Reasons Not to Vaccinate:
1) Just as with the food industry, the people who are currently monitoring, and setting regulations for the safety of vaccinations and drugs are the same people who are profiting from the sales of these pharmaceuticals. This seems to present a conflict of interests. Just as I have discovered with the perils of the food industry, I am afraid I can't simply listen to the medical professionals and "take their word for it". I want good sound evidence from a non-biased source that vaccinations are not only necessary, but safe.
2) Obviously there has been much debate over the effects of vaccinations. Unfortunately, I believe much of this stems from the fact that vaccinations have not been tested adequately for long term consequences. Although some research has dis proven any link between autism and vaccinations, there is much research that has not yet been investigated. Plus, even if autism does not result from vaccinations, who is to say that there aren't other long term effects? We don't know because the research has not been done, or at least it hasn't been shown that vaccinations are completely safe - consider all the side effects that can be found on the warning labels (if you ask the doctor for it . . . ).
3) Many proponents of vaccinations assume that it is more important to think about the greater good of society instead of focusing on the individual. Obviously I care about other people, but I have to consider what is in the best interest of my child first and foremost. "Spare a few to save the herd," is not acceptable. More research must be done to insure the safety of vaccinations for all, not "most".
4) The current schedule for baby/child vaccinations requires more shots now than ever! The United States is the most vaccinated country in the world (ironically we are not the healthiest!). A baby receives so many vaccinations in his/her first year that it is the equivalent of an adult receiving 70 plus vaccinations! That seems a bit unsettling, especially considering the previous point mentioned!
5) Immunizations do not guarantee immunity. A person is more likely to achieve immunity to chicken pox if they simply get the disease as opposed to merely getting a shot. The same is true for many other non life threatening diseases. Also, many times a person will not become immune to the disease at all. For instance, I received the rubella immunization as a child, but now I am no longer rubella immune. I am supposed to receive this shot after I deliver Kyria, but there is no guarantee that I will be immune this time around. Finally, the flu shot, which I was told by a doctor is absolutely necessary, does not make a person immune to every case of flu. It is a guess as to which flu strand will be vaccinated for in a given year. I know many people who either 1) Received the vaccination and still contracted the flu or 2) Received the vaccination, and yet became very ill with the flu for several weeks.
6) Many people will bring up the point that vaccinations are the reason many life-threatening diseases in our country have nearly been eradicated. However, what they may not have been taught is that many of these diseases were on the decline prior to the immunization. More sanitary conditions and healthier foods could be primarily to thank for the decline of these illnesses, not simply immunizations.
http://www.thinktwice.com/Polio.pdf
As you can see from my above reasons, I feel much more research needs to be done to prove vaccinations are safe and effective. Nevertheless, there does seem to be some good reasons to go ahead and vaccinate as well.
Reasons to Vaccinate:
1) Although Vaccinations have gotten a really bad rap, and I have read many stories from people who feel vaccinations caused a plethora of issues for their children. I have not personally experienced this. Everyone in my family has been vaccinated according the suggested schedule since childhood. I also received several vaccinations prior to going out of the country for a mission trip. I had no short term side effects to any of these vaccinations, and as for the long term side effects . . . well, I seem to be doing fine so far. I also know many children who are quite healthy, and they were vaccinated according the the governments suggestions. Perhaps this shows that vaccinations are at least somewhat safe. Either way, I am not overly concerned that vaccinating my children will result in horrendous issues. In fact, either way I will trust the Lord, and believe that He is ultimately in control! There appears to be risk involved on both sides, so the question is whether vaccinations, with the risk of short-term/long-term side effects, is more or less risky than not vaccinating at all, which could increase ones odds of contracting the potentially deadly illness.
2) The research for the supposed long term side effects of vaccinations don't seem to be incredibly reliable. I would not choose to refuse vaccinations out of a fear for autism resulting. I don't know if the research is strong enough to prove this. The increase in cases of autism could be the result of many things, but I don't know if it's fair to say vaccinations are the sole culprit.
3) I will put the interest of my child first. However, I also know that there are those in my very own community that suffer from a low immune system. My child might be healthy enough to fight off chicken pox, measles, etc., but if my pastor's special needs daughter were to contract an illness from my daughter it would be life threatening.
4) Some people use the logic that because most people get vaccinated the chances of them contracting the illness is not likely, therefore, they choose not to vaccinate because everyone else does. This is a little absurd. You can't count on everyone else getting vaccinated in order to protect your child or yourself. If I choose not to vaccinate it would not be for this reason. Plus, there is always the risk of an outbreak from travelers/immigrants bringing these diseases to the U.S. Not only this, but my family plans to travel for mission opportunities, and we are around others who come from many different countries. The U.S. might offer conditions that allow for these diseases to be few and far between, but traveling to another country might cause a child to be more at risk for one of these life-threatening diseases.
5) Yes, it seems scary that babies are given so many vaccinations. However, perhaps there is a reason for this. Proponents of vaccinations say that it is actually better to give babies vaccinations soon after birth, because they still have so many of the mothers antibodies. The longer the child must wait to get immunized the more risky it becomes. This would go against the proposed alternative vaccination schedule, which suggests waiting until the child is two years old to receive any vaccinations. (NOTE: I have also read articles from proponent of vaccinations that suggest a child should be immunized early because their "weak" immune system could contract the disease . . . so which is it? I don't know!?)
http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/features/robert-sears-alternative-vaccine-schedule
6) Even though I plan to do my research, I must admit that my knowledge in this area is insufficient. Many times, like in the case from point number 5 above, we assume things that make sense to our understanding of the issue, but in truth, we don't have all the information. Although, I wish more information were given on the safety of vaccinations, I do not think that doctors and nurses are purposely offering us bad advice. I humbly recognize that my doctor may have more knowledge on this topic than I do, and their purposes may be very reasonable. I simply want a doctor who is willing to have these discussions with me.
So there ya go! Some simple thoughts from a simple girl who doesn't know much . . .
For more thorough research, explanations, and resources, here are some links to several very good articles regarding vaccinations from Keeper of the Home! Check them out, and let me know your thoughts! Also feel free to share any other resources you have found helpful in sorting though all the information!
The Thoughtful Parents Guide to Thinking Through Vaccinations
The Thoughtful Parents Guide to Thinking Through Vaccinations: 10 Questions to Ask
The Thoughtful Parents Guide to Thinking Through Vaccinations: Pro-Vaccine and Cautionary Resources
I am one of those people that has gone crazy trying to research and decide what is best to do for my children regarding vaccinations.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to share that I worked for a hospital for 13 years up until last year, one day per week as a pediatrice OT (therapist). After swine flu hit the U.S., some hospitals started adopting the policy that ALL employees and volunteers must get a flu shot. I have never had one in my life, and didn't feel I needed to, based on my own research and personal convictions. So I was forced to leave my career, because I would not give in to an employer forcing a vaccine upon me. It is getting bad. In my state, some legislation also just passed stating that you cannot opt your child out of vaccinations unless you find a Dr. that agrees with you and will write a note agreeing with you.
Also having worked for many years with families who have autistic children, I will give you my opinion. I don't think vaccines are the sole cause of autism because I have had many parents tell me they noticed something was very different about their child from birth. I have also seen babies who have not been vaccinated displaying autistic behaviors. I do believe, however, that some children may have a sensitive system that can be harmed by vaccines, thus causing autism, or autistic like behaviors. And, obviously, parents won't know until they have the vaccines done. This is only my opinion, and conclusion based on many years of working with these families.
I am in the exact same place as you, trying to figure it all out. So far I've been vaccinating selectively, and on a delayed schedule. I've never had problems with vaccinations in my family, but what I have read about them does concern me. I will probably keep doing what I've been doing...getting just the basic ones that have been around for years, and declining the newer ones that I just don't feel are necessary.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog today. My children are older. I think you taught two of them in school. With Bunky we just did what we were told, but he didn't go to a doctor for a few years and skipped out on the chicken pox vaccine. He was exposed to chicken pox several times and just never got it. Then he had to have it in 10th grade because the school required it of everyone. Seemed odd. Guy was born with some issues so I opted to spread out some of the vaccines and waited until the last minute to get his school vaccines. He caught chicken pox on his own when he was 4. When there was an outbreak in first grade with several of the immunized kids getting the chicken pox he did not get them. Malcolm's doctor gave them on schedule and when they get 4 shots that total 8 or 9 different diseases to fight it seems like too much. We declined the Hep A shot for all of our children because it isn't required by schools here.
ReplyDeleteI am allergic to eggs and have been told I can't get the flu shot. The only year I had the flu was when my husband received the flu shot from work. He was sick with flu within a week and we all got very sick. He has declined the flu shot since then and we haven't had the flu since then.