Mom In Training - The Great Debate--Immunizations!

Jul. 17, 2007

The Great Debate--Immunizations!

Oh geez! Do I really want to open this can of worms? Well, yeah. This is something I haven't been able to completely settle in my mind. I bring new meaning to the word "waffle" when I say that I keep changing my beliefs on this subject.

When my oldest was a baby he received his two and four-month vaccinations (as any good mother would, right?), then I met two different chiropractors who introduced me to the concept that the cure might be worse than the disease in this case. I never knew there was ANYONE who would even consider NOT innoculating their children against diseases.

After doing a little research online (which is always reliable...cough,cough), and in reading various books on the subject, I learned some things that concerned me about vaccine risks. I won't bother going into detail here, but I decided as a result of my research to discontinue giving them to my son.

When my second son was born I second guessed myself and as a result his vaccinations are current (interestingly enough, he has some delays which may or may not be a coincidence...who knows but God?). For my daughter I straddled the fence and allowed all but polio, which, as her doctor put it, would be one he would skip if he ever believed in skipping any, since it's a miniscule threat unless we travel abroad. Thankfully he is an understanding pediatrician who doesn't believe in putting pressure on parents to immunize their kids. I wish I could clone him (Many thanks to my friend, Linda, for recommending his office. Best advice I ever took).

Anyway, I know there are homeschoolers (and non-homeschoolers) on both sides of this fence, and I am desperately looking for some valuable wisdom. For those of you who are die hard shot givers, I beg your gentle spirit. I know for some this can be a hot issue. Comment away and don't be afraid to be lengthy. I'll take all the advice I can get. I thank you in advance.

Meanwhile, if there was ever a reason for me to have kept Son #2 up to date on his shots, it's this recent comment he made on the way home from the mall when I told him to stop sucking his germ-infested thumb:

"But mom, I washed it with my mouth."

Gee, I feel better.

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Comments

Jul. 20, 2007 - Be prepared....

Posted by Sheri

Once your kids start getting busy with activities, EVERYONE will be wanting a copy of their "up-to-date immunization records". Sports Camps. Day Camps. Church Camps. Playgroups. Lessons of all types. Mother's Day Out. Sports Teams. Sports Tournaments. Field Trips. Church Trips.

In most cases, this is a "non-negotiable"

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Jul. 20, 2007 - Reply to comment

Posted by kimahrens

Thanks for your comment! Regarding shots being mandatory, this is sort of true, but loopholes exist for religious beliefs or health reasons (i.e. allergic reactions to shots, etc.) I don't fall into either of these categories, but simply signing a form stating that I have refused immunizations (no matter what the reason) is usually sufficient for the powers that be.

Edited by kimahrens on Jul. 20, 2007 at 8:56 AM

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Aug. 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Beth

I have heard the immunization debate from both sides, from my chiropractor, to my old pediatrician (whom we no longer go to) and everyone in between. Here's my thought: although most of these diseases have been irradicated and are no longer a threat, with illegal immigration such a problem, all it takes is one person bringing one of these diseases into the country for it to become an epidemic. My youngest son just had to get his boosters for kindergarten (private school) and he had a fever for 2 days so of course that made me question why in the world I was doing this to him, but I'd rather him be sick for a couple of days than get something worse from someone who was never immunized and brought it into the country. Just my humble opinion!!!!

God Bless!!

Beth

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