Today we've got the 22 month checkup, which usually would include our flu vaccination, due to the time of year we're visiting. We got the shot last year, but since I'm now super-nervous about vaccinations, I don't know what to do. They've told me that the shot is not preservative-free, but it has "no more mercury than a can of tuna." Well, Ethan doesn't eat cans of tuna either, so I'm just not sure whether or not to get him the vaccination.
In related news, Amy (whose son is on the casein-free, gluten-free diet) has a local dr. who is a DAN! specialist and will space out the MMR!
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I understand the anxiety...Will has his 12 month vaccinations coming up. However, I am beginning to think the good outweighs the possible bad with vaccinations. I have talked to a couple of people that are pretty educated on the subject. They say there has not been a study prove conclusively that the vaccinations are causing autism. They said several years back there was concern so they took thimerasol out of all childhood vaccines (except flu) just in case. They also thought that maybe autism is being overdiagnosed, kind of like ADD (espeically with it being a spectrum disorder). I don't say that lightly either, I know it is a VERY real thing! Plus, what about the fact that we all got the same vaccinations (probably with more mercury based preservatives!) and there is not a crazy number of autistic people in our age group. Honestly, I think that there is SO much information (conflicting info at that)it is hard to know which end is up. Especially since there is NOTHING conclusive. Very frustrating for sure.
One of my friends at work said their pediatrition will also do whatever you are most comfortable with for vaccinations! Space them out, wait till their a little older, etc. He said she was super understanding and took a lot of time with them just to talk about it. Her name is Dr. Myers and she's at Harpeth Pediatrics in Franklin if anyone wants to know. As for the flu shot...?? I don't know. My husband watched a special on the Today show last week about a little girl that died after having the flu for just 3 days and he is now adamant about us getting the shot this year. But then you hear of people supposedly getting the flu from the flu shot! Ugh, good luck with all that!
It is very frustrating! There are so many arguments to both sides. I'm feeling the same anxiety with Stella and all of her vaccines. My sister has given her 18 month old all of his vaccinations except for flu shots and he has done great. Everyone in my family that has ever had the flu vaccine has ended up getting it, so we've decided that's one Stella can do without. I would think that either way Ethan has a definite advantage considering he eats well. Good luck!
As the mother of an autistic child, I'm glad people are talking about the vaccine issue.
A lot of people think, as Courtney said, that ASD (autistic spectrum disorders) are over-diagnosed. Observe my child for a few minutes, and you also would know something is different about him. Every mom of an autistic child that I know would say the same thing--over diagnosis is not the issue. Something is wrong with our kids.
Children are vaccinated on a more acclerated schedule now than 20 years ago. My son was FINISHED with vaccines at 15 months! That's a lot to expose a little immune system to.
Also, many autistic children have made amazing strides after heavy metals were chelated from them. How did they get there? Many people believe from vaccines.
All that to say I'm glad we're talking about it. And thanks for the shout-out Carrie!
Oooo, I didn't mean to offend Amy, I hope I didn't. I know that autism is very real and a big issue today. I was just repeating what someone told me. I find it very frustrating especially being a mom to a little boy about to get several vaccinations. Like I said all of the conflicting info can practically drive a parent crazy. We only want what is best for our children. I just wish we could get a straight answer on what to do...
Just wanted to say I didn't mean to sound mad or offended at all. I know this is huge issue right now for everyone still facing vaccinations. And while all the media attention is good, I know it's making it a very difficult decision. I'm not convinced there is any link between vaccinations and autism. But I think it needs more research and pediatricians should acknowledge that and go with a vaccination schedule you are comfortable with. And now I know ya'll are probably tired of hearing me rant! I mean, you don't even know me. :)
The part that's most frustrating to me is that I can't really trust any sources of information that I normally trust. Drs. will tell me that there is no connection, since they trust in science (and science is inconclusive on this issue). So it's really a matter of reading, asking questions & in the end, just doing what I think is best as a mother.
I appreciate everyone's perspective, but I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, Amy, that your perspective is greatly appreciated. I think you can shed more light on this subject than any of us. We're not tired of hearing you rant!
I ran across this and wanted to share. It is the DAN! protocol for vaccinations.
www.talkaboutcuringautism.com/
medical/danprotocol.htm
The information does come from those touched by autism, so of course there is some bias. There are several links to check out flu vaccines too.
For anyone interested, I called Dr. Myers at Harpeth Pediatrics, and she will not give the MMR in a split form. I think the problem is that the doctors' offices order the vaccines in bulk. Since so few mothers are requesting a split MMR, their supplies of the vaccinations expire and they lose that money. The online pharmacy I know of, from which you can order the vaccines split, is at hopewellrx.com. Unfortunately, they are back-ordered for measles until at least the end of October. This is extremely frustrating. Amy, does your DAN doctor see general pediatrics patients as well, or does he only see children with autism?
Dr. Kalb is a Family Practice physician and he does see patients that are not autistic. But with all the recent publicity of biomed treatments for autism, I know his business has really picked up in the last couple of weeks.
Good for ya'll doing your homework. My opinion is wait a while on the MMR (and I would definitely space it out) if needed, but that's nothing more than my opinion.
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