The questions
surrounding the issue of vaccination are the hardest questions
I face each day in my office. Vaccines work and opponents of immunizations
who try to convince you that they don't are not being honest.
I am very much
opposed to the routine vaccination schedule in the U.S. There
are too many vaccines given too early in a child's life and not
enough information given to parents.
Vaccines have side
effects. Some rare severe problems, some common minor problems
and constant speculation about hidden problems. Vaccine proponents
who deny side effects are not being honest with you, either.
My strongest recommendation
to you and anyone else considering alternatives to the standard
vaccine regimen is to become very well informed and discuss these
issues long and hard with your doctor. A doc who won't hold these
discussions is too busy and you may need to move on to another.
Inflammation and
swelling at the site of injection are common and can last for
days. Large or very tender swelling may represent a small abscess
and has to be seen by your doctor.
Fevers and flu-like
symptoms are also not rare and almost never last too long. Severe
lethargy or a high fever mandate a phone call to the doctor.
Rashes occur with
many shots and usually can just be observed for a little while
unless they cause you to worry.
Seizures or "collapse
syndromes" are quite rare and require immediate medical attention.
I personally would
prefer to start vaccines after the first 6-12 months of life even
though I know that this would slow the development of immunity
to whooping cough which may come back any year. |