Vaccinating your child?

[Sari1117]

I could really use some advice when it comes to this. I feel like it's unnatural and  artificial. I don't want it in my baby... But at the same time it's hard to know how  beneficial it really is. Any advice?

[bump2015]

It's good to do your homework so you know what you're signing up for either way. Just make sure you're talking to people people know their stuff, doctor, pediatrician, the CDC...
But for me, vaccination wasn't a conversation. It was a necessity, a no brainer. Since vaccines have become widely available diseases have become much more uncommon (in some cases disappeared altogether i.e. smallpox) andwe now live in a society where we can and should expect allour children to live long lives. And then, we need to consider other children. There are some children who cannot be vaccinated because of (rare) side effects and by vaccinating or children we're helping to protect others.
Nova did a great story on vaccinations a couple months ago. It's informative, but clearly favors vaccines, and is not an emotion driven discussion.

[MrsSpenc]

I like when people say there's not been a out break in so many years.. nope thats because we are all vaccinated!! So don't cry if your child gets polio or hep. Because you aren't being a free spirit or a none follower when actually everyone vaccinated till just few years ago. Its a fad people are going through and let me tell you that you are ignorant and probably shouldn't have children. Oh poison in your child oh giving them things they really don't need....really gotta be shitt.in me because you are vaccinated you are just fine. I hope all unvaccinated children are homeschooled so that they can stay far away from my children. Because I'd hate to get attached to a child on my children's class who got a deadly Illness because of a tree hugging mom. Yes I do know I'll **** someone off but oh well!!!

[JamieNVance]

I am deciding to sparingly vaccinate. C
I will chose which vaccinations are most important and I won't give them to her until she is at LEAST 6 months. Perferably 1 year old. I am not getting the flu shot during this pregnancy but I will be getting the TDAP. Do not go off of anyones opinions and not to be rude but especially a pediatric nurse who will obviously have a biased opinion on the subject. Do your own research vs listening to peoples opinions. Thats what I did and it is a scary decesion but like you, I trust in our immune systems and hygeine habits and think that vaccines are artificial and unnatural. Things like whooping cough though, are of a greater risk when she is so young. I am going to take it one vaccine at a time and do my research on each and every one rather than mindlessly trusting my doctor.

[knufrio]

As a pediatric nurse I can tell you that vaccinating your child is on of the best things you can do for them. When.doing your own vaccine research please make sure that you get your information from reliable sources. Also make sure you do your research on the diseases they prevent. I have seen parents who refuse the HIB and Prevnar vaccines yet give Hepatitis B and I wonder where the hell did you do your research? Pneumococcal diseases include pneumonias, blood infections, meningitis, and is the leading cause of death is babies where the vaccine isn't available. As for the HIB, haemopholous influenza can cause ear infections and pinkeye as well as horrible diseases like epiglottitis. I personally will be sticking to the AAP recommended schedule as it has been studied for years and if proven to be safe. Also because doing multiple vaccines at one time actually boosts immune response and antibody development.

[rod3]

Read Dr. SEARS VACCINATION BOOK. It is a great book with objective views. He gives you all the information about the vaccine more than I ever knew! He also talks about why ppl get it amd why ppl dont. He also talks about the risks. There is a alternative schedule he includes, also a very limited vaccine schedule.  It is a great book about information and not feelings. There are some vaccines ypyoui should get because the risks are greater but there are some that you dont need to get when they are young but wait.  because your child can get a blood test around 10 that will tell you if he/she is immune to it. Or if you plan to travel. Read it, gives you insight

[Kaymanchase]

I've thought long and hard about this, myself. To be realistic, not vaccinating your child can be insanely selfish. Not only can your child get diseases people don't often get anymore because of vaccines, but if your child is carrying something, he/she can get someone else dangerously sick. I'm going to vaccinate.