cituations natural options are best. I have 3 children between the ages of 10-15 and since I had my middle child now 13, he was prescribed antibiotics at the age of 1 week old for a dipper rash by a pediatrician and 10 days later visited other pediatrician who woke me up from my ignorance by telling me I had the responsibility to ask questions and understand the affects of what I was giving my kids.(2nd pediatrician told me a baby that age does not need antibiotics for a dipper rash) Have never again taken the advice of a doctor litely. I have taken my family to doctors to find out whats going on in our bodies and tried to find a natural medication first. Have clear colds, constipation problems, even kidney infections with natural remedies. I don't buy any over the counter medication for typical symptoms either. When someone feel sick in my house we hit the pantry. I keep teas, vinager, baking soda, honey, just to mention a few of the most popular ones. We don't get sick often so I'm thankful for that, but if one of us was to have a life-treating emergency I would not think twice on taking prescribed medication.

Rhena - posted on 06/23/2010

yes, you are correct!
We can do more harm than good sometimes with the meds. They all have side effects. I know we get scared not to use the meds, but sometimes nature heals if we give it time.

Judy - posted on 06/23/2010

I'm a former pediatric nurse. Sometimes it's important for your child to take medications. Too often, we saw moms come into our doctor's office putting pressure on the doctor to prescribe antibiotics when they weren't necessary. Let your doctor know that you prefer to not give anything more than necessary medication-wise. Your doctor will appreciate this, as well.



The best thing you can do for your child is to prevent illnesses.

Here are some of my favorite tips:

Wash their hands before meals and whenever necessary.

Make sure they eat a well-balanced diet.

Help them get adequate rest.

Keep socks on their feet in the winter.

Dress them properly when outdoors.

Keep them warm enough when sleeping.

Give them a daily vitamin.

Avoid other sick people.



And occasionally when they do start to come down with a sickness, keep them home and give them special care, so that they get over it quickly and don't spread it to others.

Anita - posted on 06/23/2010

SHERRI.... every parent has a right to choose not to vaccinate. You DON'T have that right to tell other people what they should be doing. AND where I am from they CAN attend school. yes I have done my research.
Like I said society is led to believe that they HAVE to vaccinate, whereas it is actually a CHOICE. My children have never had the flu, have only had 2 small colds and that's it.

I just witnessed my cousin's 2 year old die from cancer, and I don't want to put my child at risk by vaccinating. DID I TELL YOU THAT VACCINATIONS CAUSES IRREVERSIBLE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE??

I have nothing against other mother's choosing to vacinate because that is THEIR choice, and I have no right telling other people what to do. But I just wish other people respected my right as a parent.

Rosie - posted on 06/23/2010

i'm not to keen on natural health. i don't load everybody up with drugs, but medicine is there for a reason. my oldest has ADHD and takes medication for that. and when they are sick they get tylenol, and sometimes cough medicine, if i feel it's warranted. my husband doesn't take much medicine ever, and it drives me nuts cause then he'll just whine about how something hurts. his parents never let him have ANY medicine growing up, and he hardly ever received medical care for anything (including a broken ankle). i think there is a happy medium, and that is what our family is.

Tabatha - posted on 06/23/2010

I agree with you. I wont use infant tylenol with my 7month old unless she is running a fever and they ahve these things called teething tablets that are homeogenic and work great so that will even help at that point.

Edna - posted on 06/23/2010

I some what agree with you about medications. However, my home looks like a pharmacy because I have three children who are Asthmatics and need daily medications. Out of my three children, my two sons are on medications to control their ADHD. My husband is on medication to control his Psoriasis. I also agree that medication should only be taken in extreme cases but with the health of my children and husband on the line medications are a necessity.

Josie - posted on 06/23/2010

I really don't give my son medication unless the doctor tells me to. If he has a fever he'll get tylenol once and if it comes back then he goes to the doctor. If he needs antibiotics then he needs antibiotics. Other than that I don't give him anything else.

Brandi - posted on 06/23/2010

I completely agree with you. Too many meds are bad news. We only use them when absolutely necessary, and although, sometimes that is a tough decision to make on the necessity of a medication, I'm glad that in our household its not the first option.

Alejandra - posted on 06/23/2010

Hi, Sherri! Boy, you are getting a lot of flack on this post. I have done a lot of research on this issue because I too was concerned at the stories I have heard, but I have not been swayed by the "evidence". I do have several doctors in my family and they all agree with you because... (shhh) you are right. Every decade or so, a community decides that vaccinating is wrong, because they have completely failed to learn from history, and then dozens of children, elderly, and other immuno-compromised individuals die from some disease that everyone thought had disappeared.

THERE IS A REASON THAT CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ARE CONSIDERED A MATTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH, not individual health. It is a matter of statistics: when the number of unvaccinated goes above a certain percentage of the population, the probability of an epidemic rises quickly. Vaccinations only decrease the likelihood of contracting the disease, and so only eradicate diseases when almost everyone is vaccinated and the total community risk is very low. However, with enough people unvaccinated, the overall community risk goes higher and so every member of that community is at great risk.

You are also right about the school exemptions - only for medical or religious reasons. However, there is no way to prove a true religious reason, so all these people are claiming to have a religious reason, when all they have is a reason based on bad science and stubbornness. Yes, bad science and stubbornness are putting all our kids at risk. But alas, from global warming denial to vaccination denial, that is the American way!

Maria - posted on 06/23/2010

I give medecine only if I believe it´s necessary for them to get well or if they are in such a pain they can´t rest or sleep. For fever only for example I don´t give anything as it might keep them sick longer. In fact I only take them to the doctor if they have something that is a real concern.

Candyce - posted on 06/23/2010

if they need it, they need it! if you fell there is enough wrong to go see your dr and he/she writes a prescription then they need it!

Nancy - posted on 06/23/2010

I absolutely agree with you! I have studied herbal medicine for about 5 years and practice it at home for myself and my son. My husband thinks I'm a witch and trying to poison him! ha! ha! so he won't take my concoctions. I always start with the herbal remedies and then if things do not resolve I go to the doctor. I used Calendula lotion for his exema and it was gone overnight, I put eccenacia and goldenseal in his sippy with juice at the sign of a cold and it often knocks it out. I do not go to the doctor when he has a cold, it will pass. I only saw the doctor for a staph infection, there is no herbal cure for that, that I know of. It was the one time he was on anti-biotics and it was necessary. Good book references are anything written by Aviva Jill Romm. She does a lot on herbal uses (and what NOT to use) during pregnancy and for children. I love her stuff! Good luck.

Denise - posted on 06/23/2010

Sherri,
Before I became allergic to latex, I too chose not to vaccinate and I did sign an affidavit stating religious reasons. I am not teaching my children to lye because I do not believe in vaccinating. G-d gave us an amazing body that is fully capable of healing itself when given the chance. I do not believe in giving tylenol for a fever either because that fever is the body's own natural defense fighting off whatever infection is in that body and my kids are very healthy because of what I believe. Religious beliefs according to Webster is a "complete trust". I have complete trust that our bodies will heal, so how am I or any other person who signs the affidavit lying? We aren't.

Oh, I also take the law very seriously as I work within the judicial field. I would never do anything illegal nor would I ever teach my kids to do anything of that nature. What I believe is personal to me and no one has the right to tell me what to believe and not to believe.

Jennifer - posted on 06/23/2010

We are the same way...natural remedies or the body's immune system are the best healers in most circumstances. Whenever necessary, we will use modern medicine, but we definitely try other stuff first. We are all healthy.

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

Denise your child is a total different story. That is a very good reason not to vaccinate and I can't even imagine. I am talking about not vaccinating simply because they don't want to those are the people I have issues with. If you choose to opt out due to religious reasons and it really isn't religious well shame on you as you are certifying in front of a notery that all your statements are true. So you are teaching your child to lie to get around the law. Ya so I do look down on people not following the rules.

Denise - posted on 06/23/2010

Sheri, you have no idea which kids are and aren't vaccinated in your child's school. You seriously need to get informed. When was the last pandemic (not pandemic scare) outbreak...let's see...the 1918 pandemic flu. I think you need to seriously start doing some research and start getting educated instead of going off of fear.

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

Because they can cause pandemic for children that are too young to be vaccinated against these diseases or for the children such as yours that are not vaccinated. My children can still get some of these diseases even being vaccinated however, it would be in a much milder form. I don't want to risk the health of any child because you people choose not to vaccinate. Least I rest assured unless your doctor says your child can't or for a religious reason your child will not be in my child's school.

Denise - posted on 06/23/2010

Yes, Sheri...you can opt out using religion as the reason and your child can still attend any school. A child can not be denied an education because of religious beliefs. You need to understand what you are reading before posting.

Bailey - posted on 06/23/2010

MANY parents in our community choose not to vaccinate, and their children attend public school based on these exemptions.

Denise - posted on 06/23/2010

OK this is to Sherri who Put this on here.
"Sherri
8:44 am So if you just choose not to vaccinate your child could not attend school here. Sorry I agree I can't believe in this day and age people are not vaccinating there kids. If you lived where I do your child would not be able to attend public school.with it. I don't want my child put at risk because another child's family didn't want to vaccinate them."

According to your very first statement, "I can't believe in this day and age people are not vaccinating there kids. If you lived where I do your child would not be able to attend public school." You are very misinformed about the law my dear. Any child can and do attend school without being vaccinated. All they have to do is sign a form that goes into the child's permanent record stating that they do not believe in vaccinating do to their religious beliefs. You do not have to have a letter from a clergy and you do not have to prove membership of any particular congregation. All you have to do is state it is against your personal religious beliefs and thank G-d for Church v State the schools can not go against the letter.

Ok...point 2, you stated, "I don't want my child put at risk because another child's family didn't want to vaccinate them." If the vaccines are so great, why would you worry about the unvaccinated children harming your children after all they are vaccinated right? That argument is a very flawed argument, time to move on.

I can't have my kids vaccinated. I am deathly allergic to latex. I only have to be near a balloon for a matter of seconds and I will go down, so why would I allow my kids to get vaccinations that have latex in it. Oh yes, even the wonderful (very sarcastic) flu vaccine has latex. I found that out the hard way when my kids' step-mom took them to get the flu vaccine because she didn't want her kids to be at risk. Guess what, I couldn't even be near my own kids for litterally months and I ended up in the hospital dying because I was having a severe allergic reaction to my own chiildren.

That's the type of things you put in your children, fine, that's your choice but don't you dare look down on anyone else who does what they feel is in the best interest of their children and family. You need to stop relying on our government to give you vital information and start looking outside the box to get the truth.

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

Look above Lauren I just posted it word for word from the state I live in's exemption forms. ONLY for religious or medical reasons only!! I am not wrong you can't opt to not vaccinate or your child can not attend.

Bailey - posted on 06/23/2010

And.....one more thing. You might want to read this if you still believe that vaccines are beneficial:

http://www.byregion.net/articles-healers...

Bailey - posted on 06/23/2010

BTW, Lauren, I agree with you about the vaccines. I vaccinated my two oldest because I didn't know any better. Now that I know what I know about those shots, I'll never let a child of mine have another one. My 11 month old has never had a vaccination, and she's the healthiest of the bunch. Never even had a cold. When the other kids had RSV this April she didn't even catch it. And to Sherri, if vaccines work so well, then why would you be concerned about your children attending school with un-vaccinated children? If vaccines work so well, then your children should be protected, right? Wrong!

Katherine - posted on 06/23/2010

What about drugs for mental illness? Or diabetes? Are you ONLY speaking of antibiotics? In that regard I completely agree.

Bailey - posted on 06/23/2010

I thoroughly agree with you! Of my 4 children, only the twins (the oldest) have ever been on any Rx medication, and that was only once. I try very hard not to use over-the-counter meds either, and only reach for them in an emergency (like to reduce fever). We opt for natural remedies instead, and this method has worked well for our family. We use a combination of essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies.

Lauren - posted on 06/23/2010

You're wrong. Every state has a medical waiver and most have a religious and/or philosophical waiver. :)

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

That is your right as there mom. Just glad your children can't go to school with my children unless they are vaccinated.

Lauren - posted on 06/23/2010

Talk about fear mongering!! Sorry, I have researchedt this subject for over 2 years now and I know refusing shots is the best choice for MY children. I refuse to get into a debate on this; it's pointless to argue with you since you choose to trust the CDC and AAP! No doctor or government agency cares for my child more than I do, and I'm quite secure with how to take care of them, thanks.

Amber - posted on 06/23/2010

I find myself giving my son antibiotics if he has a sinus infection, because he just cannot seem to get rid of it on his own. Other than that, I don't give them much. I do, however, use aspirin. I know, I know, it's possible for a child to get Reye's syndrome. But the fact is that is only true if they have the flu or chicken pox. Generally, for teething, or if they have a headache, I give aspirin. Tylenol, in my eyes, is horrible. It causes all sorts of issues, such as liver damage, increased risk for asthma, and just doesn't work very well. I will never use it.

Tanasha - posted on 06/23/2010

@Sherri

Amen! The reason so many LETHAL diseases have been virtually eradicated in the US is BECAUSE of vaccines.. and there never has been any proven documentation that they cause any sort of permanent neurological damage or else everyone who's been vaccinated as a child (such as myself) would suffer this. Unfortunately because of the VERY RARE instances a child has had a severe reaction (which according to the CDC happens only in about 1 or 2% of vaccinated children.. and usually its because the child is allergic to something used to create the vaccine that was not known about until it was administered) now all vaccines are "bad." It is sad that a fear of a highly unlikely reaction or general misinformation would let people not vaccinate thier kids. It only takes ONE individual who has not been vaccinated to start a potential pandemic.. I vaccinate my kids because I love them and I do NOT want to see them suffer the effects of the diseases they are being protected against.

Sherri - posted on 06/23/2010

I can't believe in this day and age people are not vaccinating there kids. If you lived where I do your child would not be able to attend public school. So if you just choose not to vaccinate your child could not attend school here. Sorry I agree with it. I don't want my child put at risk because another child's family didn't want to vaccinate them.

I. All parents or legal guardians shall have their children who are residing in this state immunized against certain diseases. These diseases shall include, but not be limited to, diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, and tetanus. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to other diseases which require immunization.

II. No child shall be admitted or enrolled in any school or child care agency, public or private, unless the following is demonstrated:

(a) Immunization under paragraph I;
(b) Exemption under RSA 141-C:20-c.

RSA 141-C:20-c (2007)

§ 141-C:20-c. Exemptions

A child shall be exempt from immunization if:

I. A physician licensed under RSA 329, or a physician exempted under RSA 329:21, III, certifies that immunization against a particular disease may be detrimental to the child's health. The exemption shall exist only for the length of time, in the opinion of the physician, such immunization would be detrimental to the child. An exemption from immunization for one disease shall not affect other required immunizations.

II. A parent or legal guardian objects to immunization because of religious beliefs. The parent or legal guardian shall sign a notarized form stating that the child has not been immunized because of religious beliefs.