MMR Danger?

[Blairsmummy]

Hi everyone,

My bub has just had his 6mnths immunisation, and already my mother-in-law is on my case about not giving him the 12months one MMR (measles mumps rubella) as it has been linked to autism.

From what I have read, it simply coincides with the time that autism is first diagnosed.

What are your thoughts? Do you know any articles or have any internet links I should be reading?

Thanks

[rynosmum]

I did a lot of research before giving my DS the MMR and came to the same reasoning.

Simply Google on both Autism and MMR and you will find an abundance of links on the subject.

[annsam]

You will find research that states it is linked and research that states it isn't.

Not much research actually tells you who is sponsering it either so if you were really synical (sp?) you could argue that many of the "not linked" research findings are sponsered by companies with a particular interest. Im not suggesting this as I have no idea, its just a comment I read several times while researching myself.

Ultimately, I think you have to weigh up what the risks are of getting the immunisation and what the risks are of not getting it and which one has the most risk from your perspective. It took me 2 hours of talking it through with a good friend who took a devils advocate role for me to figure out what was best for my DS.

I agree with googling - if you want the other side of the coin you can google "why not to vaccinate" you will come up with many links on autism and the links to vaccinations. As I said, you will find very compelling arguements for both sides so you really just have to decide what is the bigger risk in your opinion.

Good Luck!

[CarolineF]

Whilst you are researching, it may not do you any harm to check up with what the current figures on the resurgence of some of these diseases. I know both measles and mumps have been making a comeback so throwing that into the pot whilst doing your research may arm you with more knowledge to make an informed decision either way.

Good Luck

Oh , and do you know what the generic term is for a group of grandmothers?
My DH and I have decided it's: 'An Advice":D

(most of which is to be considered thoughtfully then put to one side!!!!

[reAllytee]

CarolineF - I love it hehehehe :laughing:

Like everyone has stated if you do a google search you will find a load of info to support both sides. I think a good option like Caroline sggested is to look at the rates of these diseases coming back into the community etc.
Yes the link to autism is there in that people are sure this is what changed their child. Im sure if it were us that it happened to i would be thinking the same but as you said this is the same time that autism tends to be diagnosed or detected so its hard. But no real link can be found & some may say thats because the doctors etc are all in the pockets of the vax companies but that isnt always the case.
Also the reason a lot of kids have a reaction to this vax is because they are allergic to egg which they use in this vax as a base.
So if you have held off your vax for a reason then holding off this wont hurt either. Mine as a child were given as half doses or some even delayed due to my reactions. DS has been fine luckily for us.
So please look into what you think is best for you & your family only you can help make the decision. Do what feels right.

[p4purple]

It comes down to your personal choice as a parent because only you know what is best for your own child. I am sure your MIL has expressed her opinion and "is on your case" because she cares but it is only you that can do the research and make an informed decision. You have made the right step in reaching out for advice and here on Bub Hub you will hear all kinds of opinions, which is healthy and good. In the end, you need to weigh it up for yourself. I agree, it is hard when your family shows an emotional interest in how you raise your child. Maybe your MIL is responding to the fact that in the late 90's there was a media MMR scare but as I said get the facts and then choose.

When you do your research, look at the latest studies as there is alot of info out there if you do a general google search.

As requested here are a couple of sites I found really interesting. The first is a global site but still very relevant.

http://thinktwice.com/

If you feel you would like to talk to somebody who is anti vaccination or have any questions I suggest you talk to Bronwyn Hancock, she is Australian and written various articles that are published on this site:

http://www.vaccination.inoz.com/

http://www.avn.org.au/

You need to look at both sides of the coin when making such an important decision for your child. I must point out that this is a pro-vaccination Australian govornment website:

www.immunise.health.gov.au

I have my own personal views and so does each and every parent. It is an emotional issue but when it comes down to it, believe in your self, educate yourself and have faith that you made the right decision for you and your family and whatever you decide to do, you do not have to defend your right to make your own choices for your baby.