Let me begin by saying that I am very much pro-vaccines! I am a big believer in their benefits for preventing life-threatening diseases and eradicating others altogether. If it weren’t for vaccines, we’d still have children dying of diseases like polio. I personally don’t agree with some parents’ decision not to vaccinate their children at all because that seems too extreme to me. But on the other hand, I have read enough, spoken with pediatricians, and personally experienced some scary side effects ( ie: a febrile seizure with one of my children) to know that a cocktail of 5-6 shots at once may be too much for some infants’ maturing immune systems. As a parent, especially a first time parent, the latest controversy and news regarding vaccines in particular the MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella) shot and some people’s belief that it contributes to autism, can make immunizations a stressful time. What do you do?
I, being a moderate in much of my thinking regarding my kids’ health, believe in compromise and education. Where we understand potential risks and benefits, yet can take the best of both worlds and do the right thing as parents and as member of society as a whole.
So for those parents, like me, that want to make sure their babies have all the necessary vaccines to protect them and society, yet want to feel that they are controlling the timing and spacing out shots to prevent potential side effects, you may want to consider Dr Sear's alternate vaccine schedule. It’s very doable and realistic. It may add a couple of extra pediatrician visits in between months but that to me is worth it. Be sure to go over it with your pediatrician to make sure he/she is okay with your decision to have this spaced out schedule. It is so important to have a close relationship with your baby's pediatrician. After all, this is a person who has gone to school for 10 + years to become educated on our children's health and they do have our children's best interest at heart. Otherwise they would have chosen another profession! :) Just be honest and respectful and explain your fears to them. Communication is key. You'd be amazed how accommodating and understanding many pediatrians are today as many are parents themselves! They shouldn't be too concerned if you decide to do an alternate schedule as long as ultimately your child gets all the required shots by the time they enter school and you understand the risks associated with an alternative schedule.
In addition, I can't emphasize enough how important it is, especially for time parents, to monitor for side effects including allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients and fever. As I learned, a quickly spiking fever can cause a seizure with your child. While these are considered benign by most doctors, they are extremely frightening for parents to witness (believe me, I know).
I am adding this section to my original blog entry above today (Thursday Sept 3) because it illustrates a point. Two weeks ago my son received his MMR and there has been no reaction whatsoever to it (not even a mild fever!) so there you go....side effects can occur or not and it's different with each child. Best advice I can give is for you to be educated and work in a trusting and mutually respectful partnership with your medical provider when it comes to vaccines. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Tons of questions if you're nervous or scared!
Link to American Academy of Pediatrics Standard Schedule
http://www.cispimmunize.org/IZSchedule_Childhood.pdf
Dr Sear's Alternative Schedule (Below)
|
Age |
Recommended Vaccine(s) |
|
2 months |
Dtap and Rotavirus |
|
3 months |
Pc and Hib |
|
4 months |
Dtap #2 and Rotavirus #2 |
|
5 months |
Pc#2 and Hib # 2 |
|
6 months |
Dtap # 3 and Rotavirus #3 |
|
7 months |
Pc#3 and Hib #3 |
|
9 months |
Polio #1 and Flu * (2 doses) |
|
12 months |
Mumps and Polio #2 |
|
15 months |
Pc #4 and Hib #4 |
|
18 months |
Dtap #4 and Chickenpox (varicella) |
|
21 months |
Flu |
|
2 years |
Rubella and Polio #2 |
|
2 years and 6 months |
Hep A and Hep B |
|
3 years |
Hep B # 2, Measles and Flu |
|
3 years and 6 months |
Hep A #2 and Hep B # 3 |
|
4 years |
Dtap #5, Polio #3 and Flu |
|
5 years |
MMR, Flu |
|
6 years |
Chicken Pox # 2 (varicella) |
|
12 years |
Tdap and HPV (for girls) |
|
12 years and 2 months |
HPV #2 (for girls) |
|
13 years |
HPV #3 (for girls) and Meningococcal |