Childhood ImmunizationsIs the affects of childhood immunizations being underestimated? 
When my son, who is now 4, was a baby, I unfortunately did not check up on the possible side effects of vaccination. I did not do my homework. Then when my son was about 2 years old, I heard about Jenny McCarthey’s story. She was on Oprah discussing her concerns about the MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) shot. She believes that the preservatives that are in vaccines (especially the MMR shot) are triggering autism in susceptible children. Her story really had me wondering. There are SOOO many things to consider when being a parent. For me, it is the toughest job you’ll ever love. There are so many things you have to research in order to feel confident that you are making the right decision for your family. And thank GOD for the internet. It can make getting information convenient. However, it can be overwhelming. There is information everywhere on the internet. And sometimes it is hard to decide what’s fact and what’s fiction. This is when your instincts come in. And with information and your instincts, you have a weapon stronger than any. Now let’s face it. Overall, childhood immunizations save lives. Your little ones are protected from serious illnesses like measles, hepatitis, and polio. For example, in 1952, before the polio vaccine was given in the U.S., there were more than 21,000 reported cases. Since 1993 there have been no reported cases of polio in the U.S. Vaccines do save lives. However… Many are concerned about the preservatives that are used in vaccines, particularly, thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative that is an antiseptic and antifungal agent. This means that it prevents bacterial and fungal contamination of vaccines, which can lead to bloodstream infections. It has been used in vaccines since the 1930s and can be found in other things like:
While childhood immunizations do save lives. However is it necessary to vaccine so much so quickly? A 15-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC decides which vaccines should be on the Childhood Immunization Schedule. Currently, our little ones get the following:
Before a child reaches the age of two, he/she will have received 32 vaccinations on this schedule. In 2009, our little ones get four doses each of vaccines for Hemophilus influenzae type b infections, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis – all of them given during the first 12 months of life. Seven vaccines injected into a 13 lb. two-month old infant are equivalent to 70 doses in a 130 lb. adult. I am not a doctor. Nor am I trying to imply or be one. But it is not hard to figure out that 32 vaccine shots by the time a child is 2 years old is quite excessive. As a matter of fact, I looked at the CDC’s 2009 Immunization Schedule. And I am amazed how a pediatrician can keep up with all these shots. And guess what? Vaccination shots are not just for kids. Vaccination and booster shots are recommended past the age of 65! To be honest, I don’t know what to think. On one hand, I believe vaccination saves lives. It helps prevent outbreaks. However on the other hand, there are a lot of questions about the safety of childhood immunizations and how it affects children individually. And I question if every child should take the same dose of the same vaccine at the same age. And shouldn’t individual differences like size, age, genetic background, etc. be an important part of the vaccination program? Right now, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) pretty much employed a "one size fits all" vaccination schedule. And while no vaccine is 100% safe, medical experts and health officials have long been adamant that the risk of diseases far outweigh the risks associated with vaccines. However what if it was your little one is a part of the collateral damage? Again, by no means am I a doctor, but in my opinion everything can’t be for everyone. There are other factors that need to be considered. For example, vaccination may affect a 10 lb. healthy baby differently than a 7 lb. baby that has had complications at birth. A little one that has a genetic disorder may react differently than a little one with none. These are things that, in my point of view, should be considered when implementing an individualized vaccination schedule. So here are some links to help you decide when you will vaccinate your little one.
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