A Parents' Guide to Managing Vaccinations

MMR single shot

My doctor only provides the MMR as a single shot and not separated into individual shots. I suggest that you call around to find a doctor that provides the single shot. It is available.

are MD's ready to hear this???

the one size fits all ideology doesn't work...no matter what your take on vaccines, some children deserve the 'benefit of the herd' and not get shots if there are things in their profile that may be contraindications....either Short term [cold] or LT [developmental delays as a start].

I have had 4 pediatricians--now my 5th, 4 of them lorded over me, despite our child's complicated medical history, on the subject of vaccine deferral. I'll sign any form...just let me be the parent. I don't get it. My God is not their God...

"A Negotiation, Not A Dictatorship"

I love Arthur Caplan's comment about the doctor/patient relationship being a negotiation rather than a dictatorship. It's so important for parents to think for themselves and to make decisions that are best for their individual child(ren). It's equally important for doctors to openly listen to parents. I'd like to see more thoughtful, two-way conversations happening between doctors and parents about vaccinations.

Vaccines and Autism

Interesting that with the major CDC study that neither proves nor disproves the vaccine / autism link, the data disappeared so it can't be re-examined. The CDC claims it was deleted to protect the privacy of the participants, yet HIPAA privacy laws specify this is not a valid concern, as data used for research must be stripped of personal info. Hmmm. A cover up? Possibly a calculated move to ensure we all continue to believe in the vaccine schedule -- and the CDC and the pharmaceutical industry? Where is the journalist willing to examine this possibility, and the publication willing to risk the wrath of big pharma and lost advertising dollars to publish the story if it's really so? What if we really do lose our largely vaccinated status, because a rigid pro-vaccine stance raises so many questions that we stop believing the arguments altogether? The argument that the question is settled and we don't need any more examination of the question seems based on public relations and marketing principles, not good science.

Single M M R vaccines

For any parent interested in the single measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines that Merck Drug company stopped making, I suggest calling them and then writing a letter to them. Then follow up monthly. The more calls and letters, the more they will know that parents really want this.

Merck

Re: MMR

P.O. Box 4

Mailbox # ZB714

West Point, PA 19486

Call 1-800-672-6372 press #2 then #3

CDC research

While I agree that no scientific study has conclusively supported the link between autism and vaccines, the CDC's own research does NOT rule it out. Their research was not able to disprove or prove the link- a very different thing than proving that there is NO link. As well, the latest research done by the MIND Institute- the leading research organization on autism in the country- so far suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to autism- exacerbated by a number of toxins, vaccines included. They have, in fact, developed a test for prospective parents to take to see if they carry the gene mutation. Why is this not advertised? I don't know the answer-but it seems that anyone who may be concerned, due to family history, etc., might want to take the test.

I'm not sold on the vaccine/autism link, to be sure. I AM sold on the fact after doing a fair amount of research that the CDC's studies (usually funded by pahrmaceutical companies) are often flawed-or 'interestingly interpreted'. I try to keep in mind that their main purpose is disease prevention-a noble goal- but one that sometimes causes them to overlook potential dangers. For very recent proof of this, do some research into the above-mentioned Gardasil- and how little research was done before its debut- not to mention who conducted the research- surprise!- the very company that has manufactured it and poured millions into its promotion.

Irresponsible journalism

Is someone developing a vaccine against irresponsible journalism? It is desperately needed.

Will this nonsense ever end

This story continues to state the complete nonsense that vaccines cause autism; (not a single bit of evidence showing this and dozens of studies showing it is not true); that multiple vaccines cause problems or are too much at once: (total medical nonsense. Children are exposed to literally thousands of antigens every single day, which the immune system handles just fine. The few extra from immunizations are not significant); that thimerisol causes problems; totally disproven, no thimerisol in vaccines for close to a decade, yet autism still rising. Perhaps thimerisol was protective?); that spacing vaccines makes sense (it does not and delays immunizations causing risks to the child and risks to others); Dr. Sears position is great for selling books and promoting the autism industry that takes advantage of desperate parents, but has absolutely no science behind it, a fact that Dr. Sears and his acolytes conveniently ignore.

The outbreaks of measles, Hib meningitis and other preventable diseases will be commonplace if this craziness is not stopped now. Do we need dozens of dead children on CNN before someone (read the media) stop promoting this.

Listening to celebrities and celebrity doctors is a poor choice for parents. Unfortunately, no amount of science will change their views. Your coverage just spreads the fear to parents and puts us all at risk.

immunization fears

Unfortunately some irrational fears are propagated in this.

1. The number of shots causes no medical concern

2. Thimerosol is not a risk factor

3. MMR separated into 3 shots does no good but does cause additional pain to kids

For folks who have fears, I understand your worries - but please don't let bad opinions without any evidence cause you to put your child at risk for serious illness or death. There is no benefit to delaying the primary serious of immunizations - but there are lots of potential irreversible harms.

Merck - MMR

This there anything we can do to urge Merck to make the MMR in single shots again.. who do we contact? Any ideas?!