2 Year Old Shots

You're going to hear a LOT about this from people who swear by shots and those who are so against it that they will risk their children's health by avoiding them. It's important for you to make an informed decision after talking with your doctor, family and friends.

It should be noted that recent research has shown no link between shots and autism or ADHD and that both may be caused by genetics (check out this link http://www.examiner.com/biology-in-phoenix/adhd-might-be-... of an article I wrote recently). The shots are not entirely safe, to be sure, but they tend to do more good than harm.

I have 4 kids and all are up to date on school shots and baby shots (the youngest is 2) and I plan to complete any shots that are upcoming. I will not, however, get my kids flu shots with special emphasis on the very lightly researched H1N1 shot. All the school shots have been around as long as I have and the newest one my kids have gotten is the chicken pox (varicella) which has been around at least 10 years I believe. The flu shots are updated yearly and changed but the research on them is light so I am less willing to get them because I view them as experimental AND because they don't protect against all flus because there are so many.

Ultimately, it's up to you and you will have to be confident in your decision. You can choose to delay the shots if you feel there are too many in one appointment and have a couple done now and a couple done later (I've done that and the docs tend to be fine with it). Do what you think is best for your little one.

Hi R.,

I am niether for nor against vaccines. I am for parents making an informed decision on what is best for their child. So kuddos to for asking questions!
Though I am not for nor against immunizations, I do tend to sway towards the less is more philosophy and treating things naturally first. That is, my kiddos get thier shots when I feel it's a necessary measure (and not all of them are necessary) and we skip them during what I think is more sensitive developmental times, such as newborn, around 2-3 yr, and before and during puberty. This is NOT based on something that I know to be absolute truth, but based on my own research and my own maternal instincts. There is a great book called THE CONCISE GUIDE TO CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS. PRACTICAL MEDICAL AND NATURAL WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD by Dr. Lauren Feder, M.D. She is a pediatrician, but uses common sense on when it's better to go the more natural route of caring for our children. I suggest reading this or another book on alternative vaccination schedules before making a decision. You dont' have to get your son his shots tomorrow. You can tell your Dr. that you would like to wait for a bit. Ask your Dr. some questions too. Does he/she support an alternative vaccine schedule? Do they support your thought and opinion as the mother to your child? (big clue to switch Dr's of they do not support you. They are experts in their field, but they are not the parent of your child.) Are they open to discussion with you in caring for the health of your child? Do you TRUST and feel comfortable with the Dr? Really listen to your inner wise mamma. She will know what do do next. Why are you questioning vaccines now? What is your belief about them? Is your son in preschool or are you going to a 3rd world country anytime soon? (if you are, then shots are a good idea:).
How healthy is your son in general? Does your family eat a super healthy diet, get regular excersice, enjoy nature, and handle stress well? Is your home environment as toxin free as possible? When families are living well and as healthy as possible, then the chance of contracting a scary disease is in my non-medical opinion much less. The bottom line is make the best decision you can out of GOOD research and your own heartfelt, belly knowing intuition on what is best for your family. Maybe you feel that vaccinations are what is really true for you, maybe no vaccines at all. Maybe you will follow an alternative schedule. Just do not make a decision based on fear. Ever.

Another thing. I did not give my youngest her shots between 18 months and 3 yrs based on the evidence that shots at this particular time COULD be caused by vaccines. Here's the thing. The age at which autism shows up is around 2 yrs. old. I don't know for sure if vaccines DO cause autism, but my OWN feeling/thoughts on this particular subject is if this age is a sensitive time in which some children will "aquire" (for lack of a better word) Autism, then why would or should we continue to administor anywhere between 3-5 shots at this age? There needs to be much much much more research on vaccines and they absolutely have to be 100% safe, across the board.

I wish you all the best in your parenting journey. You can only do the best you can in any given moment. Trust yourself more.

A.
mom of 4. Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

Since we don't really know how each child will react to a vaccine, it's a good idea to be cautious and avoid too many vaccines at a time. I do believe that some vaccines are more important than others (for instance, Rotavirus may not be a threat to an infant never in day care and perhaps can be skipped, while Pertussis-aka whooping cough-- may be a real threat to your child especially if you live in CA) and am thankful that as a parent I can make the choice. Dr. Sears has an excellent book called "The Vaccine Book" that can be useful in making decisions about vaccinating your child. All 3 of my children have received some, but not all, recommended vaccines and I try to give no more than 2 vaccines at one time. Best wishes. R., nurse-midwife mom of 3

I am sure you will get opinions from people who are very strongly for and against vaccines. This is one topic that I try to stay away from because some people (on both sides) can get so angry and mean about it.

You have to decide for yourself. I understand how hard it is. You only want what is best for your child. And yes, I know the feeling when sometimes you aren't quite sure what is best. Go with your gut. Talk to your doctor. And if you're still not sure I think it's fine to go on a more delayed vaccine schedule if that's what you're most comfortable with.

For me personally, I found that the benefits far more outweigh the risks. I find it completely ridiculous that we are having measles outbreaks, and even Polio outbreaks for goodness sakes, all because people are not getting their children immunized. All sorts of issues that had been dealt with are now coming back because of this. That I think is the worst thing.
When I asked my doctor about the ones I was concerned about he assured me that the preservatives that were thought to be linked to Autism (but never proven) were removed from the vaccines.

Again, I know it's hard. And be prepared for some people to make personal attacks. Good luck!