Vaccines

[Janinerivera]

Hi there,

I am hoping to get some feedback from parents who have decided not to vaccinate or at least delay them. We have decided to delay them until she is 2 years old, but would enjoy some encouragement. We have our 2-month appointment next week and I feel a bit nervous about turning down the vaccines. We have mentioned to the Pedi that we are considering delaying them but I am worried about being hassled and made to feel wrong about our decision. Any suggestions or advice on how to deal with this would be appreciated. I guess I just want to know I am not alone on this decision.

TIA
Janine:)

[Jacksmommy]

We don't vaccinate. At first there were people who tried to talk us into changing our minds. It didn't last very long. You have to do what you think is right.

[Sputterduck]

We don't vaccinate. Well, technically we are delayed vaxers. :)

My son will be getting two vaccines when he starts puberty.

I hope your ped is nice about it. Our first ped wasn't, but the one we have now is very nice and very helpful when we request information about it.

[JudyJudyJudy]

Janine, don't let the doctors back you into a corner and put you on the defense. Explain in the beginning that you will not be having your child vaxed at this time. Don't get caught up in the "why" questions. Just say that you've done your research and feel that it's not best at this time (or ever, depending on your views).

[cc1003]

I'm with Judy. We don't vax and I first found a pedi who was okay with that. He would rather us vax but he knows that we are the parents.

Secondly, you are the mommy. For us, it isn't up for debate. When they ask why, I just tell them I've done my research. If they try the scare tactic, I just say, I'm actually just here for such and such, thank you. I don't try to educate or even converse regarding the matter. As I said, it isn't up for discussion.

If they give you a guilt trip, come home and reread your research and check out this (http://www.nvic.org/) website. Hope that helps!

[Janinerivera]

thanks ladies for your thoughts and suggestions:) keep 'em coming!!

[blessedbythree]

We did vax our oldest two children but have since done some research and have decided not to vaccinate our youngest (at least not yet). My ped definitely encouraged us to vaccinate but did not push too hard. She did ask my reasons why and I simply told her we wanted to do more research before we did vaccinations this time around. I have a feeling we will do some vaccines but not until after the age of 2 or 3. My DD is now almost 11 months and the ped doesn't even bring it up anymore at our visits.

[Born_a_Diva]

Don't go to your well-child visits.... I don't communicate with the dr. unless there is a reason (questions and weight/height ck, illness) but thank goodness dd has been super healthy!

[colleen0419]

We partially vaccinate our DD, but are delaying some. I really didn't have a choice as I am in the healthcare field and have been exposed to many pediatric illnessess. But we are delaying some like the hep B and the polio. My PMD actually had me sign a form saying I was counciled about the vaccines and I refused certain ones. Ridiculous!

[Kassandra]

We used an alternate vax schedule.

My advice would be to be up front with your Pediatrician about your plans to delay until 2 years old. Be prepared to find another pediatrician if yours isn't on board with that decision. Our Ped recommends an alt. schedule, but will not accept patients that do not vax or delay vaxing until a later time.

Good luck!

[Kassandra]

Don't go to your well-child visits.... I don't communicate with the dr. unless there is a reason (questions and weight/height ck, illness) but thank goodness dd has been super healthy!

More things go on during a well visit than vaccinations.

They assess developmental milestones and track overall growth and health. The ears, mouth, throat, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, etc. are checked along with the genitals for any issues.

If you find yourself not wanting to take your child to the doctor due to vax conflicts, then find another doctor that is on board with your decision.

[blessedbythree]

More things go on during a well visit than vaccinations.

They assess developmental milestones and track overall growth and health. The ears, mouth, throat, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, etc. are checked along with the genitals for any issues.

If you find yourself not wanting to take your child to the doctor due to vax conflicts, then find another doctor that is on board with your decision.

I agree. A friend of mine found out her son had cancer at a well child visit when the doc checked his abdomen.