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My disclaimer here is that I’m not sending this with the intent to get others to do exactly as we do, or to say that people are wrong for doing vaccines, or anything else. Honestly, I’m eager to hear responses because I don’t feel I’m an expert on this subject (and if you ARE an expert, please respond, and then we’ll let other experts respond as well and compare it all!).
It takes 2-3 years for the files to actually be awarded, so looking at the chart that shows cases that were awarded and dismissed, technically in ’05 we were dealing with around 82 people that actually filed and won a case…and going just with the numbers of those who have won vs. those that were dismissed, wow—JUST in 2007 (which is basically 2005 complaints), the gov’t awarded $91,449,433.89. Yikes. Below that chart it actually breaks these down by specific vaccines—this is very helpful and I’ll be studying this more!!
I’ll be open about where Nathan and I stand for right now. Ladybug Girl has not had any vaccines yet, and we’re not anti-vaccine, but we want to use extreme caution. We have read numerous reports where waiting until they are 2 and spacing out the vaccines has been very positive—I have a great article about that from my doctor (email me if you didn’t get it and want it). For LG, we’re going to spend from now until next year really researching the vaccines that are out there—especially with the latest newsbreak this April (first link above), I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the vaccines changed. When LG is two, we will pick and choose the ones that are the most important to get her vaccinated (i.e. polio) and forgo others that we don’t see as a good idea (i.e. HPV, chicken pox).
Ultimately the decision is the parents’, and that’s a scary thing, as you are responsible for the decision you make, and there is NO black or white on this subject—there are risks either way you look at it. Know that the decision is completely in YOUR hands, though—all you have to do is write a sheet saying you don’t agree with vaccines for religious or medical reasons and your child is exempt for life. Definitely not to say this is what everyone should do, but just to let you know that just because a school says it’s necessary doesn’t mean your child can’t go there…(and I’m proven wrong in the first comment below).
Please comment–I’m posting this on my blog because I know this is a controversial topic, and it helps for us to educate ourselves on it! There are many contributing factors as to why all of this is on the rise…is it really about the medicine, or because we are lawsuit crazy? Are there really that many more kids who have autism, or merely that many that are being properly diagnosed now? Are vaccines at this point solely about preventing the diseases, or have politics and money taken over (a typical claim of anti-vaccine people). I’m not sure of all of the answers, but I’m eager to learn more about it!
>It is a personal decision, you are right. It is good that you are researching the pros and cons. I did that too. Obviously, I went with the vaccines- and I dont regret it at all but, to each his own. As far as Austism goes, noone knows what causes it. I dont believe vaccines cause vaccines and I think it is SO wrong that people win money in court by suing and saying its the vaccines that caused it- everyone just wants to blame something. Blame makes people feel better which to me, is so backwards! I bet you- not one person who won a lawsuit regarding autism donated their winnings to autism research. Anyways.I think that it is fine to not vaccinate your child. It is a foreign thing going into a healthy little person. I only did it b/c the thought of disease outbreak is worse to me and I think we live in crazy times AND if God gave man wisdom to keep my kids from Rubella then Im taking advantage. I tend to live on the paranoid side of the fence anyhow, but there are plenty of disease outbreaks in the last few years so as for me, its not paranoia, just common sense. You said that the vaccinated diseases are virtually obsolete but which one are you referring to? Whooping cough went around my daughter’s preschool this last November and our neighbors all ended up in the hospital with it too. It is a scary virus (think barking seal) that can be fatal if you are not vaccinated. Measles outbreaks were rampant in the NE last year- I remember watching it on fox news and hoping it didnt make it down here. A friend caught Rubella right before his wedding- which is random but they told him that he could have died if he hadnt been vaccinated when he was a child. Just some examples.You talked about schools letting unvaccinated children in- which is correct but keep in mind that she can not get into mothers day out programs. They are not government run, they are private and they make their own rules. My daughter’s school sent out a letter when measles went around to assure the parents that no children were permitted to enroll without vaccines.Well, all that said, there are a billion arguments on each side and everyone gets a choice. Thats the beauty of it I guess. You will face opposition either way. I’ll pray that you have a peace about your decision! You are a great mom!
>I agree with the person above. I have chosen vaccination also…. I’ve had 2 close friends whose children have almost died in the last year…one with measles and one with pertussis (whooping cough), both families chose not to vaccinate… but are reconsidering their decision now…I mean the reason these diseases have become so rare in the US now is because we have vaccinated against them… but with so many children un-vaccinated these days, it’s likely that we’ll have outbreaks again…which is what is happening now, I guess…I believe it’s a family’s decision whether or not to vaccinate, but I don’t think it’s good for people to operate out of fear instead of information…I’ve also worked with children from birth to three with special needs for 8+ years… I’ve seen A LOT of cases of autism… and personally, I think kids are way over diagnosed these days… it seems to be sort of a ‘catch-all’ diagnosis, and since it’s a ‘spectrum disorder’ they can get away with it… ADHD was over diagnosed several years ago, and now I think it’s autism. I definitely DO NOT think that vaccines in any way cause autism… think of all the other factors that influence a child’s development…even in the womb…I’ve done lots of research (for papers and such) on environmental factors that can literally change the way a child develops in utero…chemicals from plastic, ‘fake’ sugar, splenda, pesticides etc…even pollution and chemicals they put in water before they bring it into your home… It is really scary. Ultimately I know God is in control and he will give us the wisdom we need to raise our children…He knits our children together in the womb perfectly, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
>Having an 18-month old, I am really sick to death of the vaccine subject, so I will be short and concise with my views, having done much research this past year: 1. It stands to reason that there are still too many question marks as to whether or not vaccines contribute to autism. Science publications are indeed a reputable source, but you cannot discount the myriads of individual cases of parents who believe wholeheartedly that vaccinations made things worse for their children. I include this link as a thought-provoking reference: http://boards.babycenter.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bcus1143871&tid=10996 2. Bronson has received many vaccines, but not all. And when we do, they are separated out. Next week we will begin the MMR process at 18 months, in which he will get one measles vax only. I believe in vaccinations, just not in the government’s recommended schedule.3. I think it is insane to do multiple vaccinations during one appointment on a tiny infant. I also think the Hannah Poling case is practically child abuse. My 2 cents
Lori
>I am 78 years old and I was vaccinated. I raised three chilren and they were vaccinated. 9 grandchildren all vaccinated. I great also vacciated.My Uncle is the only person I know who was not vacinnated way back then, He got chicken pox and was left totally deaf at the age of 18 mo.The good far out weighs the bad.