Vaccines: Childhood and H1N1

Hi N. -
I'm a mom with 3 autistic spectrum kids. I have to say I've heard the debate so many times regarding autism & vaccines. I'm still trusting my doctor and going ahead with necessary vaccines. I think largely autism is due to genetics (we have a family history) with some enviornmental trigger. Lots of kids who were labeled as "strange" or "wierd" or "out there" when we were kids could have simply had autism; it just was never diagnosed. My hope is that my kids (with the help of receiving services early enough in life) will fare better in the long run. I'm probably still going to get them the flu shot and I'll leave it up to my pediatrician as to wheather they should get the H1N1. If all of us start not vaccinating for MMR or DTaP, I'd worry that these diseases we've once beaten will come back with a vengance. I hate seeing my kids sick especially because its so hard to assess what's actually wrong with them. If the flu shot can just stop one of the varieties of flu going on, I'll go with it.

Hi N.,
I have a son with autism who is 6 and if I had it to do over again, I would have totally changed the vaccine schedule. I would have picked certain vaccines to get and some not to get. I would have spread them out a lot more so he wasn't getting 36 live viruses injected into his fragile system by the time he was 1 year old. There are some vaccines that come in groups like the MMR. They can be split up..yes it means more shots but I would rather do that then inject my child with 3 viruses at a time.
I would do a lot of research before getting her the flu shot!! They still contain mercury! And any flu vaccine does not protect against the stomach flu!! Most people don't know that. Good luck with your decision...I know it's a difficult one! You sound like a very pro-acive parent who really knows her child so I have no doubt you will do the right thing for you daughter! :)

D. L.

There is no scientific data linking autism with vaccines. The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the costs, and in order to maintain herd immunity to deadly, destructive diseases, we, as a society, must vaccination. The last thing we want is Polo to make a re-occurrence. Please check out Dr. Sear's website. He also has a book that will help you make up your mind for yourself, and he looks at the real data to help you make your decision. Furthermore, I'm not sure what being developmentally behind has to do with vaccines. There may be an at risk population due to genetics, but, in general, it would have nothing to do with overall development. (Btw, I was deemed developmentally behind but went on to get my Ph.D. I also got all the vaccines available when I was a child.)

As to the H1N1. I'm undecided. I got the flu shot last week (I'm 29 weeks pregnant), and I do plan on my daughter getting the shot. We may skip the H1N1, but I need to do some more research. If there is no good reason to not get it, then we most likely will be getting it, as then there is nothing to lose and lots to gain.

The virus has mutated at this point.
You raise your chances of getting the flu by taking the shot because it causes your body to be weakened. Better to build the immune system than inject it with virus. If the body is weak at that time, you will surely get the flu and then the Dr will tell you that it will be a lesser case which is NOT true. You are now weak and what they infected you with is not the flu virus that gets you later on. How to develop your immune system? There are products (natural) that will help along the way, but limit sweets, and chemicals that lower the immune system and concentrate on eating "real" foods full of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Go to Mercola.com he will give you a wealth of information on why NOT to vaccinate. I personally don't vaccinate our children. Hope this website helps.

Hi N.-

Since your daughter has had some shots ask your doc to do a titer test. This will show if a booster is necessary. The school will accept this. As for the H1N1, we will not be getting it. It has been pushed through too fast. Good luck and way to do your research to make the best decesion for your family!

Holding off on vacinations is understandable but not vacinating a child runs the risk of spreading certain illnesses. I'm not keen on the chicken pox vacine but measels, mumps, etc. most of us have no immunity to because we were not exposed to them ourselves as children. Therefore, I think if a kid gets them today it will be pretty hard on them (personal opinion).

As for H1N1, we are not vacinating our 13 month old or ourselves. Do not believe the vacine has been tested on children and the H1N1 flu has been shown to be a milder form of the flu than what typically is vacinated for. Good luck.

N.,

You sound uncomfortable and unsure about vaccines, take some time and do some research. Don't let the doctors and schools pressure you. This is your child and if you have questions in your mind then take the time to do some research so that YOU feel comfortable with your decisions.

Read the parent guide on CDC website.
Look at Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, Dr. Mercola

Research both sides of the story and then ask yourself what your gut says. You daughter is only 2 1/2 you CAN take the time to become comfortable with your decision despite what your doctors and schools say. Remember you are in charge and don't have to give in to the pressures.

The H1N1 is being pushed through very fast minus the clinical trials...uhhh how scary is that! Flu vaccines have not proven to be effective. Check out Homefirst.com, Dr. Eisenstien is putting out alot on this right now.

Good luck!

Hi there N., I have no opinion but I am expecting a boy in a few days. I talked to my pediatrician about the vaccine schedule and he takes it even slower and more spread out than Dr. Sears. He is very good with working with you and listening to your concerns and answering questions. Maye you should be looking at a different pediatrician for your daughter. One that would work with what you feel comfortable with. He also advised holding off on the H1N1 because he first wants to asses the effectiveness and the side effects before he would recommend it for any of his patients. I hope you get the answers you are looking for. Good Luck

I agree with Kim J. Measles, mumps...I think should be given for the same reason. I am also very cautious when it comes to vaccinations. My daughter just turned 13 and when she went for her physical 2 years ago, they wanted met to consider about 4-6 other vaccinations besides your average ones. I said no.

I also have not and will not be getting the vaccine for H1N1 for me or my daughter. It is simply another strand of flu. For every vaccine they give, they tell you a more sophisticated strand can come out and you are still not protected and no matter what you could still get it. So, why let them pump that stuff into us? I'd rather deal with it when or if it happens.

I look for ways to boost our immune systems naturally so there is less chance of getting sick.

Hope info. helped. In the end, you just have to do what you have peace with as a mother.

Hi N.. I have struggled with this very issue for a while because my son's 4 yr old shots are due in Nov. He is autistic and when he was diagnosed, I declared Never again to give him a shot. But....I don't want my son to get deathly ill either so I am looking for a Dr. office who will space out the shots and maybe even seperate them. As for the N1H1 vaccine, I do not believe in running out and getting every one that becomes available right away. It has not been on market that long. We do not know the side effects. Look at what the Guardasil vaccine has been doing to young girls everywhere. It's sad. I hope I'm not jinxing my family but we have never gotten yearly flu shots like some families do either. So far, so good. Good luck in your quest to protect your child. That is all anybody wants!

I personally only do one vaccine at a time and make sure that they have a clean diet 1 week prior to the vaccine and 6 weeks post. To let their bodies only work on the vaccine and no other preservatives. As far as H1N1, I will not be getting this for my children as they have only minimal testing, have wavered whether you need one or two injections for it to be most effective. Use good handwashing, keep kids in if they are run down and not just sick. As others to do the same. Make sure everyone in your household has enough sleep, healthy food and exercise and this will keep their immune system powerful enough to fight it if they do get it. Don't make unneeded trips to the stores and crowded areas. When making playdates as if they have been healthy. As far as the germ factory that school is, just teach him to take care of himself with cleaning up after himself and you all should be okay.