SortaCrunchy

On Vaccinations and Moving Beyond Fear

Last night, I happened to catch this tweet from @OMyFamily:

And I shouted an emphatic AMEN.

In light of yesterday's release of another article picking apart the Wakefield study on vaccines and autism, a brand new re-hashing of the vaccine-autism debate caught fire.

But Allison's tweet sums up (so neatly!  140 characters or less!) what many non- and alternative- vaccinating parents know and believe: alternative vaccine choices no longer revolve singularly around autism.  Concerns about vaccines and the CDC/AAP schedule range from the timing of the schedule to the various ingredients in vaccines to the questionable necessity of some of the vaccines on the schedule.

After I linked to that infuriating and insulting article from USA Today in my Delicious links, a reader emailed me to ask if I could share any resources that show definitively that childhood vaccines cause harm. 

Two things came to mind:

1) Yes. VAERS.  There would be no need for our government to create a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System if vaccinations didn't cause harm to some children on some level.

2) Yes.  My family's history.  As long-time readers know, the MMR vaccine triggered epilepsy in my youngest sister.  This is not supposition on the part of my family.  My parents were part of a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of that batch of MMR in the 90s and a federal court ruled in their favor.  My youngest sister and other children across the country were granted significant amounts of money in the form of trusts to provide for her medical/physical/emotional/educational needs for the rest of her life. 

(My youngest sister also has Asperger's Syndrome and has written briefly about that here.  She also has a child who had a mild seizure after receiving the MMR which scared the pants off of everyone in our family.)

The USA Today article brimmed with the stern reminder that we "lay people" are not to be trusted with making these kinds of decisions for our children.  Parents are reminded that we must not delay or skip vaccinations because of our fear of autism.  We must trust our doctors and our government with the lives and well-being of our children for their own health and for the well-being of others.

Non- and alternative- vaxing parents are made out to be silly victims of spooky shadows of doubt, wringing hands in fear of what if? and acting irresponsibly in the face of sound science.

It's a funny thing.  My first step away from the CDC/AAP schedule was one of fear.  Not of autism, specifically, just that healthy kind of fear all parents should have when we really stop to consider what we are putting into the bodies of human beings who rely on us for health.  (McNuggets included in that statement.*) 

But then a remarkable thing happened - fear led to discovery which led to enlightenment.  The more I read, the more I dug around, the more I discovered oh wow.  So wait a minute.  It's not actually all that remarkable that I've never had a flu shot and never had the flu?  And wait, what?  I can return to the wonder of what God has provided for us through creation, and through foods or supplements I can promote holistic wellness rather than relying solely on resistance to disease?  Hmmmmm.

The majority of non- and alternative- vaxing parents I know might have begun a journey in fear, but have long since moved past fear and into dedication to wellness.  And that is what Allison said so simply in a tweet that for some reason I feel the need to expand upon.

To tell you the truth, I've grown weary of talking about vaccination choices.  It's an endless circle of discussion.  In the same way that I cannot talk about abortion to someone who has a different view than I do about when life begins, I also cannot talk about vaccinations with someone who has a different view than I do about which takes precedence: the health of the individual or the health of the public at large.

But I am taking the chance and bringing up the conversation again simply because I know that when vaccines are in the news, those of us who don't follow the vaccine schedule will be asked/confronted about our choices again.  Maybe it's a good idea if we have a script ready.

Maybe you just want to say, "Fear of autism isn't the only reason for our choice.  We've done the research and we are comfortable with our decision."

Or maybe you want to respond, "What I would really like to know is why the CDC refuses - refuses - to do a sound and thorough study following the health and wellness of children who are vaccinated compared to un-vaccinated children.  If the CDC doesn't know where to find large groups of un-vaccinated children, I would like to introduce them to The Pacific Northwest."

I'm normally not a conspiracy theorist.  I promise.  But when it comes to vaccines . . . well.  The truth is out there.  And I'm perplexed as to why the CDC won't touch it.  Except: money.  And fear.

I'll leave comments open for now, but I also have to say I've been enjoying a peaceful, start-o-the-year zen moment, and I don't really feel like debating.  Let's just keep it respectful, capiche?

January 8 edit: I'm going to go ahead and close comments.  I think there has been great discussion with good representation from all of the various viewpoints on the topic.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for doing so respectfully.  If you have a specific question for me, you can always reach me at megan at sortacrunchy dot net

Further reading:

* The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child
* Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide: How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives
At Mothering: Vaccines: Still an Issue for Our Time (reprint)

* full disclosure: both of my children have eaten McNuggets within the past week.
** other info worth noting: my oldest child is fully vaccinated, all on schedule.  My youngest child received a handful of vaccines on an alternative schedule, but hasn't had one since she was six months old.  She's three now.  So there's that.

Why We'll Skip the Flu Shot (again) and What We'll Do Instead

I've had to run into Walgreens a few times in the past weeks, and I found myself overwhelmed by the flu shot blitz they have already rolled out.  Clerks wear buttons with big red hearts reminding customers of flu shot availability while the electronic marquee outside displays flu shot clinic hours.  Over the weekend, I noticed they have taken their flu shot peddling to the airwaves with many commercials suggesting that if you care about your co-workers, you'll get your flu shot!

The part of the flu shot blitz that would make me laugh if it weren't so ridiculous is the flu shot gift card.

Dear loved one, stay well with the flu shot.

Really?

I guess there is something more inviting about a mushy-gushy red heart rather than a sharp needle, so good call on their part in going with that visual.

As I've maintained since I first began writing about vaccinations and immunizations here at SortaCrunchy, I am not completely anti-vaccination.  I believe the only bad vaccine choice is an uninformed vaccine choice, and it is imperative that each person be informed about which vaccines, if any, to choose for yourself or your children.

One guide that I've consulted frequently in making these choices for our family is Dr. Bob Sears' The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child.  However, Dr. Sears and I part ways when it comes to the flu shot.  He is for it; I am not.

Here's why we skip the flu shot:

• The flu shot is not perfect protection against the flu.  In fact, there is no such thing as perfect protection from the flu.  
• The nasal (live virus) form of the flu comes with risks.  Not only do some people experience flu symptoms after receiving the live form of the virus in the nasal spray, the package insert also clearly states that shedding the live virus is possible for up to 21 days after administration.  This means when you child misses covering up that sneeze with her elbow, she is potentially sending forth the flu to those around her.
• The injection (inactivated) form of the flu shot most often contains thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury that has been eliminated from vaccines around the world but is still commonly found in flu vaccinations.  Thimerosal-free flu shots are available but are often limited to specific demographic groups and can be hard to track down.

I know many families who get the flu vaccine every year and are able to stay flu-free.  That is great news!  Kyle and I have also been flu-free for the past twelve years and have never received a flu vaccine, and our children have also been flu-free despite never being vaccinated against the flu.

Here's what we will be doing this year to boost our immunity to guard against the flu:

General Health and Well-Being

There's a reason why most medical advice sits upon the foundations of healthy eating, exercise, and a good night's sleep.  I'll get to healthy eating in a moment.  Exercise is good for every aspect of your health.  As the days get shorter, it's easy to slump into sluggishness, but the winter is one of the most important times of the year to maintain (or begin!) an exercise regime. 

Your body heals itself while you sleep.  I think it is no coincidence that the time of year with the least amount of daylight is the time of year we most need the healthy benefits of lots of sleep!

Of course, we always practice good hand washing, but we skip the anti-bacterial soaps.  Dr. Bronner's castille soaps work nicely for us.  We like the tingly, clean smell of peppermint the best.

Healthy Eating

There are many, many things you can put into your body that actually belong there (as opposed to the ingredients in flu shots) that work to build immunity.

• Raw Milk - full of vitamins, healthy fats, and TONS of great, helpful bacteria.  We have been and will continue to drink full fat, fully organic, unpasteurized milk from pastured cows.
• Seasonal Fruits and Veggies - again, I think it's an amazing wonder of creation that the time of year when we need a good boost in vitamin C to support healthy immunity is the time of year when delicious vitamin C rich foods are in season.  Oranges, kiwi, grapefruit, and brussel sprouts are all winter produce that provide healthy rewards.
• Yogurt and other fermented foods - fermented foods are loved by the body because they are full of enzymes and friendly micro-organisms your body needs to keep balance.  We eat a TON of yogurt in our house.  I think this might be the time for me to get serious about making kefir, and I might even go crazy and do some lacto-fermented vegetables (like Cara's sauerkraut!).
• Coconut Oil - one of the most amazing aspects of coconut oil is the abundance of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that is one of the components of breast milk that provides immunity in nursing children.  Lauric acid forms into monolaurin which "is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia."  I use a ton of coconut oil in cooking, but I will probably be adding it into smoothies as an additional way to get those wonderful benefits into our bodies this flu season.
• Supplements - We don't do very many supplements, but as we go into The Sick Season, I will probably get some probiotics.  I am particularly concerned for Dacey because she is at school five days a week, so I will add in some daily probiotics and maybe even some Organic Echinacea Plus from Traditional Medicinals.  And, as my friend Noah pointed out in the comments below, vitamin D is a magnificent weapon against the flu.  Sunshine can be in short supply in the winter, so keep an eye out for vitamin D rich foods (sardines, anyone?) or add a supplement through the fall and winter.
• Garlic - Do I have to?  I know it's great for immunity.  I just don't know if I can stomach swallowing it raw.  Suggestions?

Back-Up Plan

Just in case one of us comes down with flu-like symptoms, we have oscillococcinum on hand.  (Totally unsponsored endorsement.  We just love Boiron products!)

I fully realize that the flu shot is the best choice for some individuals and some families.  This information is not meant in any way to make anyone feel badly about getting the flu shot for themselves or their children.  As I watched commercial after commercial from Walgreens roll by over the weekend, I was inspired to encourage other no-flu-shot families in their quest to fight the flu without the vaccine this winter.

Do you think we can discuss this respectfully in the comments?  I think we can.  What has been your experience with the flu shot?  Does your family rely on natural approaches to health and wellness to survive the flu season?  Let's talk it out.

Linking up to Your Green Resource - Week Four!

More Information on the H1N1 Vaccine

Almost every day, I get emails from friends or readers who are wondering what to do about the H1N1 vaccine.  I'm finding that those who are generally pro-vaccine feel absolutely comfortable with receiving the vaccine and having their children vaccinated with it.  Those who are generally anti-vaccine are more likely pass on the vaccine.

Those like myself who take a more selective approach to vaccines are amongst the parents who are having the hardest time deliberating about what to do about this flu pandemic and the vaccines being made available.

Shortly after I shared my post on 5 Things Parents Should Know About the H1N1 Vaccination, a friend of mine in the field working in immune systems and vaccines wrote me with some follow-up information.  He gave me permission to share this with you here:

1. Fear of the H1N1 vaccine over the seasonal vaccine is really unfounded.  The companies making the H1N1 inactivated vaccines (injectables) are not changing their formulations in anyway except changing the specific flu virions (a virion is just all the virus components which mostly contain the flu proteins but also their genetic material and structural components and are prepared from dead virus). 

This is why these companies are the ones making the swine flu vaccine as they already have seasonal flu vaccines from which they are building.  Other than the viral strain change, the basic formulations are exactly the same between the two.  So if you are one to get a yearly flu vaccine and have no problems then this will be no different. 

The perception that the H1N1 is "NEW" and has not been tested enough is also unfounded.  Why? Well for one, the seasonal flu vaccines are also new every year in the same manner.  This is why we have to get new ones every year.  The flu changes year to year, and the vaccine companies just change the new flu vaccines to contain the trivalent virions that represent that year's strains (or in the case of the H1N1, its monovalent or only one strain).  The proteins and other virus particles (mostly proteins) elicit an immune responses against the proteins that induce the immune system to remember the proteins (so called immune memory-one of the most fascinating parts of biology).  In this case, when the real flu rears its ugly head, then your body should have memory towards its particular proteins and the resulting hyper-activation of the immune system will clear infection in enough time that the flu does not have time to create a severe infection.  Forgive me, this is a general vaccinology lesson which I am sure you know.

Thus the take home is that if you get a seasonal flu shot, don't be scared by the swine vaccine shot.  If you have not had any reactivity or seen any side effects from a seasonal flu shot, then you won't see them here.  The same flu vaccine precautions should be noted here.  Flu virions are prepared in chicken eggs so please note this if have allergies to chicken products.

The inactivated vaccines do contain some preservatives such as Thimerosal (the nasal vaccines-mists-do not).  Adjuvants (which are particular agents that boost the immune system and sometimes make up the other parts of the formulation of a vaccine) to my knowledge are not used in flu vaccines in the US.  All these other components in the vaccine are the agents that have caused concerns over the years.  But again, the same agents that have been in all flu vaccines and have been used for several years now are no different in the swine vaccine thus, the notion that these have not been tested is not true.  However, you are correct to note (or as the vaccine information notes) that there still are tests being performed.  Reports have found that there have been no serious side effects to fetus from a mother receiving the inactivated flu shot.

The only other legitimate concern here with a vaccine would be possible autoimmunity induction.  BUT THIS IS A VERY RARE CHANCE in  flu vaccines and the same very rare chance can also occur if you are infected with flu itself.

2. Indeed a point of consideration would be which vaccine to get.  The mist is not inactivated virions, but attenuated (weakened) flu viruses, weakened to not cause disease but still alive.  It actually stimulates the immune system in a much more natural way and may confer a high protection rate, but since it is live virus that has been weakened, it can cause (in some people) a mild flu sickness and it can be shed.  But to my knowledge, pregnant woman and infants will not qualify for this vaccine and thus will only be given the injectable version as a functioning immune system is required; pregnant women and infants are more immunocompromised.

3.  Pregnant women are indeed a risk group for swine flu, and there are solid explanations to why this is.  The studies done (and reported in the Lancet, one of the top leading medical journals in our country) showed the statistics of a pregnant group infected with H1N1 (that was identified as H1N1), and indeed they have a higher incidence of serious disease and even death than the general population.  Now it's not a reason to get hysterical if you are pregnant, but it is something serious to consider.  The CDC doesn't indicate risk groups without serious study, and pregnant women top that list for swine flu.

4.  BOTTOM LINE:  BE EXTRA VIGILANT ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS AND YOUR HEALTH.  Moms, kids, dads, husbands, the guy that delivers pizzas, whoever you are.  If you feel different in any way, get to the doctor, and remove yourself.  Most of the time, anti-virals will work and will keep you from disease, but they only work in the first few hours of infection.  Four  days later and a fever of 103, and they wont do anything.    Don't abandon good hygiene (all those rules your mom taught you).  Wash your hands (warm water-soap-2mins-sing happy birthday twice), cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (and cover it when someone is not doing so around you).  You know what to do, just be extra aware.

The swine flu is spreading like wildfire.  The docs don't even need to type it now as its become pandemic.  Its the only bug spreading so rapidly RIGHT NOW.  SO just be aware.  As always and in all things, keep an open dialogue and establish a great relationship with your doctors, your ob/gyns, your pediatricians, and consult them on the specific details of your health.  They of course are well-trained, but have also been well-versed in this flu pandemic and are intimately aware of which course of treatment is best for you, knowing your health the way they do.

So there's the perspective of someone working daily in this field.

I know the biggest concern for many families is what to do about the H1N1 if you are pregnant or have an infant at home.  I know if I were pregnant right now, I would feel very unsure of what to do.  On the one hand, it is risky to take chance catching it as it could be very serious, even fatal.  On the other hand, we know there are no established trials on the safety of these vaccines for unborn babies. 

On his most recent entry on The Vaccine Book blog, Dr. Bob Sears addresses this very legitimate concern:

What about pregnant and/or nursing mothers?

This is a little scary. The flu shots are ALREADY recommended for pregnant and nursing moms, BUT (and this is a really huge but) the vaccine product inserts make it very clear that the regular flu vaccines have never been tested on pregnant or nursing women to determine if there is any harm to fetuses or young babies (with one exception – the ­­­­Flumist nasal spray brand did have some testing in this area, BUT not enough, as is stated in the product insert).

Despite this complete lack of research, it is recommended for these moms anyway. Anyone see a problem with that?

If you do get a flu shot, at least make sure it is mercury-free (or at least only TRACE mercury).

Dr. Sears has received a lot of heat over his cautious stance for pregnant women, but he maintains his belief that pregnant women should not receive this vaccine (or any flu vaccine) unless, as the vaccine manufacturers suggest, it's clearly needed.  

To provide a little balance for those who generally do not vaccinate, here is the Mothering Magazine page of resources for the swine flu.

Many have asked what we are doing about the H1N1 vaccine, and I have been a little hesitant to answer because I so strongly, strongly believe each family (each individual, really) must decide what is best based on their own unique set of circumstances.  I do have to say that I really believe that we have already had swine flu.  Shortly after school started in August, H1N1 began going around in our community, and we had several verified cases within our church.  Dacey, Kyle, and I all got very sick with a list of symptoms that read like checklist for H1N1.  AJ had a touch of it, but nothing too bad.

Because of this and because we don't do the seasonal flu vaccine, we personally are opting not to get the H1N1 vaccine.  We have no pregnant mamas, no infants, no people with asthma, and no elderly people in our home.  So that is what we feel comfortable choosing for our family.  For now.

photo by NathanF

5 Things Parents Should Know About the H1N1 Vaccination

photo by stevendepolo

Tuesday morning, our local news aired a brief segment on the release of the H1N1 vaccine.  They quickly noted who should get the vaccine and who should not.  All-in-all, less than 30 seconds were taken to explain this week's release of the H1N1 vaccination.  I wanted to know more, and so I started to dig around. 

Here are 5 facts I discovered that I want to share with you:

1) The FluMist version of the H1N1 vaccine is what is known as a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.  This means that it is made with live, weakened viruses.  Because of this, the FluMist version of the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine is not recommended for:

• People less than 2 years of age
• People 50 years of age and over
• People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system.
• Children less than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing
• Children or adolescents receiving aspirin
• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine
• Pregnant women
• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.

(Source: CDC)

2. Because the FluMist version of the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination contains the live virus, it is possible for the virus to "shed" from the vaccinated person to those he encounters.  Please note this from the CDC (which speaks to general flu vaccinations, not just the H1N1 vaccination):

Because LAIV contains live influenza viruses, a potential exists for transmission of these viruses from vaccinees to other persons. Vaccinated immunocompetent children can shed vaccine viruses for <3 weeks (6). One unpublished study in a child care center setting assessed transmissibility of vaccine viruses from 98 vaccinated to 99 unvaccinated subjects, all aged 8--36 months. Eighty percent of vaccine recipients shed >1 virus strain, with a mean of 7.6 days duration (17). One influenza type B isolate was recovered from a placebo recipient and was confirmed to be vaccine-type virus. The estimated probability of acquiring vaccine virus after close contact with a single LAIV recipient was 0.58%--2.4%. The type B isolate retained the cold-adapted, temperature-sensitive, attenuated phenotype, and it possessed the same genetic sequence as a virus shed from a vaccine recipient in the same children's play group.

Should you choose the FluMist version of any flu vaccine, you may want to exercise care in thinking about whom you will come in contact with in the days (and possibly weeks?) following vaccination.

3. Speaking of shedding, it's important to remember that everyone infected with any kind of virus will shed that virus for 24 hours after fever subsides, but possibly longer.  There is some evidence that the H1N1 virus may shed longer than other influenza viruses:

A similar study of 70 patients by a team headed by Dr. David Chien Lye, of Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, showed that 80 percent were shedding virus after five days, 40 percent after seven days and 10 percent after 10 days. Both researchers agree that more study is needed to determine the period of time the disease can actually be transmitted, but that patients shouldn't rush to return to work or school.

Source: News-Medical.Net

4.  Because pregnant and nursing mothers and children under two are not supposed to receive the FluMist version of the H1N1 vaccine, some health care providers are encouraging these groups to get the injected vaccine.  Please note this information from the vaccine manufacturer's (Novartis) insert:

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN. It is also not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether FLUVIRIN or Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.

8.4 Pediatric Use  
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric subjects below the age of 4 years have not been established. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6) and CLINICAL STUDIES (14)]

 

Essentially, the vaccine is safe for pregnant women, but it is unclear what effects it might have on the unborn baby.  It is also unclear what effect it will have on children under four.

This clearly creates quite a predicament for pregnant women.  There are some reports that H1N1 is more dangerous for pregnant women than the seasonal flu; however, in my county and in areas across the nation, health care providers are no longer screening for H1N1.  It seems to me, then, that this belief that pregnant women are more likely to die from H1N1 may not be entirely accurate because there is no longer an accurate number being reported on how many pregnant women are actually coming down with H1N1.

Again, I would just encourage women to exercise caution.

5. Finally, it is important to note that multi-dose vials of the injected H1N1 vaccine do contain thimerosal.  Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in some vaccinations.  I am not about to engage in the thimerosal-autism debate, and I actually don't want to address whether or not thimerosal is actually toxic in the amount it is found in vaccines.  What I do want to do is make you aware that of the nine different H1N1 vaccines (both injected and nasal mist) approved by the FDA, four do contain thimerosal:

• Novartis's single-dose syringe contains a trace of mercury
• Novartis's 10 dose bottle contains 25 mcg of mercury per dose
• CSL's 10 dose bottle contains 24.5 mcg of mercury per dose
• Sanofi Pasteur's 10 full-dose bottle or 20 1/2 dose bottles contain 25 mcg per dose
  

For a complete list of the nine vaccines and a breakdown of their ingredients, please see this article H1N1 Vaccines Approved: What's In It For You? at the AFA blog.

I hope this provides some helpful information for you in making a decision about whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccine.  Each family and individual must weigh the risks of the vaccine against the risks of this strain of influenza.  I have said before and I'll continue to say the only bad vaccination decision is an uninformed vaccination decision.

 

"No Shots, No School!" - Not True! (On Vaccine Exemptions)

As Aliza Joy fast approaches two, I've been working on correcting and updating our delayed vaccination schedule.  I have to admit that as I have re-read Dr. Sears' The Vaccine Book and found new media stories and articles on the topic of vaccination, I've been getting a little worked up on the topic again.

As children across the country head back to school, many states are launching campaigns to remind parents, "No Shots, No School!"  That statement is simply not true.

Every single state offers an exemption policy for vaccinations.  In Mississippi, vaccinations can only be exempted for medical reasons; in the other 49 states, parents may obtain forms for vaccination exemptions due to medical, religious and/or philosophical reasons.

I want to share with you the most current, up-to-date, and easy to navigate source that I have discovered on vaccination exemptions in the U.S. - the National Vaccination Information Center (NVIC) has compiled a map which details state vaccine requirements.  Using this map, parents can quickly see which exemptions are allowed in their state.  Clicking on the state will provide links to further resources applicable to each state.  For years, state vaccine requirement information has been scattered and difficult to navigate.  I am so grateful the NVIC has created a resource for parents and care givers that is clear and concise.  

Parents who are choosing exemptions may also wish to read through Dr. Merola's article "How To Legally Avoid Unwanted Immunizations of All Kinds." 

Remember that the underlying public health philosophy on vaccinations is based on herd immunity.  From the viewpoint of schools and public health officials, it makes sense for each child to be fully immunized.  But parents must also remember that full, on-schedule vaccination is not necessarily the best choice for your child, for your family, for your religious views, for your beliefs.  Neither the CDC nor the AAP nor the State Department of Education holds the responsibility of making the best possible choices for your child - that responsibility belongs solely to each parent. 

Don't be bullied into believing otherwise.

photo by ZaldyImg

The Confessional: My Well Babies

When I first started cloth diapering, I immersed myself into the world of cloth diapering "hobbyist" message boards.  (Yes, such a thing exists.  We can talk more about it privately if you like.)  It wasn't long before I encountered some truly crunchy mamas whose approach to living looked far different from anything I had ever been exposed to.  I can remember the first time I read a post from a mama who chose not to vaccinate her children, and who, in fact, didn't take them in to see the doctor for scheduled well visits at all.

Hmph!  I remember thinking.  Well that's irresponsible.

I dutifully took Dacey in for each visit on the schedule and she received all of her immunizations at the prescribed time.

When I was pregnant with AJ, my best friend Kim and I started exploring the idea of delaying and selectively vaccinating.  As you know, I carefully created a schedule that I felt more comfortable with and stuck to it. 

And then we moved.

Today's confession:  AJ hasn't been in for a well visit (nor received a vaccination) since she was six months old.  One year ago this month.  I've become the mom that makes pediatricians not want to work with parents on vaccine schedules.  I made a schedule, and I have not followed through.

The thing is that the girls are just so well.  Healthy, I guess.  We did have to take AJ in to see someone last fall when a mystery virus caused her to run a high fever for days, but other than that - nothing.  Dacey starts pre-K in the fall (I like to phrase it that way because I have a hard time saying "She starts pre-K in five months" without choking back sobs), and she needs to complete her immunization schedule.  I just get overwhelmed thinking about reworking AJ's schedule.  I know I need to.  Anyone wanna hold my feet to the fire until I get it done?

Photo courtesy of Lee Nachtigal

Comments closed during Lent 09

A Word of Caution on Getting "Caught Up" on Vaccines

I find I am constantly humbled by the emails from parents who take the time to share their questions and experiences with vaccines with me. Obviously, I am far from being an expert of any kind of anything. I'm just a mom who feels passionately about vaccine information and choices.

Several times in the past month, I've heard from readers on the topic of getting their little ones "caught up" on their vaccine schedules. Upon discovering patients who are behind on their vaccination schedules, pediatricians will sometimes encourage parents to consent to getting their children caught up to the mandated schedule, even if that means a child receiving a large number of vaccines all in one office visit.

I want to emphasize that unless you have some extenuating circumstances (for example, an impending trip out of the country), there is probably no need for your child to get "caught up" all at once.

A reader emailed me her experience last week, and she has given me permission to share part of her family's story here:

I too am barefoot all the time. I was born in a lookout tower for firefighters, just my mom, dad and a friend were there to help. I was blessed to grow up and be a healthy woman. Somehow, I was fooled.

I vaccinated our first son, and he is completely fine. But our second son fell behind on his shots. He was given 7 at once to make up for this. The date was 12-21-05. On the way home from the doctor he became very sick. Within a few hours he had stopped breathing and was on a helicopter bound for children's hospital in Portland Oregon. He was sick for about a week and they let us go home. We noticed at the hospital that "C" was not speaking. After going from a fairly chatty one year old, he had become withdrawn.

I know that you know what I am going to say next. Yes. Six months later we were told that "C" was severely autistic. As I look back now, I realize that everything I was raised to believe by my parent hadn't saved my son. He spins, pokes his eyes until they are black and blue, he is bald in spots from pulling his hair out, he can't run, he can walk but with assistance, he is non-verbal, he hasn't smiled in 2 and a half years. My son is gone. In reality, I go through the motions, we make it through everyday with schedules, and appointments, kisses he doesn't want, and hugs he hates. But when the night comes, that is when the hard stuff happens. I watch him sleep and he looks normal, I see him smile in his sleep, and I wish I knew if he was dreaming of me. I cry, my husband and I hold each other and we wonder how we let this happen . . .

It may well be that there are some babies and toddlers who receive many vaccines in one office visit and their bodies are able to handle it. But experiences like this mother's compel me to encourage parents to allow no more than two vaccination doses to be administered in the span of one month's time. Your pediatrician/health care provider may cite CDC warnings like this one indicating your baby/toddler will be at risk as long as he/she is behind on the schedule. They are advocating what they sincerely believe to be a safe approach to your child's wellness and public health in general. Just remember you alone are able to advocate for your child's health and well-being!

Again, I must make it clear I am far from being a medical professional or expert of any kind. This is my opinion only, but I hope you will receive the word of caution in this mother's story.

(In a SortaCrunchy first, I am closing comments on this post. It is not my intention to debate the connection between vaccines and autism. Additionally, I feel a strong desire to protect this reader who was courageous in sharing her family's story and not open her up to any unnecessary and painful criticisms. Thanks for understanding!)