You probably have read about or seen footage of Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey joining legions of parents speaking about the link between autism and vaccinations. I was fully vaccinated as a child, and until about a year ago I never thought much about whether or not I would have my own children vaccinated. I mean, I guess I always thought it's just what is to be done. As Sage's arrival date approached, I discovered immunization schedules are much different than when I was a little girl. Children receive more shots and more frequently. Honestly, this made me uneasy on too many levels to address here. So when we took Sage for her 2-week checkup with her pediatrician, I needed a little guidance. Like many of you, I saw the decision to/not to vaccinate as all or nothing. Either follow the guidelines supported by the Centers for Disease Control and pediatricians' groups, or don't immunize at all. All or nothing.
But that's just not the complete picture. As parents we aren't faced with just one decision related to vaccines. There are actually TWELVE. There are also sometimes several manufacturers of a particular vaccine, with marked differences in ingredients. You can choose the brand of vaccine, too. Some parents choose to leave all the decisions up to their child's doctor, some want absolute control of their child's immunization schedule. And there are plenty of parents like David and me -- dads and moms who want to protect their child from disease, but worry that we are a "vaccination nation" -- who fall somewhere in between.
Fortunately, "alternative" or "graduated" immunization schedules are available. Schedules vary, but in a nutshell their purpose is to immunize fully, gradually, by administering only 2 or 3 shots per visit, spread out over several visits. Yes, your child may see her doctor more frequently (more copays) but if she has a reaction to any of the shots, it's easier to determine which of 2 rather than 8 or more shots caused the reaction.
The Vaccine Book by Dr. Bob Sears is an excellent resource. He presents research-based evidence, not necessarily opinions. He does, however, suggest an alternative schedule that he follows with his patients, with success. You can submit questions to him by way of his website (http://www.askdrsears.com.)
I've read other alternative, or delayed vaccination schedules, and visited plentiful websites encouraging parents to not vaccinate. In no particular order:
http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/2008/04/creating-a-sele.html
http://www.familiesfornaturalliving.org/ONSITE/render.php?currentObjId=3839
http://www.momsagainstmercury.com/
http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html
http://vaccineinfo.net/
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/medical/danprotocol.htm
Take a look around each of these websites and you will find links to other related 'sites. One gem(http://mercola.com) contains numerous articles about vaccines and other health-related topics. Most states offer exemptions from vaccinations but you will need to check with your state entities for specific guidelines. The vaccineinfo.net site addresses Texas specifically.
Are your children vaccinated? What influenced your decision(s)? Could you recommend links and/or literature that supports your decision(s)?
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Hubby and I had many many discussions about this. We ended up following our dr's schedule without any negative effects for E - thank heavens - but we were nervous the whole time. Most vaccinations are over by the time they are 2...I wish Sears' book had been out with E was smaller. I, too, have read it and find it to be a good summary and great info.
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