Moms who don't vaccinate or selectively vaccinate, .........

[d1gitman]

it's simple, if you don't like your doc, find a new one. we change doctors when we are dissatisfied. doctors are no better than any other service oriented profession - some are good and some aren't

 

[miprender]

OP I fully understand. I know my pedetrician(sp) gives the whole list of why they need the chicken pox vaccine (DD actually needed it to go to Kindergarten) and I agree about vaccines for major illnesses like measles but I still can't wrap my mind around the chicken pox vaccine when they are not sure how long the immunity will last.

As for the flu shot I have to fight my dr on that one. I gave DD and DS the flu shot last year and my DD complained for a week that she did not feel well. So this year only the baby will get the flu shot since it is perservative free.

 

[npmommie]

OP here.
Ok first of all I really resent being called irresponsible because I declined a 2nd chicken pox vaccine for MY child.

I come at all of this from a science background. I have been to graduate school in a health care profession, I know how to read research studies, I know where to look for valid research studies .I do not shoot from the hip on these matters, I throughly read both sides of all the issues regarding vaccines, I look at science.
and I encourage all parents to do this as well.

as for the chickenpox vaccine, it does NOT give lifetime immunity. and that is my big issue with it. and honestly I would prefer my kids be exposed to chickenpox as a child not as an adult and certainly not as a pregnant adult female.
I dont' want them to have to go thru life having to continuously pump more vaccine into their bodies. that is my issue with the cp vaccine.

as for all the others, my kids have had all their shots, my ds will be getting boosters that usually come during the 4-6 yo range, I just like to do things later, and on my own schedule than on the CDC schedule.
he may get them closer to 6 yo or 7 yo,
I do take issue with having to get a second dose of MMR as well. if you read the research nearly 100 % develop immunity its like 98% so the second dose is a "just in case you are in the 2%" so my plan is to have a titre done first before giving another dose of MMR. and it is actually the measles component that is needed in a second dose for the just in case,

but anyway, thanks to all the posters who answered

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

I find this interesting. Thank you for sharing you story.

OTish: I know 2 families who have children with autism. One family has 2 boys both autistic (disgnosed later than sooner) and the other has 3 boys, one austict. The families are related as second cousins. The mother of the one autistic child saw the signs very early and refused to accept other peoples' suggestions that it was because he was the third. Due to her feelings (and seeing signs of autism in other children) the child was diagnosed and able to begin therapy and is doing very well.
Has any new research come about in linking autism with genetics?

Our family (sister included) are part of 3 different studies, 1 at UNC Charlotte, AGRE (Autism Speaks) and Emory. I am so hopeful that through our families participation they will find something. I have 2 younger sisters that have decided they will not ever have children (which makes me so sad for them) but they are the most devoted Aunties you will ever see.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Not to hijack the thread-but what IS with the second shot? I had a DR's office INSIST my child get the shot or they would not release medical records to me.

The reason for the second injection or booster shot of the vaccine is that one injection of the vaccine does not give complete immunization against the virus. you need the booster to ensure total immunization against the virus to ensure you do not catch it.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

May get flamed for this but...It is called PRACTICING medicine. Doctors are not the end all be all, even they will tell you to get a second opinion.

Vaccines and drugs come out approved by the CDC and FDA and then get recalled because...oops, turns out there are side effects that were possibly overlooked, brushed under the carpet, or didn't manifest themselves within the trial period. Being on the side of caution and doing research is the best way to protect your loved ones.

 

[npmommie]

The reason for the second injection or booster shot of the vaccine is that one injection of the vaccine does not give complete immunization against the virus. you need the booster to ensure total immunization against the virus to ensure you do not catch it.

and my point is when it first came out they thought you only needed ONE dose. Now its 2.
what next. they don't know and that is the point of my story.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Not to hijack the thread-but what IS with the second shot? I had a DR's office INSIST my child get the shot or they would not release medical records to me.

They are not allowed to do that. I would have reported the doctor.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

and my point is when it first came out they thought you only needed ONE dose. Now its 2.
what next. they don't know and that is the point of my story.

I agree. The Chicken pox vaccine is only 70% effective. So you can still get it.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Our family (sister included) are part of 3 different studies, 1 at UNC Charlotte, AGRE (Autism Speaks) and Emory. I am so hopeful that through our families participation they will find something. I have 2 younger sisters that have decided they will not ever have children (which makes me so sad for them) but they are the most devoted Aunties you will ever see.

I do wish you the best. I have been saying since I found out the 2 families were related that they should contact U of Miami (FL) to see if there was a study. From the research I have read it isn't the vaccines that "Cause" autism rather a genetic factor (enzyme, mutation?) that exposed to the vaccine that is the "cause." Wether is is a specific vaccine or the time the vaccine is given, I don't know. Since Autism usually manifests (or is dagnosed) itself around 2-3 they need to concentrate on the shots given from birth til age.

If you don't mind me asking...what are your thoughts on Jenny McCarthy? If you have any. Her son was diagnosed with Autism and she is a big advocate of no vaccines (maybe delayed?) and lifestyle changes, like gluetin (sp) free foods. I thought I heard/read that she was saying that now her son is not longer Austic???

 

[dis-happy]

Along the same lines....

For 20 years we were told by the gov't that Agent Orange didn't cause cancer and there was no statistical significance to back up the argument that it did. Meanwhile, Vietnam Viets were saying it did. Eventually the gov't changed their tune and started paying benefits.

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

I do wish you the best. I have been saying since I found out the 2 families were related that they should contact U of Miami (FL) to see if there was a study. From the research I have read it isn't the vaccines that "Cause" autism rather a genetic factor (enzyme, mutation?) that exposed to the vaccine that is the "cause." Wether is is a specific vaccine or the time the vaccine is given, I don't know. Since Autism usually manifests (or is dagnosed) itself around 2-3 they need to concentrate on the shots given from birth til age.

If you don't mind me asking...what are your thoughts on Jenny McCarthy? If you have any. Her son was diagnosed with Autism and she is a big advocate of no vaccines (maybe delayed?) and lifestyle changes, like gluetin (sp) free foods. I thought I heard/read that she was saying that now her son is not longer Austic???

wow, dicey subject. I run a group in Atlanta for parents with special needs families and 80% of our group are ASD families. I get asked my thoughts on her all the time. I think Jenny has done so much for our community, to get the word out there, what families deal with day to day. I worry about putting the word "cure" out there. I think children with ASD can greatly improve with therapy (as recent studies have shown). I wouldn't think to speak about Jenny's son as I have never met him, however I have had people in my group who have said that their child was "cured' and I felt that they had moved from a low functioning child with autism to a high functioning child, as mine had done with intensive therapy and intervention. Their children still displayed ASD symptoms just not as many as before. I am by no means an expert and I am often navigating blind. I read medical journal after medical journal, the latest this and that and it gives me such a headache..Autism is a way of life for us and it is in everything we do. I completely understand Jenny's mistrust of the drug companies and the CDC. Too often we are given things and told they are safe, later we find out how awful they are. As parents, the best we can do, is what we can live with at the end of the day, hopeful it was the right thing.

 

[feedthebirds]

If it was me, I'd find a new ped. In my opinion, you're just going to be uncomfortable every time you see the doc. You'll be nervous about possible confrontations with the doc and the doc may or may not let up. This may make your child(ren) uncomfortable too.

I have found that a lot of peds in the area I just moved into will not even see our family(vacs not the homeschooling). In fact, when I interviewed one, as soon as I uttered the words we do not fully vaccinate, he promptly said that he would not be able to work with me, shook my hand and walked out. In all honesty, I appreciated that he doesn't want to waste his time nor mine.

While fully vaccinating doesn't work for our family, I respect families that choose to. To me, the peds shunning patients and/or trying to shove things down our (no vac/partial/delayed families) throats that we have clearly declined doesn't solve anything. I respect their position on vacs and I would appreciate them having respect for me in return though they may not agree with me. I totally expect a ped to urge me to vaccinate, it is what they have been schooled to do. But to belittle me or get irate with me, especially on more than one occasion, is in my opinion rude and unprofessional. I had one ped tell me that within a year he was sure my son would be in the hospital being intubated for pertussis and he would gladly tell me I told you so as my son lie there clinging to life (scare tactics).

Do what's best for your family. Be sure if you end up looking for a new ped to ask the receptionist if they take patients that selectively vac/delay or choose not to vac (whatever your stand is).

 

[dis-happy]

as for the chickenpox vaccine, it does NOT give lifetime immunity. and that is my big issue with it. and honestly I would prefer my kids be exposed to chickenpox as a child not as an adult and certainly not as a pregnant adult female.

I've been making this point for awhile as well. What's going to happen to entire generation of child bearing women? Pretty scary.

That vaccine also ups the incidence of shingles. What used to be an "old persons' disease" is happening to young healthy people and children (have personal experience with knowing both groups of people getting it). Even my doctor admitted that this is a side affect although you don't find any literature about the incidence and how it compares to pre-CP vaccine numbers.

FWIW, 2 of my kids had the real CP, no. 3 and 4 I hope they get it and if not I'll probably vaccinate around middle school since it is rougher to get it when you are older. My ped is fine with this. Thankfully my dd got the real thing.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

wow, dicey subject. I run a group in Atlanta for parents with special needs families and 80% of our group are ASD families. I get asked my thoughts on her all the time. I think Jenny has done so much for our community, to get the word out there, what families deal with day to day. I worry about putting the word "cure" out there. I think children with ASD can greatly improve with therapy (as recent studies have shown). I wouldn't think to speak about Jenny's son as I have never met him, however I have had people in my group who have said that their child was "cured' and I felt that they had moved from a low functioning child with autism to a high functioning child, as mine had done with intensive therapy and intervention. Their children still displayed ASD symptoms just not as many as before. I am by no means an expert and I am often navigating blind. I read medical journal after medical journal, the latest this and that and it gives me such a headache..Autism is a way of life for us and it is in everything we do. I completely understand Jenny's mistrust of the drug companies and the CDC. Too often we are given things and told they are safe, later we find out how awful they are. As parents, the best we can do, is what we can live with at the end of the day, hopeful it was the right thing.

Thank you for your honesty. I taught sp ed (with autistic children...and returning to teaching next year) so I have my own opinions after research/students/parents. I find that I really do learn more from parents. Personal experience can truly help others understand the differing abilities (IMO) more than journals written by professionals about groups or theories that others have had experiences with.
Jenny McCarthy has used her celebrity status to raise awareness. I just worry if words like "cured" are "thrown" around it will give parents false hope and may undermine the need for continued therapies that promote continued success. JMO. She does seem to bash the CDC quite a bit...again the need for parents to do their own reseasch and make their own conclusions.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

I have found that a lot of peds in the area I just moved into will not even see our family(vacs not the homeschooling). In fact, when I interviewed one, as soon as I uttered the words we do not fully vaccinate, he promptly said that he would not be able to work with me, shook my hand and walked out. In all honesty, I appreciated that he doesn't want to waste his time nor mine.

Does anyone have any thoughts why this is...fear of lawsuits, compensations/freebies form drug companies???

 

[PrincessMama605]

Does anyone have any thoughts why this is...fear of lawsuits, compensations/freebies form drug companies???

For the safety of the other patients. Would you want to bring your newborn in for a dr. appt to sit in a waiting room with kids who haven't been vaccinated?

 

[RMulieri]

Does anyone have any thoughts why this is...fear of lawsuits, compensations/freebies form drug companies???

LAwsuits.Sorry medical professionals work real hard for their degree and license to practice...everyone is out to sue these days.Patients and families that are told of the side effects, and pros/cons and given full disclosure are still attempting lawsuits , which results in higher insurance premiums and Drs leaving the fields of practice in droves.it is easier for them to not accept the patients.Not saying this is right or wrong, but the system is very flawed.As for compensation and freebies...Drs that accept those things as payment or incentive are subject to loss of licensure...it is illegal.

 

[Ariel on Land]

You have every right to deny any vaccine you do not wish your child getting. YOU are the parent, NOT the doctor- it is their role to give you their medical advice and you can take it or leave it.

For our family- we delay and separate our vaccines. I've had some grief from nurses and pediatricians, but it's not their call, I let it roll off my back. I've done my research and feel comfortable with my decisions. They've finally realized I'm not changing my mind and my ped just says she's glad they're getting the shots, albeit a different schedule. There is actually an article in the latest US News and World report supporting this method, based on an interview with Dr. Sears of The Vaccine Book. (Which btw, I think is an EXCELLENT fairly non-biased educational book on vaccines.) And I totally agree with you about the CP vax- I have a HARD time with that one. The thought of an entire generation going into adulthood without full (natural) immunity is scary. I personally think you're probably right that they are going to continue to up the boosters. And as a live vaccine, I don't like that. I'm holding off on CP as long as I possibly can- in hopes that my boys can catch it naturally so their bodies can create their own immunity.

If you otherwise really like the ped, then stay with them and know to stand your ground on vax issues, if not, then maybe you should look for someone you agree with more or at least, someone who will be more respectful of your decisions.

 

[mommyof3rookies]

and my point is when it first came out they thought you only needed ONE dose. Now its 2.
what next. they don't know and that is the point of my story.

Yes you're right, 1st they said 1 now it's 2. This is the problem you have now: If you don't get the booster, there is no way to know when your child MAY get chickenpox, will he get them in a year or 2, OK no big deal usually, or will him get them in 20 years when the risk of complications is MUCH higher. My children have all of their vaccines, unfortunately they also have the chickenpox vaccine. If I could have a do-over they wouldn't get that one because it now requires ANOTHER shot. But they have it so we will get the boosters. You have to make the decision, the risks are too high for me not to give my kids the booster, JMHO.