Vaccines

[duckie1978]

Hi! I am totally ignorant when it comes to vaccinations and am just starting to learn about them and don't seem to like them. They are not vegan-but then again, most of the medications I have to take probably have some weird by-product in them-and seem to cause more cases of the disease than prevent them. However, most states in the US require them, especially NY. I was forced to have a TB test when I was hospitalized and threw a fit. I even had to have them at college or I would have been kicked out! How can you avoid them? Don't all day-care and schools require them? I want the best for any future child I might have but am not sure how to avoid them. Any help?

[Erin Pavlina]

Laws vary in each state. Here in California we can use a personal belief exemption to avoid having to vaccinate our kids, even for school. Some states require a religious or medical waiver.

Write to your Congressman and ask for a copy of the law for your state, and do whatever is required of you.

Worst case scenario, you don' t have to vaccinate first thing in the hospital. If you're not sure, take some time before you decide.

My husband and I spent about 2 years researching the vaccine issue and decided not to vaccinate our child when she was born. More and more people are avoiding vaccination. You're definitely not alone.

[frenchie]

There are 13 states in the US that have a religious or ethical waiver to vaccinations. Schools, daycares, and the medical industry will try to bully you into vaccinating your child. I'm dealing with this issue at the moment as well. We are trying to find a pediatrician that will support, or at least try to understand our convictions. To be honest, the least of my concerns is wheather or not there is animal by product in the vaccines, rather the mercury/aluminum content, and how it can affect my son. In my research so far, I have learned that some people are unable to metabolize mercury and aluminum. Thimersol is a preservative made up of mercury and aluminum, and Thimersol is found in *most* vaccines. There is a great debate in the medical industry about Thimersol, and it's connection to Autism. Thimersol as a preservative was introduced in the 1930's. The Hep B vaccine contains the strongest amount of Thimersol than any other vaccine. The Hep B vaccine was introduced in the 1990's. Since then there has been an enormous increase of children with autism. It's being called an epidemic at this point. The FDA has acknowledged the connection, but has refused to put a recall on vaccines containing Thimersol. They would rather allow the supply to run out, before making vaccines without Thimersol totally available. In the 70's, children recieved about 9 vaccines, today children recieve 23 vaccines. It's no wonder there is such an increase in autism.
There are great resources to research on the internet if you would like to know more about vaccines. Mothering magazine is a great resource as well. Good luck!

[capersmama]

I agree with the previous posters..do your research..and make an informed decision!

I also with my 1st 2 children "followed what my dr suggested" and vaccinated. My 3rd I (with major arguments relented to a couple of vaccinations). Now with my 4th..NO VAX! :-) He is 3 years old and vaccine free.

I wish you the best. An informed decision is always best. If oyu need to take the time to think about it..do so! and dont let the physicians bully you into something that may possibly keep you up nights worrying about! You may decide to vaccinate..but what it coems down to is..its your decision! Noone elses!

Best of luck to you!

[HoneyNBen]

I too no longer vaccinate. why? I can not figure out if it's good or not. My son was born..dr said no vacc's while in hosp cause they don't 'hold'/arent' good...I think...ok...Go to dr office..son get's poked with like 3 at once. Lukily insurance goes nutso on us..can't go to dr. 20/20 or something does something over autism and vaccines...they say only one at a time. Research that...ok...that's what we'll do. Son gets 1 at a time. Same Dr...wants to give him the chicken pox shot...I'm not sure due to being pregnant with daughter..she says...it's going around..you'll be safer with him having the shot...Talks us into it with...you know I would never hurt your child..Believe her since she was supportive to breastfeeding and my being a vegetarian. So...daughter's born..husband loses job and insurance...no dr visits since everyone's healthy and following milestones. Researching vaccines and all I find says it's ok and the best thing. Hubby gets job back after almost 1yr of fighting with the union. 2 weeks later daughter develops mystery sickness...loses 4lbs in 3 days. Ignorants at hospital say things due to no vaccines, being breastfeed and vegetarian...( notes said they were extremely suprised she wasn't anemic..) So after being in hospital for 3wks, missing her first birthday, and actually throwing one nurse out of hospital room, we go home. Dr wants follow ups...at drs says since at hosp she needs this and this..Nope..only one at a time. Dr..says no vaccines what so ever...she needs them. and says...I would never hurt your child, with hand on shoulder, and looking into my eyes. Daughter receives dtp shot ...daughter begins screaming like never before...didn't stop until she cried herself to sleep. Sleep habits changed over night...was sleeping throught the night...no more...Her cry actually changed. she became different. I didn't know then but after doing more research over vaccines and discovering mothering mag I knew she had an allergic reaction along with hundreds of other children. Please, please educate yourself and most importantly listen to your heart when it tells you NOOO!!!! The only positive thing I can find in all of this is that my children will get no more shots and any other children will be blessed to be vaccine free. Oh and if anyone does the what about an outbreak...Inform them about the whooping cough vaccine only having a 3 year of immunity. (Mothering's vaccine book) Also, remember...why a chicken pox shot now when they've had it for 20 years? #1 reason? Profit...it keeps parents from having to stay at home with their sick child. If chicken pox was really that deadly...why did they keep it out of 'rotation', so to speak, for so long? No matter your decision...make an educated one. Also, realise that if you can't find a negitive side to a story that it's being deeply hidden, but does exist. If I'd known that...my daughter would never have been harmed. Oh and we don't see that dr anymore. Their new one is a family dr, believes in 'certain' not all vaccines and is supportive to non-vaccines, vegan, intact, extended nursing chidren with attachmetn parenting parents! :)

[bachlva]

I don't know if it's appropriate or not, but Dr. Jay Gordon's website www.drjaygordon.com has a good section on vaccines. He is biased toward most healthy, low-risk babies at least postponing vaccines for at least a year, just so you know. I think he's great that he takes each patient on a case by case basis in terms of what he feel comfortable advising.

Our ped. basically told us that BF, stay at home babies, with no siblings are at the lowest risk ... then left the decision up to us. We have not vaccinated yet... Once DS reaches 1 year, we will re-evaulate again.

*Do* research for yourself and do what you feel comfortable with! ;)

[capersmama]

Bachlva,
Dont ya just adore Dr Jay?? I like it that he believes in a case by case decisions. Not the "blanket..vaccinate now!"

Because of his questioning certain things in the medical profession I too have begun questioning. It makes waves but when it comes to my children I will make tidal waves before I hurt or let anyone else hurt them.