View Full Version : Feeling a bit lost about immunisation...
SamanthaJane
05-01-2007, 10:50
Charlotte had her first lot of needles yesterday (2 month ones) and she screamed and cried for 10 minutes straight and it made me feel like a horrible witch :(
I thought to myself "I am never doing this again" ... but i'm not sure whether i am thinking this because of how much she cried or because i'm really against immunisation?
DP is against it, if he had his way she would not be done... but i was so sure it was what i wanted...
For those of you that do not immunise, how did you come to that choice?
And for those of you that do, is this a normal reaction or is it because i'm against it?
I have no idea :(
It's such a big decision isn't it? What makes it so hard is that both sides have equally compelling evidence to support their argument - it just depends on what you read. Of course you're feeling horrible right now - no mum likes to see their baby upset. I hope Charlotte's fine now and its all forgotten!:thumbsup:
I choose not to immunise, but having said that I absolutely understand parents who choose to - all of us are just trying to do the best for our children as we see it.
Reading both sides of the immunisation issue can be more confusing, because it usually ends up being emotional - if you don't immunise you're negligent and putting your child at risk of permanent damage from a vaccine-preventable disease (according to pro-vax readings) and if you do, you're risking your child having a whole host of health problems by filling your child with toxins and you obviously don't know the 'real' facts (according to anti-vax readings).
My advice is to look inside yourself, and decide what you are willing to accept in terms of worst case scenario, which thankfully doesn't usually happen at either end, however you need to make your decision based on that.
So that means, if you choose to vaccinate, in the worst case scenario you are accepting that Charlotte may end up with long term health issues, both physical and developmental, due to the build up of toxins from the series of vaccinations she will have, or she may have a severe reaction to one vaccination.
If you choose not to vaccinate, you are accepting that Charlotte may become, in some cases, extremely ill and even suffer long term damage from a vaccine preventable disease. You may need to stand in a hospital with your sick child and explain that you didn't vaccinate.
I hope that whatever you choose, neither of these scenarios eventuate - as I do for my DD.
Yup, everythings Leez said:thumbsup:
I would encourage you to look into it as much as you can and then make the decision that sits the best with you:)
I'll admit I do feel bad when she cries when she's vaccinated... but at the same time I feel comfort in that I'm taking an action that aims to prevent her shedding many more tears due to an illness I could have prevented!
PunkyDiva
05-01-2007, 12:39
Hiya,
What others have posted is very true and we have had some lively discussions in the past regarding this issue.
If you do a search you will find these threads and there were some good sites listed that you could visit to inform yourself on both sides.
I personally choose to selectively vaccinate but we also work in medical fields so our perspective is a little different from others.
It's tough butI'm sure you'll make the best decision for your child.:thumbsup:
Everyone else has made great suggestions about how to find information and the fact that you just have to personally weigh up the risks and benefits of either choice.
The one thing I wanted to add was that I found the first lot of injections the worst, she cried for the longest time of any other vaxxes. Every other lot of injections were better than those, even her 4 yo one (which I was dreading because she was old enough to know what was coming).
the_queen
05-01-2007, 13:45
oh my gosh, LEEZ :yelclap: what a fabulous post! SJ, I would have said what Leez said (But I would have said it much much less eloquently).
Do lots of research, speak to professionals (both "pro-vax" and "anti-vax") and weigh up the risks for yourself, in your family, in your situation.
Ashleigh<3
05-01-2007, 13:58
Aw Sam, I felt horrible too!
Nurses all giggling, Chloe smiling her head off and laughing at how funny they were then WHAMMM two giant needles on both sides of the legs. Poor thing went from happiest baby in the world to -Hang on? Whats going on , you're tricking me!- OWWWW OWWW!~ WAHHH WAHH! *CRYING FOR TEN MINUTES*
Ahhh it was sad :(
I guess I'd just rather be safe then sorry. If she got severely sick i'd continuously question my lack of support with immunising, so i'm in a way glad i had her immunised.
~mia&ryan~
05-01-2007, 17:01
I must say I felt the same after DD's first needles, but I felt I was doing the right thing. I just decided to make DF stay with her while she is actually getting them (I am terrified of needles) then she would come to me for cuddles. The 1st lot were the worst by far, now she only cries in surprise then stops as soon as I kiss and cuddle her. We give her panadol 1/2 hour before which seems to work a treat also.
All that said, go with your gut, no-one can make the decision for you, but get loads of information from both sides and talk to your DP. It should be up to both of you.:hugs:
hav u tried emla patches...they dull the pain receptors in the skin...ive used them for myself coz im a scaredy cat
Sheer Bliss
05-01-2007, 17:19
Leez - Fantastic post!! :thumbsup: It's great to see something presented in an unbiased way. There is always 2 sides (at least - lol) to every issue.
DD is fully immunised i cried at everyone of them except the chicken pox one & that's 'cause mum took her. She apparently didn't even cry!
There is lots of info out there, both for and against. To me, the risks involved with the diseases were higher than the risk of the vaccination. Only you will knwo what is best for your family. Good Luck!
the_queen
05-01-2007, 18:11
hav u tried emla patches...they dull the pain receptors in the skin...ive used them for myself coz im a scaredy cat
:) I just wanted to point out (nothing personal Kiah, lots of people don't realise this) Emla cream/patches are not recommended for children under 6 months. And there is some indication that it can affect the ingredients in the vaccine.
:) I just wanted to point out (nothing personal Kiah, lots of people don't realise this) Emla cream/patches are not recommended for children under 6 months. And there is some indication that it can affect the ingredients in the vaccine.
oooh...****..thanks for pointing that out.....:hugs:
theycallmemum
05-01-2007, 18:33
I started vaxing but my children had such severe reactions we stopped doing it. Our new bubba hasn't had one shot and is the healthiest of all my children.
This is biased but it is an interesting thing to watch http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=8610554679207090010&q=vaccination+the+hidden+truth
♥Heaven Sent♥
05-01-2007, 18:50
I felt bad when both my two get their needles but like Karma Kaz said,it is to prevent more tears later on for an illness that could be prevented.When ds had his first needles he screamed his head off for 10 mins too,i put him on the boob then he went to sleep,but the main reason he screamed was because he actually had to get 4 needles all together,the doctor accidently slipped while doing it and the medicine fell out.
The next time he had his needles done i went where i usually take dd to they are great there they usually have a doctor and a nurse or 2 nurses doing each needle at the same time,the 2 nurses done sashas second needles and distracted him after he didnt even cry,same with dd who had her 18month old needles she didnt say a word.I actually felt good about them getting them done because they wernt in pain.
I think its a normal reaction to feel really bad and not want to do it again,it does get better though.
SamanthaJane
07-01-2007, 10:31
Just wanted to thank everyone for all the posts, it has been so helpful :yes: :hugs:
And Ash, that's exactly what Charlotte and the nurses were like before it happened... and i felt bad because she had no idea what was about to happen, but i did :(
What would you rather prevention or cure!!!!
I know what i wanted but had no choice, cause my dd got whooping cough because now people arent imunising their kids.
I believe NO money should be given to people who dont. No wonder whooping cough is back!!!!
the_queen
23-01-2007, 19:27
What would you rather prevention or cure!!!!
I know what i wanted but had no choice, cause my dd got whooping cough because now people arent imunising their kids.
I believe NO money should be given to people who dont. No wonder whooping cough is back!!!!
Whooping cough is still around because the vaccine isn't very effective, as well as the fact that some people (a very small minority) do not vaccinate.
My baby is immunised against alot of things from my breastmilk, and that will do for now.
We might vax later when he is bigger and/or weaned. I have nothing against vaccinations, I just don't believe DS needs them yet.
Kez872 your comments are misinformed and inflammatory and that's the reason these threads get so heated. Please keep your opinions to yourself and just offer the facts. SamanthaJane is looking for information, not an argument.
Pippi Longstocking
23-01-2007, 19:37
My baby is immunised against alot of things from my breastmilk, and that will do for now.
We might vax later when he is bigger and/or weaned. I have nothing against vaccinations, I just don't believe DS needs them yet.
Kez872 your comments are misinformed and inflammatory and that's the reason these threads get so heated. Please keep your opinions to yourself and just offer the facts. SamanthaJane is looking for information, not an argument.
Aww Shed, sometimes I could just snog ya! But instead, i'll just agree with you :D
Ah well, here to help, yanno :D
My baby is immunised against alot of things from my breastmilk, and that will do for now.
We might vax later when he is bigger and/or weaned. I have nothing against vaccinations, I just don't believe DS needs them yet.
Kez872 your comments are misinformed and inflammatory and that's the reason these threads get so heated. Please keep your opinions to yourself and just offer the facts. SamanthaJane is looking for information, not an argument.
It was a fact that she got sick it wasnt an opinion, i would rather PREVENTION than cure i should know im going throught whooping cough with my 4month old.......
the_queen
23-01-2007, 19:57
Some might suggest that injecting various poisons into her little body made her more susceptible to communicable diseases :detective:
Pippi Longstocking
23-01-2007, 20:18
Kez, my vaccinated children have had whooping cough as well. The vaccination simply isn't a prevention. I'll certainly not be exposing my daughter to the risk the vaccination itself poses when it is proven to be very ineffective anyway.
Blaming non-vaccing parents for your baby's illness is incorrect and unfair.
Kez, my vaccinated children have had whooping cough as well. The vaccination simply isn't a prevention. I'll certainly not be exposing my daughter to the risk the vaccination itself poses when it is proven to be very ineffective anyway.
Blaming non-vaccing parents for your baby's illness is incorrect and unfair.
The reason kids these days are getting these old disease like whooping cough IS because the vacination rates have dropped.
RedPanda
23-01-2007, 20:29
Sorry, this may be slightly off-topic. How effective is the whooping cough vaccine? My friend's DS got pertussis about a month after vaccination. Is there certain people it just doesn't work on, or is it like the flu and there are too many strains to vaccinate against effectively?
Ta :D
Kez, my vaccinated children have had whooping cough as well. The vaccination simply isn't a prevention. I'll certainly not be exposing my daughter to the risk the vaccination itself poses when it is proven to be very ineffective anyway.
Blaming non-vaccing parents for your baby's illness is incorrect and unfair.
The reason these disease like whooping cough are back IS because the vacination rates have dropped. Its a fact ask a pediatrician!!!!!!
Pippi Longstocking
23-01-2007, 20:35
The reason kids these days are getting these old disease like whooping cough IS because the vacination rates have dropped.
Kez, I don't know if you understood what I was saying. I am choosing not to vaccinate my youngest child against whooping cough because my vaccinated children contracted the illness. Perhaps this is why other parents are also reluctant to risk possible adverse reactions from a vaccination that is ineffective.
It's all about risk analysis. For me and my family, I feel that the risk the vaccination itself poses is greater than the risk of vaccinating them against an illness they could very well end up with anyway. Your risk analysis may very well be different to mine but that does not mean that either of us are wrong.
***text deleted by moderator***
Guvnor, you have the patience of a SAINT.
the_queen
23-01-2007, 20:42
Guvnor, you have the patience of a SAINT.
*takes self-imposed duct tape off mouth* Doesn't she just? :D *replaces duct tape*
Pippi Longstocking
23-01-2007, 20:55
Guvnor, you have the patience of a SAINT.
You'd be surprised how many times I've been told that!
Just the once. By you, just now :p
Africamum
23-01-2007, 23:35
Sam
For many people the decision to immunise is a tough decision, for some of us it is an easy decision (which ever side of the fence you are on).
Many people whom I respect most on bubhub do not vax, I choose to, it is a personal choice. What we have in common is that we have researched our choices and understand and are prepared to live with the consequences of our actions.
We are lucky that we have a choice and that our vaccines are free in Australia.
Reasearch and your own beliefs will guide you towards what is right for you and Charlotte (BTW I love the name).
I also dose with panadol 30 minutes before injections.
Oh and the medical centre where I am draw straws over who has to inject the baby as no one wants to be the bad guy.
Cheers,
Carolyn
our little treasures
23-01-2007, 23:42
Absolutely felt the same. My dh holds the kids and I get to play hero. The last lot for DS I took dd out as I didn't want to scare her 3 needles and ds never cryed he laughed!! I missed my opportunity to show dd how needles aren't all that bad!!
Mum&bubs
28-01-2007, 19:14
I myself say the same things every time my kids get their needles done but in the end I think they only cry for about a minute then they are over it & forget it (well my kids do anyways) and I think IMO I am doing the right thing. Anyways its up to you!
Kez -
whooping cough circulates every few years. My mum is a ntaural therapist and she estimates approx 95% of all children she has treated for vaccine preventable diseases WERE vaccinated. I think what you have said is very unfair.
I'll admit I do feel bad when she cries when she's vaccinated... but at the same time I feel comfort in that I'm taking an action that aims to prevent her shedding many more tears due to an illness I could have prevented!
couldnt have put it better myself
my uncle had polio since when he was a little boy, he passed away due to complications from having the polio. if the polio vaccination was available back then he wouldnt have contracted it. now there is no such thing as polio because of vaccinations. this is part of the reason i believe in vaccinations. prevention is better than cure, imo.
Hey,
Just wondering.....When was your uncle born? Most of the cases after the introduction of the OPV in the 50's were actually caused by the Polio vaccine, even if you yourself didn't receive the OPV you could still contract the disease from those who were vaccinated against it.
95% of cases were subclinical. There are ppl today who have natural immunity to polio (after testing the titres) who have never had any of the symptoms and hadn't realised they even had it. Only something like .01% to .5% of cases resulted in paralysis and that was provided you even contracted the disease in the first place.
Kiah
Hey,
Just wondering.....When was your uncle born? Most of the cases after the introduction of the OPV in the 50's were actually caused by the Polio vaccine, even if you yourself didn't receive the OPV you could still contract the disease from those who were vaccinated against it.
95% of cases were subclinical. There are ppl today who have natural immunity to polio (after testing the titres) who have never had any of the symptoms and hadn't realised they even had it. Only something like .01% to .5% of cases resulted in paralysis and that was provided you even contracted the disease in the first place.
Kiah
late 40's sometime, he wasnt vaccinated against polio, as to why he contracted it.
OK, so at what age did he then contract polio? I ask because I found this aryicle interesting, and it may (or may not) be related to your uncles illness:-
““Polio was already declining in the U.S. and Europe during the 40's and 50's, as well as in England, where polio mortalities was at its height in 1950, but had declined 82 percent by 1956, before the Salk vaccinations began there. There was also no polio epidemic in the Third-World, where only 10 per cent of the population had been vaccinated. …Paralysis started to rise only after the Salk vaccine had begun in April 1955. It proved to be so hazardous that by November 1955, all European countries, with the exception of Denmark, had cancelled or discontinued their Salk vaccine programs. Canada postponed its Salk vaccine program July 29th of that year. In the U.S., Newark, N.J. stopped inoculations in June, 1955, while Idaho and Utah took similar action in July, followed shortly by Massachusetts [Morris Beale's American Capsule News, Oct. 15th, 1955]. By January 1, 1957, 17 states had rejected their supplies of Salk polio vaccine. During that year, the NY Times reported that very nearly half the paralytic cases, and three-quarters of the non-paralytic cases in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years occurred in vaccinated children. After two years of Salk vaccinations, paralytic polio increased nationally about 50% from 1957 to 1958, and about 80% from 1958 to 1959.”
95% of all people infected with it show absolutely no symptoms.
Of the rest - 4% have flu like symptoms which disappear in less than a week.
0.97% show neurological symptoms such as sensitivity to light and neck stiffness
0.2% have paralysis for up to three weeks and recover fully.
0.1% will have life long disabilities.
That is not out of the whole population but only out of those people who come in contact with the virus.
There are 72 known factors that cause polio like symptoms. The polio virus is only one of them.
Polio, like any disease, is unfortunate and can have serious and deadly outcomes. Even a cold, if given the right environment, has the potential to kill. But we know how best to try and prevent a cold and if caught, how to treat the patient to reduce the effects and severity, the same can be said about a lot of these VPD's. They can, and have, been treated and prevented naturally. This is why I don't vax, not because I don't believe these 'diseases' exist anymore, that's absurd thinking, but because I don't know how my children will react to a vaccine, or if it will even provide protection for them. On the other hand I don't know how they will react to a VPD - but I know how I would treat them should they contract these diseases. After countless hours of research I would rather they catch the disease and get sick than me intentionally inject them with a vaccine and have them react.
well it was way before i was born but it was approx at 5 years of age. i dont even think they were giving immunisations to aboriginal people when he was that age because aboriginal people were only just considered to be australian citizens not part of the flora and fauna like they were previously considered.
YoungSupaMum
05-02-2007, 10:09
Hi Sam,
Its a very hard decision, and we looked into it for a very long time. In the end we chose not to immunise.
I wouldn't have even questioned it, if my brother hadn't nearly died after a vaccine shot.
Its really tough but after u research both sides, look within urself and u will find ur answer. Good luck with whatever u decide :yes:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.9 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.