I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

It was the first thing I brought up to my pediatrician at our first visit and he is adamant that there is no link to autism. So I was going with his school of thought but in the back of my mind I'm always thinking, well what if? I see a lot of you on here are breaking up the vaccines or delaying them. I'm so nervous to even bring it up to him after his initial reaction. I really don't want to find a new dr. and I know I have to say something but I'm just nervous!

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Don't be nervous---if it is something that concerns you, your ped should be happy to discuss it with you---maybe start by saying "I know you feel strongly there is no link between vaccines and autism, but I am still very nervous about it" and then discuss....as someone who works in healthcare, he may feel that way, but he should be willing to discuss it

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Since I'm in the field, I am well informed and feel comfortable with my decision on vaccinations - but I can understand why people would be afraid with the way the media and news stories put out so much confusing and misleading info out there.....

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

I was afraid when my ped. told me the same thing too. I don't let the ped. give more than 3 vaccines at once, I just feel it's too much for their little bodies. You have to go with your gut. Many of the docs will stretch out the schedule with you within reason.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

I have to say this about vaccines. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad who had them done on schedule or anything, I'm not trying to badmouth peditricans BUT- we as PARENTS need to do our own research on this issue.
Read " what your doctor won't tell you about vaccinations". Its very informative, even handed and gives a suggested modified schedule.

A few things...
1) Its not just autism that excessive vaccinations have been linked to- its diabetes, the increase in allergies( peanuts, dairy) and other autoimmune diseases (arthritis). So yeah, maybe a link to autism hasn't been proven, but its not the only thing to be concerned about. Plus thats not to say there isn't a link, just that it hasn't been proven yet.

2) Its so comforting to trust the peditricians and most likely if your child has vaccines they will be fine BUT pedis are following the AAP guidelines. The AAP is made up of many people, some pedis and other doctors and also representatives from pharmaceutical companies. I hate to be cynical, but they are hardly looking out for your best interest. Sadly, sometimes its about profit.


3) my personal belief is a mothers intuition is stronger than a panel of doctors' opinions- meaning I will listen more intently to a mother who tells me their child's behavior changed after vaccinations, than to a panel of doctors and special interest groups.

4) It can not HURT to have the MMR separated- so why won't more Drs do it? Because it costs them more money to get the doses separately than together.


I don't mean to be Debbie Downer, but it upsets me when ppl say things like " my Dr went to medical school, he knows more than me" He might not know more than you. At one time they didn't think smoking or drinking while pregnant was a big deal. Information changes , period. WE need to be armed with all the information possible and make our choices based on that.
I have been hesitant to post this, but I feel its important to remind parents to do all the research they can about this issue. I'm not trying to scare anyone or make someone feel bad.

I highly rx the book I mentioned above. The auther gives great advice- i.e asking for the info sheets on vaccines before the next visit. Like at the 3 months appt, ask what vax your DC will get at the 4 month checkup so you can do some research.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

I think you hear more from those who are delaying or not giving shots b.c they tend to be more vocal than those who do vaccinate on or close to the schedule. If you spoke with your ped and make a choice then I wouldn't let what people on here sway you.

But whatever choice you make it should be one you and your DH are comfortable with. Everyone should definitely do their own research - but unfortunately keep in mind that the internet is not the best place to do so b.c many of the more valid medical studies etc are not available - and you can't trust a lot of what you find on the internet. Also you should know not only about the shots but about the actual diseases and their consequences.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Message edited 4/4/2008 7:41:05 AM.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

jgm26......what a GREAT post. I think the most important is the parents intuition. My PED is GREAT and if she feels Im NOT comfortable with something she will do anything to mek me at ease.

Message edited 4/4/2008 10:14:06 AM.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Message edited 4/4/2008 9:55:32 AM.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Posted by Aga

Posted by Lillykat

I think you hear more from those who are delaying or not giving shots b.c they tend to be more vocal than those who do vaccinate on or close to the schedule. If you spoke with your ped and make a choice then I wouldn't let what people on here sway you.

But whatever choice you make it should be one you and your DH are comfortable with. Everyone should definitely do their own research - but unfortunately keep in mind that the internet is not the best place to do so b.c many of the more valid medical studies etc are not available - and you can't trust a lot of what you find on the internet. Also you should know not only about the shots but about the actual diseases and their consequences.

very well said I usually dont participate in topics like that because people have their set opinions about it and discussing it wont all of a sudden change their opinions... I just feel that sometimes these posters that you mention that feel so strong about autism could in turn make other mommies feel bad that they are choosing to follow their doctor's advice... thats my 2 cents...

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

My uncle, cousin and BF are pediatricians. I asked them what to do about vaccines and they said to follow the schedule. My BF said I could skip the rotovirus, but follow everything else. My uncle and BF, who don't know each other, both separately said that they believed that autism had something to do with the age of the father. The father of autistic children tends to be older. Don't know the truth to that...they said it is easy to blame vaccines because people need to blame something. They said that there is some controversial study that says it has to do with the personalities of the parents. Don't know the truth to that either. My cousin who has a practice in NJ said that there is high rate of autism in his town and many of the mothers delayed vaccinations. It is frightening because I won't feel comfortable unless I know the exact cause and it doesn't seem like that is happening soon enough.

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

i'm all for giving shots..but my son who is 5 months old,,had his 2 and 4 month shots 4 in the leg.at once.i changed peds due to reflux,and his new ped says,shes gives shots too,but not at once,she said their little bodies cant handle it..so now,i give him 1 or 2 at a time..

Re: I don't know what to think with all this talk about vaccinations...

my personal opinion is that the doctor doesn't always know best. do your own research.