To vaccinate or not? Hmm...that is the question as Shakespeare says, but I have to add...that is the really scary question. And...that is this mama's drama regularly. It's all came back to light with the option to vaccinate for the N1H1 (swine flu) this year. I think it is scary either way you look at it. I think this is such a controversial issue because no one knows the exact right decision so they get rather defensive about their choice...even subconsciously. When I taught, I taught and met so many children and parents with various disabilities that swore it was due to vaccination injury. Then, I did see children go through vaccination recovery, as they called it, and it made an incredible difference in their child's lives. Now, through many, many years of school, I also know that there are some really scary diseases out there that could spread throughout our younger generations like a wildfire if we aren't careful. Hence, the recent scare of N1H1 (swine flu). So, what is a mama to do?
It's frustrating at the lack of options that we mamas are given when it comes to something as controversial and scary as shots. My problem with them is it is considered a "one size fits all" for children. They same shots are given to children at the same time. Some little bodies can handle this and some can't. That is where I think doctors and such have to step back, provide parents with more information (not bent one way or the other...just unbiased facts) and let parents use their gut to make decisions. However, there are obvious problems with that also. My pediatrician pointed out that so many parents would choose the lazy way out not because of their strong beliefs or inclination but because no copays, no dr. visits, and no thought behind it. That's frustrating too!
The major problem, in my own opinion, is that the information out there is biased. It is either somehow sponsored by the vaccination companies or someone getting kickbacks or it is the other extreme represented by the small minority (although my heart goes out to them) that have been affected negatively by the shots. Then, you have doctors that won't even discuss the issue. I mean, "hello!? did you forget that I pay you and I birthed this child not you? So, knock off the initials at the front of your name & pretend you're a parent as concerned as I am about what is being put in my baby?!" I, personally, contacted 8 doctors before I found one that would consider my perspective on shots and let me be the decision maker...with his input and support. Honestly, we, mamas, don't have time to go through 8 doctors, research unbiased opinion, etc. Unfortunately, that is the way it is!
Through my research and my experience with these families that were affected...and more importantly, my gut...I'll share what works for us. And, honestly, it's a pain. It would be easier to just go with the government's opinion...because that is what doctors and insurance companies go along with also. With both of girls, I decided that I don't know a half of what I need to know about these shots and their ingredients. I know they need some of them. I know they have to be marginally safe to be provided to the public...notice I say marginally because years from now...who knows what they will find out! I was told not to use a pacifier with LaLa and two years later...I was encouraged to use a pacifier because of SIDS! It changes, but pacifier use is one thing and injecting my kids with stuff is another.
So, until the doctors and the government get their acts together on the issue. I give my girls most of the shots. In my opinion, there are a couple they don't need, but I'll let you research and decide that for yourself. Then, I split them all up over time. They are finished with their shots by 30 months rather than the average 24. Do you know when they are just 2 months old, they usually get 7 shots? Seriously, look it up. It's Pediarix-"1 vaccine for 5 diseases". It's three injections, but one shot has five combined in it. They did that so parents would not freak out basically and less pokes for the child. Regardless, that's too much, in my opinion, for a little body. Now, every body is different so each choice is different.
Unfortunately, you can rarely find anyone that splits up these combo shots such as Pediarix and the MMR anymore. I will let them give the shot...wait 14-30 days determining on the shots side effects recommendation, and we will come back for the others. For the controversial ones and the stronger ones, I tend to wait until they're older. Then, I feel their bodies are stronger. I also feel it gives me the opportunity to really watch for any changes or differences in speech or behavior, which is what is debated about whether these shots are connected to injuries, allergies, and disabilities. I also won't give any shots if my child is so much as acting sniffly or acting like they might be sick. By the way, I get a lot of leery looks even at my doctors office from the PAs and the nurses. I don't care though!
Is my way the right way? Probably not. But, this is the only way that I could determine after taking in all the facts on both ends that met in the middle ground. It gave me confidence in giving them shots...when my confidence was low on what the CDC was saying, these drs. were saying, and the extreme ends on either sides were saying. Ultimately, you have to remember, I truly believe there is not a right way and a wrong way. It has to be done what is right for YOUR child. You are the mama or the daddy. They are YOUR child. FIGHT for what you want to do...regardless of what the doctor or anyone tells you. There way isn't right either...it's usually what's easiest and best for the masses...not your little one in particular.
Go with your gut, but don't be ignorant. Know what you believe and why because you will have to fight for it...regardless if it's shots or something else in your child's life. People take you seriously if you know what you are talking about...rather than 'just because'. I also encourage you, regardless what you believe in shots or scheduling, to keep track of their shots personally. You would not believe how often it is messed up and not even realized. Also, always check the shot that they are giving your child...don't just trust them that it is the right one! They give a lot in one day and go in five different directions at once...so ask to see visually that it is the right one.
Mama Drama Rule #45: Remember that they are your children and you get to make the decisions. If your gut tells you something and you research and ask questions and still feel that something is wrong, then don't be intimidated about someone being a doctor or a teacher or a government agency. They look out for themselves and look out for the masses. Your child is an individual and yours. Very often, you will know best.
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