vaccines?? yes or no??

Jessica - posted on 07/21/2010

All I have to say is that my son received all of his vaccines and he is perfectly healthy. I have no idea if there is a link between autism and vaccines, I do know that there is no proof of a link.

Robin - posted on 07/21/2010

I have two children and both are vaccinated. Alot of people on here feel one way or the other but the only people who can truly decide are you and your doctor. I honestly feel that children should be vaccinated. When these horrible diseases were more common and the vaccines were created, people thought they were great. Now as other diseases (such as autism) are being found, people are questioning them. I personally believe that vaccines do not cause autism, it's as others have said that we've just been able to give it a name so now it seems more people have it when really it's just that before they didn't know what it was. I honestly feel that unless it's due to an allergic reaction, unvaccinated children should not be allowed into public schools. I find it disturbing that you can just sign a waiver with no just cause and not have to get your child vaccinated, yet still be able to enroll them. This is such a controversial topic and everyone has their own opinions. I have stated mine, but as I said before, it's up to you and your doctor.

Am - posted on 07/21/2010

I agree with the vaccines, I don't think that they are connected. If the Dr. swears they are safe then I would trust them, ask them if they gave the vaccines to their own kids.

Kristen - posted on 07/21/2010

I have heard it both ways...I have vaccinated all three of my boys and they are all very healthy. I have also been told it is safer to only do one vaccine at a time instead of letting the child have two or three at one visit. It all comes down to personal choice.

Elizabeth - posted on 07/21/2010

all i can say is research it fully!! Vaccinations can be hard to understand. Its alot of crazy things going into such a small person every 3 mths. I have choosen to wait until my daughter was 1 b4 any vaccinations. then i do the most important in my doctors eyes every 6 mths or so. and your children DO NOT need to be vacinated to be enroled into school. its not a law in any state the schools just say that and give parents a very hard time about it, but its not illegal to have our children not vacinated....after all we do live in america!! so just do your research on crediable websites talk to many doctors and follow your heart!! thats what i did. i dont belive in not vacinating kids just fewer at less times bc i thought it was crazy that while you are pregnant you cant eat fish due to the mercury harming the fetus but yet each vacine has a 504% more mercury then the recomnded amount!!

Kathryn - posted on 07/21/2010

I would recommend reading the book 'Just a Little Prick' by Peter and Hilary Butler. Hope this helps you

http://www.whale.to/vaccines/butler88.ht...

Tarryn - posted on 07/21/2010

I am with you Sarah Siu! Also, obviously people have missed the numerous posts (even mine) that stated that the whole autism being linked to vaccines was not conclusive but yet we are still getting a flood of those. OK WE GET IT AUTISM IS NOT CAUSED BY VACCINES!!

~Spade~

Amber - posted on 07/21/2010

in responce to Kelley, You need to be careful about spacing out your child's vaccines because that can cause your child to need the same thing twice. My daughter's sped preschool freaked out because she had one of her vaccines two months before she was suppose to, or it was too far from another one, or something of that sort, and they requested she get it again. Vaccines that require multiple rounds should never be spaced out on any other time table than what the doctor says, because the vaccine may not be effective. I guess it just comes down to who you trust.... Personally, I go with what the majority of doctors suggest. My daughter has enough problems without getting the mumps.

Amber - posted on 07/21/2010

That is not true, in most cases (in the US) you can choose. The school cannot force you to vaccinate your children, but if they (or any other child, for that matter) becomes ill with something that a vaccine would normally prevent, the school will not allow your unvaccinated child to attend school until that is under control.

Kelley - posted on 07/21/2010

check out greenourvaccines.com it is a great web site and you should be able to answer some of you questions after you read up. One good alternitive is to space out your son's vacs. only allowing him to have on or two at a time.

Kelliann - posted on 07/21/2010

not sure if anyone has seen it on the news... but the doctor that did the study that linked autism to vaccines was found that he had faked some of the results... and the whole study was thrown out... he is even facing charges for it... i have three kids, which in my family there are 18 kids (all young ones) and none of them have had any problems with any of the vaccines... i think the vaccines are needed how else r u suppose to protect ur child from some which are deadly diseases... we all had them as children... i would feel worse to have my child pass away from something i could have prevented then not...

Amber - posted on 07/21/2010

No! Im with Sarah Siu!.. Doctors are too political these days!!

Sarah - posted on 07/21/2010

i didn't with either of my children but i'm a firm believer in homeopathy and herbs. there is a cure for pretty much everything if you use these items. our family is 100% natural and organic. i only go to the medical doctor if they brake their arm or need stiches. now day's they are so quick to give medicine and too many vaccines.
this is your choice you have to make so do your reseach like some of the other people have said.

Tarryn - posted on 07/21/2010

Again this is your own decision but I would do my research and weigh my options (not just listen to other people's opinions including my pediatrician). There is a wealth of knowledge out there on vaccines and what they do to young people's bodies. Autism should not be your only concern there has been no conclusive proof that autism is linked to vaccination. I personally was more concerned with the cocktail of ingredients in vaccines. I have chosen not to vaccinate. Now you don't have to just not vaccinate you can go on an alternative vaccination schedule that delays certain vaccinations until an age you feel more comfortable about. Or you can just decide to refuse certain vaccinations. Make sure you find out the laws in your state about refusing to vaccinate for philosophical or religious reasons. Daycares, preschools, and regular schools should have a form for you to fill out and sign if you choose not to vaccinate, you can also obtain them from your health department, or you can write up your own letter and have it notarized (sometimes it does not have to be notarized).

Hope that helps.

~Spade~

Erica - posted on 07/21/2010

I hate that this is even an option for so many. 1. Autism is a sort of an umbrella term; there are way too many types to say its caused by 1 thing. 2. There are both genetic and other environmental factors to be looked at. 3. It is WAY too easy to point the proverbial finger at "Vaccines" b/c of some *unproven* theories about the preservatives contained in them. It was a hypothetical thing that requires a lot more research; someone read an article about the info on it/blog/etc and so many people jumped on the band wagon.

But think in these terms: 1. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VACCINATED, AND ARE *NOT* AUTISTIC? If the preservatives, caused it, why not them? They got it too. 2. HOW MANY DISEASES HAVE BEEN ERRADICATED THANKS TO THE LIFE SAVING (BY PREVENTION, OBVIOUSLY) PRACTICE OF VACCINES.

By denying your child the healthcare he/she deserves with vaccination you are not only put him/her at risk for the life threatening disease (depending on age), but also OTHER children he/she may come in to contact with, who may just not have been old enough to get it. These things are incredibly contagious and can KILL! Be responsible and get all the facts, not just about the vaccine theory, but ALSO about the diseases the vaccines are designed to help the body build antibodies against. And dear GOD, please trust a medical professional's advice (they've been TRAINED in diseases)over a magazine journalists theories about a recent hot topic!.

Tanya - posted on 07/21/2010

I was VERY skeptical of the vaccines for the same reason, until my DR gave me a 30 minute lecture about how Autism actually isn't from vaccines blah blah blah...I listened tho and seemed to make sense, he's pretty smart and he never pushes for meds or anything I don't need. But he really advised for the Vaccines. It's a hard call because it's our children and we only want what's best. My sister only got her kids vaccinated up until a year old and then she stopped and they are both fine! So it's totally your call :) Hope I helped.

Michelle - posted on 07/21/2010

After seeing what some of those illnesses do to little babies and the suffering they go through the answer from me is yes.

Laressa - posted on 07/21/2010

Health nurse told me that Russia cut out vaccines for awhile because of Autism. And in the 20 years or so that they didn`t give it the Autism rates didn`t change much. So its obviously not that.

Melita - posted on 07/21/2010

dont have a choice to get them or not,your kids cant go to school or daycare without them.which i dont think is right parents should have a choice what nasty things go into their kids little bodies.my youngest has to have his 18m needles next week and not looking forward to it :(

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2010

I believe in shots both of my children have them and no problems at all.

Amber - posted on 07/20/2010

I have a daughter that is high functioning autistic, and I would never skip vaccinations. There is no proof that vaccinations have anything to do with Autism, and in fact the likely reason that the number of children diagnosed has gone up is because they have started grouping a bunch of disorders into the Autism spectrum that were not previously thought as being under that umbrella. Lack of vaccinations puts your child at risk for some very nasty diseases. I wouldn't risk it. The reason we don't have horrible outbreaks anymore is only because the majority of people vaccinate their children. If everyone were to stop, I shudder to think of what could happen.

Melissa - posted on 07/20/2010

I believe vaccines are one of the most important thing you can give your child. If you dont immunise your children then you are putting your child and others at risk of life treatening disease. There are enough studies done now days that show the importance of vaccinations, and the link to autisim are so low and you have no real need to worry if you have had all his immunisations up to date why stop now?
Its a personal choice but why risk life threatening illnesses for the very small chance of a 'what if' that has no real substance.

There was a case in the US where a little girl died of the measels because a child in her class wasn't immunised. The mother of the child that wasn't immunised was charged with criminal neglegence and I am not 100% but I am sure she was also convicted of involintary manslauter.

I believe that it is important to protect our children in everyway we can.

Shamekia - posted on 07/20/2010

@ Jennifer: Honey, calm down it isn't that serious. Even when you get the vaccines the strain can mutate still. Which is why they are coming up with new vaccines all the time. And everyone thinking vaccines protect you against everything is wrong. I am going through a class on NBC warfare right now. The real danger is the things we don't have treatment for not the things we don't have vaccines for. Even if a child is not vaccinated against the common cold they can still be treated for it and survive. They will then have built up their own immunity to it. I think that if you go the no vaccine route, then you should be willing to pay close attention to your children.

Allison - posted on 07/20/2010

See I'm with you i don't really see the point behind the flu shot at all or chicken pox vaccine, i'm guessing almost all of us have had both the flu and chicken pox as kids we're all fine but if my son was like 13 and still hadn't gotten chicken pox then i might consider the vaccine but since at least the state of iowa doesn't give you choices when your on state aid he got the shots. And the flu is easy to get over as long as your a healthy sort of person. Granted some people have squat for an immune system but most of us are good. The flu in general isn't gonna kill us or our kids and yet people go nuts to get the shots every year

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2010

vaccinate your children!!!!! Dr. Andrew Wakefield the doctor who started the whole autisim debate, who's research were the blueprints for other doctors research has had his medical license REVOKED.
Vaccinating is a personal choice yes. However please remember with immigration at an all time high, and most are exposed or carriers of many diseases covered by routine vaccination you are risking alot.
And to those who seem to think that your un-immunized children wont effect others in an out break, consider reaserching viral mutations.

Shamekia - posted on 07/20/2010

:) I am glad some people see humor. It is all up to you and your beliefs. I have my child vaccinated and I'm not worried about her. I do not regret my decision to vaccinate her. I also took the H1N1 shot while pregnant (I was forced to as I am in the military and everyone knows we are guinea pigs). My child is happy and healthy. She laughs, she screeches, she plays peek-a-boo (although not so well because she pulls my hands)... LOL I have seen stories about children dying from a cold, when they were not vaccinated. I think though that some things are just like umm why does my child need that?? Also I know every year without fail I got the flu because the vaccine made me sick. One year after the flu vaccine I almost died of dehydration. I remember my mama making sure I had a full glass of water whenever I woke up.

Allison - posted on 07/20/2010

oh and as to the people who keep saying dr's are paid to say you have to get vaccines, the government isnt and those SOBs required your child to recieve vaccines (for free) if you want to recieve medical help or WIC. So yeah i'm sure the dr's are paid to use certain brands but find 100 family practice dr's from a place like america and then the numerous 3rd world countries see how many dr's tell you not to vaccinate

Allison - posted on 07/20/2010

I understand that having an autistic child would not under any circumstances be easy, but i rather have an autistic baby than a kid who's too sick to have any enjoyment out of life or worse a dead child. but i agree with the mom way up on here some where who says its the new adhd. I know a kid well he's like 21 now when he was 5 his kindergarten teacher told his mother he was autistic. She of course was like no he's not so she home schooled him until he was12 and then he was afreshman in high school. The kid is a genius, at 16 he was offered a job at microsoft but decided to go to college instead. His sister is not as smart but she also was really smart. And remember all those poor kids who were put on ridilin and they didn't need it fact of the matter was they were just bored out of thier mind during school. These are mental/ physical issues that can be helped but not protected against. Autism is a sad thing but ask any one with an autistic kid they love just as much and probably appreciate thier kids alot more than the rest of us do. Autism isn't the worst thing ever it isnt going to kill any one (at least not as far as i have been informed) So parents heres the real question when it comes to vaccines whats worse, the really unlikely chance that your kid will end up being Autistic and maybe not even noticably autistic because of these shots or a child that catches a illness that could have been prevented that kills them or nearly kills them and either way weakens them most likely for the rest of thier lives? I'll take the unlikely autism

Nichole - posted on 07/20/2010

I am 100% for vaccines. I totally agree with what one mom wrote about rather having an autistic child than a dead one. Vaccines are here to protect your child. The diseases they protect against are serious and deadly. You need to research what these diseases can do before you decide.

Monica - posted on 07/20/2010

I beleiev there is a good reason for vaccines and think they should be gotten...they help fight off some really big illnesses...

Jessica - posted on 07/20/2010

i was concerned of autism too. and my pediatrician assured me they dont use vaccines with preservatives in them, and that the preservatives plus certain genetic triggers are what CAN cause autism after receiving certain immunizations. If i were you i would talk to your pediatrician. they can give you more answers as far as risk factors and what to watch for.

Sam - posted on 07/20/2010

I also feel it is only the best idea to vaccinate, I have seen children have some of these diseases and it is really not pretty, I also have a friend who lost her baby due to these diseases we can prevent!! It’s not pretty but I think everyone should be vaccinating their child. If they were sick would you deprive them of the medicine that will make them better NO you wouldn’t you would give it to them so why not vaccinate????? Just my option but their it is !!!

Amber - posted on 07/20/2010

My 3 year old son is Autistic, he was diagnosed when I was pregnant with my daughter. The thought of not vaccinating her never even crossed my mind until we were in the hospital and I signed the papers for her shots and my husband's eyes bulged out of his eyes. But we went ahead and did it. She is 10 months old and healthy. I dont think any one thing causes it for everyone. My son did not change after his shots, he was the same way from birth I questioned him being autistic at 6 months of age and if he wasn't my first I would have fought harder bc I would have known. If I ever have another child I will vaccinate that child as well.

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2010

..what if...they invented a vaccine for autism :O !!!!
just something to think about.

just so you ladies know, every time you bash each other on here i get an email notification. i understand if you're frustrated with some of the opinions being stated here, but i don't come here to read your frustrations, i'm sure the other moms don't either, so cool it.

Amy - posted on 07/20/2010

Okay Ann, you are right. TB test. So you win. Bravo.

I would much rather watch my child be "lethargic" for a day than die of a horrible disease because I wanted to prevent them from feeling ill for a day.

As for the bubble, it's more the principle of the matter. We were required to get the shots as children. Now a couple of whacked doctors tell you it is linked to autism. It's not. Autism cannot be explained. Read all the medical journals you want, you will not find a cause or cure for it. It is arrogant and rude of you to judge people who are actually informed, and say they aren't, just because we haven't researched biased information. It's like watching Fox News for your political news. Ridiculous. It's all coincidence.

And yes Shamekia, I got my shots on time as a child, and I also went to college and graduated, so that must be connected!! Obviously people who didn't get their shots must automatically not do well in school.

Take a math class, lol. I'm done with this nonsense. She asked for an opinion. I think the majority of us mothers agree, vaccinate your child. You can't cure these diseases, that is what the vaccinations were invented for.

Chelsea - posted on 07/20/2010

always always vaccinate children, the childhood diseases are literally deadly. i have made sure my son has gotten all his shots so far & he will get every shot he needs, because at the end of the day i would rather have an alive child!

Shamekia - posted on 07/20/2010

When I was a kid I was kept up with all my shots every year on time. I was a straight A student. I am working on my Bachelor's Degree in Business-Accounting. There: I have now linked getting shots with being a good student! JK

Honestly I believe that before all these "studies" our parents knew nothing about all these so called "links". And we turned out okay, right? I mean @ least 75% of the people on this page got those same shots and they are not autistic in the least bit. And if you don't believe you got those vaccinations ask your parents if they had you vaccinated. Chances are: you had the same ones you are refusing to give your child. I don't think not vaccinating your child is a crime, but you should really think hard and research a lot.

I have heard horror stories on both sides of the fence. Do what you feel you need to do as a mother.

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2010

As my husband said, "No wonder it's called Circle of Moms...they all keep going in circles!"

I understand it's a hot topic and a largely heated debate, but you guys need to tone down on the catfights before this gets out of hand.

Ann - posted on 07/20/2010

@ April, I actually work in a Birth to Three program where I work with autistic children everyday. I see the connections on all different levels, and I see parents question vaccines all the time.

What's at the heart of all this anger, is ignorance. People need to educate themselves. If you haven't read the reseach showing the link between autism and vaccines, you don't even know what your arguing against. Your argument is impotent. I'm not going to waste anymore time on this sensless discussion, the truth will come out someday.

Angie - posted on 07/20/2010

Amy, I think you are slightly confused on the TB "shot" that you get to go to school. You do not get a TB immunization you get a TB test. It is not in any way protecting you from TB it is a test to see if you have or may have been exposed to TB. Unless you have received something totally special and different than anyone I know or the immunizations I have personally administered. In the US a TB immunization is not standard although I have heard of individuals getting it when they travel to certain countries or in the military it is not a standard vaccination for most people.

As far as homeschooling your child so they don't come in contact with unvaccinated children unless you plan on keeping your child in a bubble then there is really no way to protect them from unvaccinated children. You can't ask every parent of children they come in contact with at the playground or Children's Museums if their kid is up to date on all their vaccinations. And it isn't the parent "getting around the law" it is the parent exercising their right to not give their children vaccinations that they may consider harmful to their child. There is no getting around it, there are state waivers for these parents to chose to use if they want. To act like a parent to choses not to vaccinate is somehow weaseling around the system is really absurd and highly offensive. I have done YEARS of research, I have read medical journals, websites, books (both by pro vaccine and anti vaccine authors), I've talked to our pediatrician, other pediatricians, my medical doctors and I have made the decision that my children will not receive all their vaccinations, there are some I do feel are important, some that I think should not be administered until later and some that I will never give my kids. It's a decision that I have not made lightly and I would venture to say most non vaxing parents have done equally as much research as myself. Like someone else said it is generally the non vaxing or delayed vaxing parents who have done more research on the subject than those spouting off that we are putting their kids in danger by not vaccinating.

Like many have said, it is a personal decision, there is no right answer for every family and it is highly offensive to judge another parent for making the right decision for their family. And until you have watched your child react to a vaccine, or become completely lethargic for 24 hours and unresponsive your really cannot judge what another parent choses to do in the way of vaccinations.

Miranda - posted on 07/19/2010

I promote vaccinations. There is really no link to Autism and vaccines, there was a British doctor that initially made the claims that vaccines caused Autism that has been disproven. His name is Dr. Andrew Wakefield, you can look up the information to read it for yourself if you would like. I believe that the link in vaccines and Autism is coincidental. You obviously can make your own decision on the matter, but I have vaccinated my son and he will be getting his vaccines at his 18 month check up next month. My son has been extremely healthy, and I haven't seen any signs of any problems. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Camille - posted on 07/19/2010

Jonna: I have never read about aborted fetuses being used to make vaccines. Like someone posted earlier, anybody can write a book and have it published so we can't believe everything we see in print. I have read a lot about vaccines and their ingredients and have never seen anything like what you state here.

Allison - posted on 07/19/2010

Also just another little tid bit remember parents who dont vaccinate your not the only ones saying well we're not going too and what if you have a group of friends who have children who havent been vaccinated (i'm willing to bet that you do) what happens when one of those kids or parents get sick? so your child and thier children have to pay the price for your stubborn arogance and gulliblity. No medical Doctor would give a child anything that could hurt them like that barring unforseen things like allergies. Also FYI for the person so conserned with the mercury thing, what year do you think this is? people have known for almost 160 years not to put that into the human body. and its been in strict practice (in America with ethical drug companies) for at least 40 years.

Allison - posted on 07/19/2010

look here is the cruel facts that alot of people don't like Autism is there from the start. just like downs it is not developed later due to a shot. The only downside to vaccines is at least with my kid he gets sickly for a day or so after the shots but i rather deal with that than more frightening illnesses anyways most public schools will no longer take children who don't have thier shots even when parents sight religious reasons the school no longer cares, at least here in my area. remember its not usually the kids who parents think who bring in the scary sickness its usually the parents saying well my kid doesnt have to because those are lowerclass or dirty people sickness

Cherri - posted on 07/19/2010

there r many shots that r required...for entry into school. it is true that some shots may cause autism. what u shld do us lookup the shots that have been given and the ones that he needs to get and see what the symptoms r that he can get or which ones have been known to cause autism or any other health risks that u may be concerned about. but u have to understand that the shots that r given r the ones that have been known to cause very severe illnesses even death to children once they get it. just do ur research and its all up to u if u wnt to give them to ur child or not,

Amy - posted on 07/19/2010

Joanna - I am in the United States which is not a third world country either, and we have to get the TB shot as well in order to enroll in college.

@Angie, I went through the last half of my schooling in this state, and I'm not surprised how easy it is to get around rules and regulations. I hate to home school my child, but if these parents are going to be so selfish as to not vaccinate their child and weasel their way around the regulations that were put in place for a REASON, then I do NOT want her around them. Even though she will be vaccinated.

Umm someone said Jenny McCarthy's son got autism from a shot. She claims that is how he got it, that is why so many people are not immunizing their children, because one celebrity tells us it happened. I got the MMR, before I went to kindergarten I remember getting the last one. I am not autistic. If one shot caused autism, why aren't we all autistic? There are so many types of autism now. I agree with someone else on here who said autism was being overdiagnosed. It's the new ADHD. I know there are PLENTY of cases that are real, the mom on here who has the autistic child knows better than any of us. And she knows it wasn't because of a shot.

One person cries wolf and all the crazies get in line. Just an excuse, a scapegoat, because we don't KNOW what causes it. There is NO cure, but we always have to blame someone or something.

And you can put anything on the internet. Unless it is the supreme medical board of the world telling me in plain English on a billboard signed by God himself that says "Immunization Causes Autism" I'm not buying it. The unknown scares us all. It was like deciding whether to get the H1N1 shot while I was pregnant. If I hadn't been pregnant, I wouldn't have even cared. But I couldn't have lived with myself if I had gotten sick and hurt my child. Why bother taking your child to a doctor if you're not going to follow their expert advice?

Jonna - posted on 07/19/2010

Bottom line: this is a decision you must make for your own family with your own research. It is essential for you to have sources that you trust. It is true that anyone can write a book or post to a website, it is also equally true that pediatricians are held to standards dependent on funding from the makers of vaccines and are also not impartial. All of the things I have stated are either from the CDC or WHO. You have to decide if this a risk you are willing to take with your children. If you feel convicted to vaccinate after careful research, then by all means do it! If you do research and feel convicted to delay or not give vaccines all together, then don't do it. You can only do your best by your child. I have followed my convictions, and from the sound of it most other mother's on here have followed theirs as well.

I'm not sure why so many mothers that are pro-vaccination act like those of us who don't vaccinate are doing them harm or putting their lives in danger. If you and your child are totally immunized, then you have nothing to worry about right? If instead you are saying that having the vaccination doesn't fully protect you when exposed to someone with the disease, then aren't you admitting that it's pointless to get it?

Rebecca - posted on 07/19/2010

you can always do what we did/are doing. Vaccinate, but on your own schedule. Our boys get 1 shot every 2 months. all the combo vaccines we order a head of time so we can get them separate. The big one is the MMR. we get that split up, and he gets one shot every month, to keep the schools happy. None of our kids have gotten the flue vaccine, or the chicken pox vaccine, and our daughter will never ever get the vaccine again HPV. {more and more girls who have gotten it are turning up infertile}. I think it is rude an arrogant for any one person to TELL another to do something they are not sure about doing. Informing is one thing, dictating is quite another. I find the doing your own schedule is the best of both worlds

April - posted on 07/19/2010

@Ann McDonald have you had a child with autism? You can quote all kinds of crackpot websites, but unless you have actually had the experience, you are doing more harm than good by spreading misinformation. The only thing that opting out of vaccines does is cause very preventable diseases to spread.

April - posted on 07/19/2010

They have not used mercury as a preserver in shots since 2001.