To vaccinate or not? Or maybe just delay? - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

liloulou · 10-08-2007, 08:52 AM

I know this issue is pretty controversial, but I'm interested in people's opinions and schedules.
My DD just went for her 9 month check up and we refused the flu shot, partly because she already has an ear infection and goes to day care tomorrow (Friday's would work better in case she gets a fever). Also, partly because I'm weary of all of the shots that our babies get these days. I think I only got 4-8 when I was young.
I've followed the immunization schedule as recommended thusfar because I just didn't realize the quantity of shots she'll need, but now am thinking of delaying the MMR and HepA. Perhaps forgetting about the Varicella vaccine completely since I've read the immunity is only good for 5-8 years anyway.
Has anyone else thought about delaying or not getting a particular vaccine?
If you have delayed, what schedule are you using?
Thanks.

neshee · 10-08-2007, 09:59 AM

I know that Austism is a big worry for parents. BUT you just have to ask yourself one question: Would you rather risk Autism or the chance of them catching something deadly? Personally, I would rather risk my child getting Autism, which hasn't been proved that these cause them. It rather is considered to be the same age when children start showing symptoms. I have a 3 year old DD whom we immunized on time for ALL things. Plus, she had the flu shot, b/c of being around other kids alot. I now have a 4 month old DS, who is a preemie, so he is actually 2 months. He has already had his 2 month shots, and will be getting what is called a Synagis shot b/c it helps to prevent RSV. I am NOT thrilled about shots either, but it is why we, as people, can live longer. Way back when, they didn't have this technology, and so a lot of people, and children and babies died! Just due to the fact that they didn't have these available. But, to each their own. I just want my kids to grow up as healthy as possible.

jennifha · 10-08-2007, 11:15 AM

My two and a half year old son has autism and I am not getting any further vaccinations for my 3 months old because he is at high risk for autism, but not very high risk for most diseases because he is mostly at my house or my mom's house. I think you are right to wonder and it is worth it to do more research. I would be cautious if you have any reason to think your child is at risk (i.e. family history). It also seems that there might be a connection with how these children process proteins. My son had reflux and had to be on a special formula and now is making good progress with a wheat free/dairy free diet.

It is a hard decision. Best of luck whatever your decide.

baj406 · 10-08-2007, 12:16 PM

I agree with vaccinating children. My son has had his 2 month vaccines and is scheduled for his 4 month vaccines in a couple weeks. I know there's a lot of controversy on this and a lot of people think MMR causes autism but I'm not going to go there. EVEN if it DOES, I'd rather my child have to deal with autism than possibly die from the measles or something. Also, bear in mind that smallpox used to run rampant but, thanks to widespread vaccinating, has been wiped out in this country. If people continue to properly vaccinate, other diseases can go the way of smallpox and less vaccines would be necessary for future generations.

athome1 · 10-08-2007, 02:22 PM

I have to agree that vaccinating can be a scary thing for a parent. The choice is solely in your hands. You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. I get my kids all of their shots. Autism scares me, but since there is only speculation at this time, I would rather not risk my child's health on just a big hunch and not proven fact that vaccines cause autism. The reason children today get more and more vaccines than, say you or I did as children, is because we as humans have built up a tolerance to antibiotics and so on, so the strains of these things are stronger and more aggressive. TB is even back. I can't risk my child getting something that may cause death. My grandmother suffers from polio. Knowing it's preventable, I feel I need to prevent my child from getting it. I do feel that there are too many shots all at once. I wish they would space them out a bit more. Good luck with your decision.