Immunizations...

Ok, I've been avoiding this topic for months. I find it way too overwhelming.
There is soo much information out there on immunizations, who do I believe? Of course every ped I've spoken too, says it's best to get them...

What are my options? what did you do?

Thanks!
rebecca

 

I found The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears to be very helpful. It has lots of information; the pros and cons of each shot, and a regular schedule and a delayed schedule.

For me, a delayed vaccine schedule has worked best. I think the government schedule gives too many shots at one time. So, I asked the pedi to spread them out and skip a couple until my girls are older.

I don't think there's any right answer, just whatever makes you comfortable. But if you're looking for mostly unbiased information, read The Vaccine Book.

 

Everything you wanted to know about vaccines from our Health Issues forum. It is a very informative "sticky."

 

Some decide to delay shots when they are not sure. GL deciding what is best for your family :hug:.

 

the american academy of pediatrics has formally come out against dr sears' delayed vaccine schedule. they call it "unsafe" and feel it puts kids at heightened risk for contracting diseases that would otherwise be avoided.

there is no good data to support the logic behind the delayed vaccine schedule. there is also no good data to suggest that the recommended vaccination schedule causes conditions like autism (which, let's face it, is what the whole debate is about).

in the end it's all about what you decide makes sense for your family. however, vaccination is one of the most important medical innovations in human history and the reason most of us have never met anyone who suffered from diseases like polio and tuberculosis is specifically because vaccinations exist and are effective. in the absence of any true medical data to substantiate the suggestion that vaccines cause other conditions such as autism, it strikes me as a fairly dangerous decision to bypass this bit of preventative medicine.

 

QUOTE(piccologirl @ Dec 26 2008, 12:17 PM) [snapback]1122535[/snapback]
the american academy of pediatrics has formally come out against dr sears' delayed vaccine schedule. they call it "unsafe" and feel it puts kids at heightened risk for contracting diseases that would otherwise be avoided.

there is no good data to support the logic behind the delayed vaccine schedule. there is also no good data to suggest that the recommended vaccination schedule causes conditions like autism (which, let's face it, is what the whole debate is about).

in the end it's all about what you decide makes sense for your family. however, vaccination is one of the most important medical innovations in human history and the reason most of us have never met anyone who suffered from diseases like polio and tuberculosis is specifically because vaccinations exist and are effective. in the absence of any true medical data to substantiate the suggestion that vaccines cause other conditions such as autism, it strikes me as a fairly dangerous decision to bypass this bit of preventative medicine.


I'm sorry, but I disagree with almost everything you've written above. Especially the part about autism being what the whole debate is about. At least in my case, I never worried about vaccines (MMR or others) causing autism. I simply don't like the fact that babies are given vaccines to prevent diseases to which they won't be exposed as babies. I also don't trust some of the chemicals in vaccines. There's a lot of research out there that shows that some of the chemicals can have negative side effects. Not autism, but other neurological and physical impacts for some children.

There is great data to support the logic behind a delayed vaccine schedule. I've done a ton of research and was thoroughly convinced that delaying some vaccines was the right choice for my family. For instance, rubella is almost unheard of in small children. It's a disease that is very dangerous to pregnant women. So, we're delaying that until my girls are a bit older. Hepatitis A is another vaccine that we delayed. It's given to newborns but is almost always a sexually transmitted disease. I'll make sure my girls get it well before they're at an age to become sexually active. Other vaccines contain a lot of aluminum, so when they're combined (at the six month appointment, many babies get six different vaccines containing aluminum), the levels given to a baby are higher than any medical body advises for even an adult. So we chose to spread out the aluminum containing vaccines into three sets of shots given over six months rather than all six on one day.

All that said, it really IS about what you decide makes sense for your family. There is true medical data on both sides of this argument. Just because the data didn't convince you doesn't mean it isn't valid.

 

QUOTE(idril @ Dec 26 2008, 03:23 PM) [snapback]1122594[/snapback]
I'm sorry, but I disagree with almost everything you've written above. Especially the part about autism being what the whole debate is about. At least in my case, I never worried about vaccines (MMR or others) causing autism. I simply don't like the fact that babies are given vaccines to prevent diseases to which they won't be exposed as babies. I also don't trust some of the chemicals in vaccines. There's a lot of research out there that shows that some of the chemicals can have negative side effects. Not autism, but other neurological and physical impacts for some children.

There is great data to support the logic behind a delayed vaccine schedule. I've done a ton of research and was thoroughly convinced that delaying some vaccines was the right choice for my family. For instance, rubella is almost unheard of in small children. It's a disease that is very dangerous to pregnant women. So, we're delaying that until my girls are a bit older. Hepatitis A is another vaccine that we delayed. It's given to newborns but is almost always a sexually transmitted disease. I'll make sure my girls get it well before they're at an age to become sexually active. Other vaccines contain a lot of aluminum, so when they're combined (at the six month appointment, many babies get six different vaccines containing aluminum), the levels given to a baby are higher than any medical body advises for even an adult. So we chose to spread out the aluminum containing vaccines into three sets of shots given over six months rather than all six on one day.

All that said, it really IS about what you decide makes sense for your family. There is true medical data on both sides of this argument. Just because the data didn't convince you doesn't mean it isn't valid.

Idril- could you tell me what delayed schedule (for the shots containing alumimum) you follow? You can PM me if you'd rather. Thanks!

 

QUOTE(MamaZ @ Dec 26 2008, 04:41 PM) [snapback]1122604[/snapback]
Idril- could you tell me what delayed schedule (for the shots containing alumimum) you follow? You can PM me if you'd rather. Thanks!



i would love this info as well

 

QUOTE(idril @ Dec 26 2008, 04:23 PM) [snapback]1122594[/snapback]
I'm sorry, but I disagree with almost everything you've written above. Especially the part about autism being what the whole debate is about. At least in my case, I never worried about vaccines (MMR or others) causing autism. I simply don't like the fact that babies are given vaccines to prevent diseases to which they won't be exposed as babies. I also don't trust some of the chemicals in vaccines. There's a lot of research out there that shows that some of the chemicals can have negative side effects. Not autism, but other neurological and physical impacts for some children.

There is great data to support the logic behind a delayed vaccine schedule. I've done a ton of research and was thoroughly convinced that delaying some vaccines was the right choice for my family. For instance, rubella is almost unheard of in small children. It's a disease that is very dangerous to pregnant women. So, we're delaying that until my girls are a bit older. Hepatitis A is another vaccine that we delayed. It's given to newborns but is almost always a sexually transmitted disease. I'll make sure my girls get it well before they're at an age to become sexually active. Other vaccines contain a lot of aluminum, so when they're combined (at the six month appointment, many babies get six different vaccines containing aluminum), the levels given to a baby are higher than any medical body advises for even an adult. So we chose to spread out the aluminum containing vaccines into three sets of shots given over six months rather than all six on one day.

All that said, it really IS about what you decide makes sense for your family. There is true medical data on both sides of this argument. Just because the data didn't convince you doesn't mean it isn't valid.


Just wanted to clarify the above information. Hepatitis A is actually transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is not given to newborns. Hepatitis B is the vaccine you're thinking of. And it's not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease. That is one of the ways it can be transmitted, but it is a bloodborne pathogen. So for example, myself as a health care professional, if I get a needle stick or splash of blood in mucous membranes or even a bite from someone, it can be transmitted that way.

 

QUOTE(Chillers @ Dec 26 2008, 03:38 PM) [snapback]1122634[/snapback]
Just wanted to clarify the above information. Hepatitis A is actually transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is not given to newborns. Hepatitis B is the vaccine you're thinking of. And it's not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease. That is one of the ways it can be transmitted, but it is a bloodborne pathogen. So for example, myself as a health care professional, if I get a needle stick or splash of blood in mucous membranes or even a bite from someone, it can be transmitted that way.


Ooops... good point. I got my Hepititises confused! Sorry about that...

 

Get them!! Why wouldn't you???? Do you remember what the outcome was for children diagnosed with polio or measles - not good? Because of the development of vaccines we dont need to even worry about these once common childhood diseases. Have you heard about the measles outbreaks that have been caused by parents who have chosen not to vaccinate? By not vaccinating you are not only putting your own child at risk, but also endangering others. Some people choose to space out vaccines so as not to overwhelm their childs system. As a scientist - I dont understand the logic behind it - but there is certainly no harm there.

 

My children receive all of their vaccines - but we do delay and postpone some of them. If you are having doubts/questions about following the set schedule - I would go with your gut, talk to your pedi about your feelings, etc. Our ped is very supportive. And while I do believe when all is said and done - vaccines are definitely a good thing - I also believe that every baby reacts differently to them and there can be side effects. Good luck in your decision.

 

QUOTE(idril @ Dec 26 2008, 08:31 AM) [snapback]1122443[/snapback]
I found The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears to be very helpful. It has lots of information; the pros and cons of each shot, and a regular schedule and a delayed schedule.

For me, a delayed vaccine schedule has worked best. I think the government schedule gives too many shots at one time. So, I asked the pedi to spread them out and skip a couple until my girls are older.

I don't think there's any right answer, just whatever makes you comfortable. But if you're looking for mostly unbiased information, read The Vaccine Book.


what she said!

 

Thanks guys!
We talked with our Pedi on Friday and had a great conversation. (the is the first time dh and I have felt we are on the same page with out Pedi) We feel that they need all their immunizations but we decided to do some now and review the rest in 6mths. We just want to get through the winter, they are so little and we are nervous about reactions during the 'sick' season. The dr. was great in helping us prioritize.


Thank you so much for your information...also the sticky on this formum was very helpful, and I ordered the Dr. Sears book!
thanks again!
reb

 

We will be giving all of ours to our kiddos but we decided to spread them out instead of giving them numerous ones on one day. It means more visits but it was worth it for my peace of mind. So instead of every 2 months for some vaccines, they would get one one month and one another month. The only ones we are delaying for a bit are polio and hep b, but they will get them while they're young, just not babies. It did concern me that the quanitites of certain preservatives that are considered unsafe at high levels are a part of typical vaccines for babies. I did use Dr. Sears' book as a guide but in collaboration with my pediatrician who was supportive and offered her own suggestions of which were most important for newborns and which weren't as critical right now. That alternate schedule that many use is written in the Dr. Sears book.

 

Hi Jen,
Sounds like we are doing similar schedules...thanks for the input!
reb

 

I'm mulling this over, too. My DD was vaccinated on the routine schedule. But I'm pregnant again, and I'm rethinking the whole thing. I don't want to live the autism nightmare so many have had to face b/c of a bad lot of vaccine or a bad reaction.

The thing about twins is that many of them are preemies. And if that's the case, then vaccination is critical to their health and safety. Preemies' immune systems simply can't take many viruses. So it's almost a no-brainer. Since viruses are so life threatening, you almost have to go with vaccinations b/c it's the lesser of the two evils.

Just a thought...
You can ask that the DTaP and MMR are broken up. (Those are the two that are so controversial.) That way, you can monitor whether or not your babies have any reactions - and their bodies aren't overwhelmed by so much vaccine in one shot.

Good luck in making a decision.

 

Does anyone know how the military doctors feel about delayed scheduling?? I would like to spread out the vaccines more, so they are not getting so many shots at once (but to receive them all, except maybe the stupid chicken pox one), but I have no idea how a military doctor must practice, if they have standards THEY have to go by or what. I will be taking them today, for a sick appt, and then then 5th for their 4mo wellbaby...they have received all their shots up to this point, but isn't it possible to start on a new (slightly separated) schedule, even though they've received all up until now??

 

I gave mine their vaccines on schedule too... Mostly because with so many kids not getting vaccinated these days, you never know what they might come into contact with at the store, the mall etc.

 

My husband and I have decided to not get our children immunized. We are doing it based on what we have read and have prayed about it intensly. I say do your research and get educated.

 

My girls have been and will continue to be immunized on schedule. I think the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks,

 

First I have to say Autism is not a "nightmare" and I should know b/c my twins have autism. They are bright vibrant, fun little boys who just happen to have autism and will have difficulties with some things throughout their lives. Until you have lived it, you really can't know what it is like.

Second, there is no true medical evidence that any vaccine has ever caused autism. Yes, there is a rare mitochondrial disorder that reportedly has produced symptoms of autism after having a vaccination.( The vaccine injury I am referencing is a form of neurological damage that has caused developmental delays and worse) These disorders are extremely rare- like you could be struck by lightening twice and still not ever see these disorders rare. My twin's autism was not caused or exacerbated by any vaccine they have received. They are 2 1/2 and still have not gotten all their vaccines due to illness not unfounded fear. Anyway, they exhibited signs of autism way before they had any "suspect vaccine". I think it is wise to spread out vaccinations if you and your doctor feel it is advisable in your case. There is generally no harm in it, but there can be risk. No vaccine provides 100% protection from any disease, but it can and does save lives and reduce the chances of severe reactions to a disease should you contract it. For example, we all received the flu shot this year (the twins also have reactive airway disease and could die from the flu) and one of us caught the flu about a month later. Not only did none of the rest of us get it, the one with the flu (diagnosed by the flu test) it only lasted 3 days with no respiratory complications. I am one of those lucky few that was hospitalized as a child (6th grade) with the chicken pox and believe me, if there was a vaccine then, I would have faired a lot better. It can be more than an irritating rash, much more.

To report the tragedy of not doing vaccines, an acquaintance of mine who had decided not to vaccinate her baby almost lost her a few weeks ago. The child contracted measles and ended up in the hospital for 6 days with severe complications. She has some brain damage from the complications directly resulting from the measles virus. She will likely have life long neurological and developmental issues now. She is only 2. Yes, her parents are lucky she did not die but what happened to her is not all that rare in unvaccinated children in this country and around the world. Measles is nothing to mess around with, it can be and is dangerous, especially to our small children. The irony is she was one who feared MMR because of the false reports of it causing autism. You just never know. BTW, she lives in California, so measles is on the rise and live in California right now. One person sitting in a Dr's waiting room coughing can spread it to the entire room, it is practically unavoidable.

The moral of the story is do what is right for your family but consider the facts, all of the real, scientific facts before making your decision. Do not trust the internet for all of your information, there are too many people out there putting out false, even dangerous information about everything these days. Just remember, death is a side effect of most( if not all) of the diseases we vaccinate against. It doesn't always happen, but then nothing ALWAYS happens every time. Is it worth the risk though? There is a reason these diseases are rare now and also a reason they are on the rise again causing damage to people once again. Good luck and enjoy those babies!!

Kelly

 

We just bought, "The Vaccine Book," but are going to discuss their schedule and questions with their ped. Fortunately, she is flexible and has read the book also.

 

QUOTE(Specky @ Dec 26 2008, 08:15 AM) [snapback]1122425[/snapback]
Ok, I've been avoiding this topic for months. I find it way too overwhelming.
There is soo much information out there on immunizations, who do I believe? Of course every ped I've spoken too, says it's best to get them...

What are my options? what did you do?

Thanks!
rebecca


You can not immunize. Completely immunize. Delay immunizations. Or pick and choose the ones you want.

DH and I went about making our decision by reading about the ingredients, their side effects and benefits. Then weighing the pros and cons of giving that particular immunization or not.

We personally do not immunize at all.

Any decision that you make needs to be made because you are sure that is the best decision for your family. Going against the grain is not easy and everyone has an opinion. There are scary scenarios on both sides and you need to be comfortable with your decision. Just know that you do not HAVE to do anything, one way or the other.

My only other advice is if you do decide to, think about delayed immunizations.

 

QUOTE(KellyJ @ Dec 30 2008, 10:17 PM) [snapback]1127247[/snapback]
The moral of the story is do what is right for your family but consider the facts, all of the real, scientific facts before making your decision. Do not trust the internet for all of your information, there are too many people out there putting out false, even dangerous information about everything these days. Just remember, death is a side effect of most( if not all) of the diseases we vaccinate against. It doesn't always happen, but then nothing ALWAYS happens every time. Is it worth the risk though? There is a reason these diseases are rare now and also a reason they are on the rise again causing damage to people once again.

thank you for being the voice of reason.

frankly i'm shocked by the members who have chosen not to immunize at all. this isn't a parenting style debate like whether to swaddle or whether to breastfeed or whether to CIO. every single person who chooses not to immunize puts other people at risk for the spread of disease. if you don't immunize, you're basically allowing yourself to be both a carrier and transmitter of disease. what upsets me is that it's not a "what's right for your family" decision. your decision affects the health of my family. if i'm following a vaccination schedule and i haven't yet gotten to one of the immunizations and your unvaccinated family exposes my family to disease, you have put my family's life and welfare at risk.

choosing to not vaccinate just seems like an incredibly selfish and dangerous decision. please see the above measles example. you are choosing to be the person who exposes another mother's baby to a deadly disease when you choose not to vaccinate.

i realize this is probably going to be interpreted as inflammatory and could spark another "babywise" thread where everyone is offended by everyone else's opinion. i mean no disrespect to any specific member, but i can't not speak up when people proudly own up to decisions that potentially risk other babies' lives.

 

We read "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Sears and found it to be really helpful. He has two chapters in the back for different groups. He offers a schedule alternative to the AAP schedule. The purpose of his alternative schedule is so that the child doesn't get 6 aluminum containing shots in one visit. Also, if the child experiences a bad reaction to a shot, presumably, one wouldn't know which shot caused the reaction. In this schedule, you end up getting most of the same shots in the first year of life, you just spread the (reactive) shots out over more visits. He also offers a vaccine schedule for those who might not otherwise have vaccinated at all. I also referenced Kenneth Bock's schedule in the appendix of his book, "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Asthma, Allergies, ADHD and Autism." I pulled out my vaccination schedule from the 70s. I did a lot of independent research as well. In the end, we evaluated each disease, the ingredients, side effects, VAERS database, everything. I delayed everything until I was comfortable with each vaccine and each disease. It's a very tough decision. If you don't have time to do a lot of research, I really recommend the Sears book.

 

There are alot of posts to this topic. For my family we choze not to vacinate our children. Once you do your research and make the choice for yourself and your children. Just a note, child immunizations are NOT life time immunity. For instance getting the chix pox vac. will not guarentee you won't get chix pox. And in truth if exposed later in life it is much worse. I have a family history of adverse reactions to vaccinations. My little sister has juvenile rhumetoid arthritis.....for life she is crippled due to the Hep B shot, specifically the protein in the shot. My older brother (40's) has common variable immunodeficiency.
For me I have a very healthy 5 year old and two stunning 6 month old girls. No shots.
Best of luck.
Do your research.

 

:clapping: Kelly! I loved your post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Another thought....will schools accept kids who have not had certain immunizations? I honestly don't know....

 

no. most people who choose not to vaccinate also choose to home-school. why? because not vaccinating makes your child a health risk to all other children.

 

My children are vaccinated, though I do a more delayed schedule with vaxes. I believe in vaccines, I do not believe in the number of vaccines babies now get at such a young age. I do believe certain people are more sensitive to certain chemicals, compounds, ingredients, whatever you want to call them - and if my child is one of those, I'd like to do whatever is in my power to make it less of an "attack" on his system, if that makes sense.

Regarding the school issue...

From what I know most states have Vaccine Exemption request forms that the parents can fill out and submit - I believe the parents have to have a religious or health-related reason for not getting their children vaccinated in order for the school district to accept their request. But unvaccinated kids definitely go to public schools - they are not all home-schooled.
Here's just one link I found:

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/35758

 

We mulled over this idea and decided to vaccinate. We delayed the MMR and we thought about separating it out but we are going to go with it all at once.

And to the pp that said it does not provide life long immunity. Maybe not all vaccines but another TS member had her husband hospitalized for Haemophilus Influenzae (the HIB vaccine) and they said if he didn't get the vaccine as a child, he would have died!

 

North Carolina does not have a waiver for people choosing not to vaccinate for ANY reason except a medical issue like a severe allergy to a component of the vaccine itself. There is no exemption for religious or personal reasons. For example, a child with a severe egg allergy can be exempt from the MMR vaccine (combo), but ONLY that vaccine (others are still required) and only if it can be proven the child has a real allergy (medical documentation). I thank God NC don't allow people to just randomly forgo vaccines and then attend public schools, even preschools. It is safer for all of us that way. It is also better for the one or 2 medically unvaccinated children in the school because most children are vaccinated and they are better protected from one of those horrible diseases. It is likely one of the reasons the recent measles outbreak in the US (highest since the 1980's) has not taken hold here. The flu shot (not flu mist I think) is another vaccine you cannot have if you're allergic to eggs because it is grown in/contains eggs.

As for the lifetime immunity issue, duh. Of course all vaccines do not supply us with lifetime immunity. No vaccine can claim to cause full immunity at all period, it runs from 80-95% on average. What it can do is provide you with resistance your body does not have without exposure to the virus. I am one of those strange people that has caught chicken pox twice, so even "natural" immunity is not 100%. (Unfortunatly, I am now at greater risk of having shimgles as an adult, which really stinks. If you have not seen or experienced shingles, it is horrible and so painful and can go on for months or years. You really do want to avoid getting chicken pox and shingles, which is why they now have a shingles vaccine for adults now.) You will have a better chance of surviving these diseases with vaccinations than without, and the diseases will be less severe in general if you are vaccinated should you aquire them. Your cats and dogs get shots every few years to protect against disease for the very reason that vaccines can't provide immunity forever. In the case of animals, immunity lasts much less time than with humans, but you can get vaccine titers to see if they still have immunity before giving them, just like in humans. You have the right to have yourself or your children titered to see what kind of immunity you/they have to these diseases prior to vaccination at any point. That way you aren't vaccinating when it isn't needed.

If you look it up, many vaccines should be boostered as adults, some several times depending on how long you live. There was a recent outbreak of pertussus in our area. Everyone should have booster shot to prevent it if you had not had one since childhood. A booster is required here before middle school and again before college. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents 11 or 12 years of age, or in place of one Td booster in older adolescents and adults age 19 through 64. Several elderly people were hospitalized with pertussus as were a few babies. It can be deadly, way more than a simple cold.

Anyway, everyone here seems to have done research for themselves and their family that makes them feel good about their choices. No vaccine is 100% protection or 100% safe for every single person that receives it. However, the diseases they prevent can be much more severe than the reaction possiblities from the vaccine should you contract them. That is a fact. You are much more likely to suffer severe inury,permanent brain damage, seizures, etc from measles than you are from the MMR vaccine. That is true for all of the vaccines currently given in the U.S. That is not always true for vaccines needed or given in other countries like yellow fever in South America or Africa. Reactions are much more common and clearly stated that the risk is there. It must be worth it to get the vaccine if the side effects can be that severe. Since we do not have that vaccine as a normal vaccine here, I have not done a lot of reseach on it.

I suppose this debate will forever be a hot one as long as there is fear and misinformation and people thinking one side is crazy or wrong. I feel it's not a smart decsion to not vaccinate, but it is your family and your decision. However, I am a supporter of not allowing unvaccinated children attend public school. I also believe unvaccinated people should have to declare their status prior to boarding a plane or being in any school, public or private. I would like to have the choice not to have my children exposed to unvaccinated children. That may seem unfair or severe, but I do not want my children exposed on purpose to diseases that can be prevented and can be deadly. Just my opinion. It is impossible to enforce such a thing on a large scale. Your choice your family, my choice my family. We both intend only to protect our families the best we know how. I don't begrudge you your decision, but I don't have to agree with it. It is a free country and the exchange of ideas is freely encouraged here. I do not wish to offend any unvaccinator, I really don't. I just personally think it's a bad decision and I don't want to ever hear of any child injured by measles like my friend's child was. She has brain damage for life because her mother decided she was afraid of the shot and wouldn't do it. She completely regrets it and that is the issue for me. It was preventable. I mean, you wear seat belts to prevent injury from car accidents, your kids are in car seats for the same reason. Accidents are random and do not choose their victims based on any reason. You do what you can to prevent youself and your children from being killed or injured in an accident, why not protect them from preventable diseases that can kill as well? I just don't get it.

Kelly

 

I chose to immunize. My sister chose to as well. My sister has a friend who has chosen not to immunize. Because I choose to immunize L's decision does not bother me. To each their own. But my sister has a problem when people choose not vaccinate.

My niece has ITP, a blood condition in which her body attacks her platelets, causing her platelet count to rise and fall. She was up-to-date with her shots until July when the ITP started. But now she has to have a certain platelet count to get any shots (platelets are what cause your blood to clot). So my niece may be not quite as protected and could concievably catch something from an unvaccinated child. A person's choice not to vaccinate could affect my niece. My sister is leary of having her daughter play with her friend's unvaccinated child, a child to also regularly is around other unvaccinated kids as part of play group of like-minded moms.

I wanted to point out that the choice not to vaccinate could also affect children who cannot be vaccinated because of medical reasons.

 

Jen, I can add to that. I know a child, well, he is an adult now, who is unvaccinated because he is a Leukemia survivor. I would hate for a child to survive cancer, only to become ill due to someone choosing not to vaccinate.