I am pro-vaccine, but I can see an argument for delaying SOME of them, a bit. MMR, DTaP, HiB, Varicella, IPV, RV are necessary...

Hep B is also necessary... but I don't really think it's necessary at BIRTH, the way we give it now. Infants get a LOT of vaccinations in the first year of life. And Everyone got Hep B at age 13 only ten years ago. That may be a little late, but when you look at the transmission of the disease, it's not really necessary in an infant unless that infant lives with a carrier of the disease.

http://www.cispimmunize.org/IZSchedule_Childhood.pdf for the standard vaccination schedule.
CISP: Childhood Immunization Support Program is the vaccination site for the American Academy of Pediatricians.

I'm amazed at how many ADULTS aren't up-to-date on their immunizations. Do you know that you need a booster every ten years? Most people say that they got their last one in their teens, and not since. I get mine on the fives... 25, and later, 35.

You know, I'm not a hundred percent antivax, at all. I understand that there are circumstances where they are warranted. But when they tell me it's "necessary" to inject my kids with toxins to get a vaccine for an illness that is rarely serious for children in the condition and situation my kids are in, I have to tell them I want more information before I will consent to it.

When Dr. L tells me "X% of children who get X disease end up in the hospital and X% of that percentage, actually die" I ask him to tell me what percent of those were fully breastfed and raised on whole healthy foods thereafter. I ask him how many of those kids had previous issues that would have made them susceptible to complications, and how many got prompt medical care upon showing symptoms. I ask him how many of them got proper followup if they did get prompt medical care. He can't answer. All he can give is a single risk level for all kids, which doesn't help my decision process at all. I need to know what risk the illness is to kids in my children's health condition and situation. He just can't answer my questions and it's too bad, because I think it's important to know. If the vax companies know the answers to these kinds of questions they need to make the info available right there in the pediatrician's office. If they don't know the answers, why not?

I'm not 100% against vaccinations, I'm just 100% for making the decision with full disclosure and completely, fully informed consent. It isn't a matter of minutes or even hours of thought to be able to process all the available information, it takes much more than that. We need more information, from a round table of quality sources, and as much time as necessary to comprehend it in a way that helps us make a fully informed choice.

What Americans were ever "fully breastfed and raised on whole healthy foods"? lol.

Making a choice as to vaccinations, to me is akin to deciding whether or not to wear a motorcycle helmet. (Have I ever mentioned I'm a Biker, as well as a former ER Nurse? )
Any Biker who does not ear a helmet is simply being stupid and stubborn. You can talk about "freedom" all you want, but there is simply no good reason not to wear one.
Same thing for seat belts.
Same thing for wearing orange while hunting.

It's shouldn't be looked at as a matter of "choice" it should be a matter of "responsibility".

For what it's worth: I have given immunization shots to one baby and I will never do it again. The look on that kids face........

Um, mine are. And I do know quite a few others. Meeting more all the time and teaching younger ones how to do it, too. But ain't that a whole 'nother can'o worms!!

I read the complete post by Nurseman and it is really indeed informative.

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Hello
A very important point that must be made is the fact then when you travel to other countries, you may be putting yourself at risk of contracting a disease or virus that isn't such a big deal or a big worry when you are at home.

Therefore, we once again go back to the education factor in traveling. In this Travel Safety Tip #3', it is imperative that you consult with your doctor or a travel physician several months before you leave to find out the medical particulars in regard to the region in which you are traveling. While some countries may have specific vaccinations that are required in order to enter the country, there are many where certain medications and inoculations are a recommendation and not a rule.

For instance, pretend for a moment that you are heading to Peru. While the country has no specific vaccination requirements in order to pass through customs at the airport, information available recommends that all visitors from North America and Europe be vaccinated for Typhoid, Yellow and Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A and B as well as carry medications for Malaria and possibly even Altitude.



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