A little bit about vaccines:
There is plenty of controversy over whether or not vaccines and Autism are related. We have read plenty of books and articles arguing each side of the debate.
If we are reading it correctly, our understanding from most parents of Autistic children, is do your research on the vaccines. Understand why your child is receiving that vaccine. Every family needs to make their own choice for their children in terms of how they choose to vaccinate. But do your research, and atleast know what each vaccine is for, what's the worst that can happen if you choose to hold off on certain vaccines for a few years, or if you spread the vaccines out a little.
Again, if we are understanding other families affected by Autism, they are also crying out for more research on the connection between Autism and vaccines. It our beliefs that families are saying that there is something in the vaccines that are triggering what is genetically already there. However the CDC and APP continue to put out statements to these claims that 'Vaccines don't cause Autism.' When statements like the one from the CDC are announced on television or Autism Specials, I can just picture all the pregnant women or new parents taking a deep breath and thinking, 'Ok, that's that. CDC said vaccines don't cause Autism. I trust that.' If you actually listen to parents fighting for their Autistic children, they are not saying that vaccines CAUSED the Autism, but something in those vaccines changed their children. For our son, he had severe reactions to vaccinces. His body couldn't handle having the vaccinces. Every person is different in what their bodies can or cannot tolerate. It affected his brain function. We have been told to hold off on vaccince for any of our children until after age 6. It's after age 6 (aprox) that a child's brain is more fully developed and can handle the vaccinces better than as an infant. Every family needs to make these decisions for themselves and carefully watch your child after the vaccinces in case of reactions. Before we get into information on vaccines, here are some things we have learned on our journey:
There are things that we learned along the way as we learned more about vaccines. One thing we learned is that, as a parent, you have rights to how you choose to vaccinate your child. Remember they are YOUR children, not the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) and not the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Don't be afraid to speak with your child's pediatrician about how you would like to proceed with vaccines. Also, your child can not be denied an education because of how you choose to vaccinate. There are state exemption forms that you can get and sign
We also learned that your child should be free of any illnesses when getting vaccinces. We had no idea that if your child is sick or has been on antibiotics within 3 weeks of a vaccine, your child SHOULD NOT receive the vaccines. When your child is sick, their immune system is already compromised. You then inject them with viruses that their body may not be able to handle because it's attempting to fight off whatever illness they already have. When your child is on antibiotics, it kills the bacteria in their bodies. They then don't have the good bacteria our bodies need to fight off new bacteria or infections. Giving your a vaccine when on antibiotics is injecting viruses that they're bodies can't properly fight off.
Also, Tylenol lowers glutathione (body's natural antioxidant. It's the body's most important antioxidant because it's within the cell. It acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier. It also can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma, and burns). Most people will give their child Tylenol so that the shots won't hurt as much, but think of what you are taking away from your child's body by giving them Tylenol prior to injecting them with vaccines.
We did some research for you on vaccines. We want parents to make an informed decision on how they choose to vaccinate. Below you will find information on each vaccine. You will also find the CDC's recommended schedule of each vaccine, and Dr. Sear's delayed vaccine schedule, if you choose to vaccinate at a slower pace. Vaccine Schedule Per CDC:
Birth- HepB
2 months- HepB, RV, DTAP, HIB, PCV, IPV
4 months- RV, DTAP, HIB, PCV, IPV
6 months- RV, DTAP, HIB, PCV, IPV, HepB, Influenza vaccine (yearly vaccine after 6 months of age)
12 months- HIB, PCV, MMR, Varicella,HepA
18 months- DTAP, HepA
4-6 years old- IPV, DTAP, MMR, Varicella
Source: cispimmunize.org
Dr. Sear's has a delayed immunization schedule that he recommends: He also has a book called 'The Vaccine Book'. His website is www.askdrsears.com
2 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
3 months: Pcv, HIB
4 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
5 months: Pcv, HIB
6 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
7 months: Pcv, HIB
9 months: Polio
12 months: Mumps, Polio
15 months: Pcv, HIB
18 months: DTaP, Chickenpox
2 years: Rubella, Polio
2 1/2 years: Hep B, Hep A (start Hep B at birth if any close relatives or caregivers have Hep B)
3 years: Hep B, Measles
3 1/2 years: Hep B, Hep A
4 years: DTaP, Polio
5 years: MMR
6 years: Chickenpox
12 years: DTAP
Hepatitis B (HepB)-
What is it? Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver.
How do you get it?Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. A person can become infected by:
- contact with a mother’s blood and body fluids at the time of birth; - contact with blood and body fluids through breaks in the skin such as bites, cuts, or sores; - contact with objects that could have blood or body fluids on them such as toothbrushes or razors.
having unprotected sex with an infected person; - sharing needles when injecting drugs; - being stuck with a used needle on the job.
Likelihood of getting it? In 2005, 51,000 people in the United States became infected with Hepatitis B.
Source: CDC.gov
Rotavirus (RV)-
What is it? Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. It is often accompanied by vomiting and fever.
How do you get it? Rotavirus is easily spread through contaminated hands or objects and can survive for long periods of time on ordinary home surfaces. Since only certain disinfectants kill rotavirus, and many common soaps don't work, it's possible for everyone in the household to be infected.
Likelihood of getting it? Almost all children have become infected with rotavirus by their third birthday (with or without the vaccine). Repeat infections with different viral strains are possible, and most children have several episodes of rotavirus infection in the first years of life. After several infections with different strains of the virus, children acquire immunity to rotavirus. Children between the ages of 6 and 24 months are at greatest risk for developing severe disease from rotavirus infection. Adults sometimes become infected, but the resulting illness is usually mild. Between 20-60 children die annually in the United States from complications of the Rotavirus infection.
About the vaccine- Rotavirus vaccine will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs, but it is very good at preventing diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus. Most babies who get the vaccine will not get rotavirus diarrhea at all, and almost all of them will be protected from severe rotavirus diarrhea.
Side Effects- Babies may be slightly more likely to be irritable, or to have mild, temporary diarrhea or vomiting after getting a dose of rotavirus vaccine than babies who did not get the vaccine.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTAP) (This vaccine is a combo vaccine, but this information will be listed individually)
Diphtheria:
What is it?The dangers associated with diphtheria come from the toxin released by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The toxin makes it difficult for children to breathe and swallow, but it also attacks the heart, kidneys and nerves.
How do you get it? Diphtheria is transmitted from person to person through close contact with the discharge from an infected person's eyes, nose, throat or skin.
Likelihood of getting it? There are fewer than 2 cases of Diphtheria in the United States per year. Diphtheria is an extremely rare cause of disease in the United States. Over the past 16 years there have been 41 cases of diphtheria causing four deaths. In 2002, one case of diphtheria occurred in the United States
Tetanus:
What is it?Tetanus is another disease caused by a toxin-releasing bacterium, Clostridium tetani. The bacteria make a toxin that causes muscle spasms. If these spasms affect the throat and jaw (lockjaw), they can interfere with breathing, causing suffocation. The tetanus toxin can also damage the heart.
How do you get it? Unlike most vaccine- preventable diseases, tetanus is not a disease that you catch from someone else. The bacteria live in the soil and usually enter the body following a puncture wound of the skin. Items likely to be contaminated with the tetanus bacteria include nails or pieces of glass that were lying on the ground.
Likelihood of getting it? Although tetanus bacteria are everywhere, tetanus is an uncommon cause of disease in the United States. Every year as many as 70 cases of tetanus causing about 15 deaths are reported. In 2005, 27 cases of tetanus were reported in the United States.
Pertussis:
What is it?Pertussis (widely known as whooping cough) is one of the most contagious diseases around. Caused by a bacterium (Bordetella pertussis), whooping cough makes children cough uncontrollably. With the cough so hard and so persistent children oftentimes can't catch their breath. Children make a "whooping" sound when they attempt to breathe in against a windpipe severely narrowed by mucus. Pneumonia or seizures can also develop.
How do you get it?Pertussis spreads easily from person to person. People get pertussis by breathing in droplets expelled from the nose or throat of an infected person during coughing or sneezing. It is also spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person.
Likelihood of getting it? Pertussis is still very common in the United States. In 2002, 8,296 cases of pertussis were reported to the CDC. However, this number is a vast underestimate of the actual number of cases that occur every year. It is estimated that between 600,000 to 900,000 cases occur in adolescents and adults every year, and about 10 people die from pertussis. Most of the deaths from pertussis occur in young infants
Sources- chop.edu, dhpe.org
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)
What is it?Haemophilus influenzae is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It usually strikes children younger than 5 years old.
How do you get it? Haemophilus influenzae is spread from person to person. Children and adults may have the bacteria and not know it. If the germs stay in a child's nose and throat, the child probably will not get sick. But sometimes the germs spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, and then Hib can cause serious problems. Hib vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the bacteria (or to a protein from the bacteria) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Likelihood of getting it? Rates tumbled beginning in the 1990s, with just 329 cases of Hib in American children under five years of age in 1994, 259 cases in 1995, and 144 cases in 1996 and 1997 combined.(19-21)
Pneumoccal (PCV)-
What is it? Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness in children and adults throughout the world. The disease is caused by a common bacterium, the pneumococcus, which can attack different parts of the body. When bacteria invade the lungs, they cause the most common form of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia; when bacteria invade the bloodstream, they cause bacteremia; and when they invade the covering of the brain, they cause meningitis. Pneumococci may also cause otitis media (middle ear infection) and sinusitis.
How do you get it? The pneumococcus is spread person to person by contact with respiratory droplets containing the bacteria, such as through coughing or sneezing. Any person carrying the pneumococcus in their nasopharynx and some persons with disease can spread pneumococcus. Not everyone exposed to contaminated respiratory droplets will develop disease. Some exposed persons will become carriers of the pneumococcus, and some will progress to develop pneumococcal disease.
Likelihood of getting it?Each year in the United States, there are an estimated 175,000 hospitalized cases of pneumococcal pneumonia, 34,500 cases of bacteremia and 2,200 cases of meningitis. Pneumococcal disease also results in approximately 4,800 deaths annually.
More about it- Currently there are more than 90 known pneumococcal types; Pneumococcal vaccination of adults with the polysaccharide vaccine has been shown to be effective in the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease, offering protection against 23 of the most prevalent pneumococcal types. Serotypes contained in the vaccine account for nearly 90 percent of pneumococcal disease.
Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV)-
What is it? a disease that can damage the nervous system and cause paralysis.
How do you get it?The polio virus enters the body through the mouth, usually from hands contaminated with the stool of an infected person.
Likelihood of getting it? In 2004, there were 1,255 reported cases in the entire world, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the last case of "wild" polio was in 1979. Wild polio is naturally circulating polio that is not caused by the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Except for an occasional importation, all cases of paralytic polio since 1979 have been caused by the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Other Information:As of January 1997, the recommended schedule for polio vaccination for children was two doses of IPV at 2 and 4 months of age, followed by two doses of OPV at 12-18 months and 4-6 years. This schedule is expected to reduce the small number of polio cases caused by the oral vaccine.
Schedules containing all OPV or all IPV can still be used, too. IPV can be given at 2, 4, and 12-18 months, and 4-6 years. OPV can be given at 2, 4, and 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. Parents and doctors can choose among the three schedules.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)-
(This vaccine is a combo vaccine, but this information will be listed individually)
Measles-
What is it?an acute and highly contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash
How do you get it? The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air.
Likelihood of getting it? Measles was so common during childhood that most people became sick with the disease by age 20. The number of measles cases dropped over the last several decades to almost none in the U.S. and Canada.
Mumps-
What is it? Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food and helps you chew and swallow.
How do you get it? The mumps are caused by a virus. The virus is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets (for example, when you sneeze) or by direct contact with items that have been contaminated with infected saliva.
Likelihood of getting it? The number of cases has dropped to fewer than 1,000 a year in the United States, and epidemics have become fairly rare.
Other Information- Prognosis for illness: patients usually do well, even if other organs are involved. After the illness, the patient has a life-long immunity to the mumps.
Rubella-
What is it? Rubella is a mild but very contagious disease. Other names for rubella are German measles and three-day measles. This disease is often mild and attacks often pass unnoticed. The disease can last one to three days. Children recover more quickly than adults. Most cases of rubella are mild. About half of people infected with rubella virus get a rash that looks like small, fine pink spots. The rash first appears on the face and progresses from head to foot, lasting about 3 days. Children usually develop few or no other symptoms.
How do you get it?rubella is transmitted via airborne droplet emission from the upper respiratory tract of active cases. The virus may also be present in the urine, feces and on the skin.
Likelihood of getting it? In 2001, there were only 19 cases of rubella reported in the United States. Rubella is rare in the United States.
More About the MMR Vaccine-
MMR was initially administered as three separate shots, rarely at the same time. Thus, early reports of adverse consequences could be attributed to a particular vaccine. Later, when the three-in-one MMR vaccine replaced the individual vaccines it became much more difficult to link a bad reaction to either the measles, mumps, or rubella portions of the shot. Today, MMR is often given in combination with other vaccines as well, making it even more difficult to determine whether one vaccine in particular caused an adverse reaction, or if all of the vaccines given at once simply overwhelmed the recipient's immune system.Why are the three vaccines combined? The three vaccines -- measles, mumps and rubella -- are combined into a single shot for convenience, not safety or efficacy. Vaccines are available for each of these diseases individually, and you can get each shot, one at a time and space them out for safety. (Many parents of Autistic children believe that it was the MMR combo shot that triggered their children's Autism. We also believe that it was the MMR shot the started the rapid decline in our own son's health, the regression of his development, and the 'switch' that began his Autism. Our younger son has not received the same vaccines as Christian has, and does not display the same developmental delays or health concerns that Christian was displaying at this age. It truly make us believe it was this MMR vaccine. There is no 'scientific proof' of this, but how can you deny what a parent is seeing taking place in front of their own eyes!)
Varicella (Chicken Pox Vaccine)
What is it? Chickenpox is one of the classic childhood diseases, and one of the most contagious. The affected child or adult may develop hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts. Chickenpox is caused by a virus. Most children with chickenpox act sick with vague symptoms, such as a fever, headache, tummy ache, or loss of appetite, for a day or two before breaking out in the classic pox rash. These symptoms last 2 to 4 days after breaking out.
How do you get it? Chickenpox is extremely contagious, and can be spread by direct contact, droplet transmission, and airborne transmission. Even those with mild illness after the vaccine may be contagious.
Likelihood of getting it? An estimated 3.7 million Americans are affected by chickenpox each year, with more than 90% of the cases occurring in persons under 15
years of age. 33% of cases are estimated to occur in children ages 1
to 4, and 44% in children ages 5 to 9 (estimates from January 28, 1994
FDA announcement).
Other Information: After the initial vaccine, Protection is not lifelong and further vaccination is necessary five years after the initial immunization. Varicella vaccine is 85% to 90% effective for prevention of varicella, so your child still has the possibility of getting Chicken pox. The only true way to have life-long immunity against Chicken Pox, is to have chicken pox. Having Chickenpox as an adult can have a greater risk of complications and even death than children will have.
Hepatitis A (HepA)-
What is it? Hepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms are Dark urine, Fatigue, Itching, Loss of appetite, Low-grade fever, Nausea and vomiting, Pale or clay-colored stools, Yellow skin (jaundice).
How do you get it? The hepatitis A virus is found in the stools, blood, and semen of an infected person about 15 to 45 days before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness.You come in contact with food or water contaminated by the virus You come in contact with a person who currently has the disease
Likelihood of getting it? There are approximately 100,000 hepatitis A infections in the United States every year.
The most helpful website that I found in doing my research was www.thinktwice.com
This site has uncensored information on vaccines, and is trying to get parents to make educated decisions for they feel is best for their own children. We highly recommend this site for any new parent, soon to be new parents, or parents needing to know more about vaccines or their rights for how they choose to vaccinate.
Sources: thinktwice.com, Google.com/health, stason.org, wikipedia.com, chickenpox.emedtv.com, dhpe.com, humanillnesses.com, Vaccineinformation.org, kidshealth.org, cdc.gov, medicinenet.com, rotavirusinfo.com, NFID.org, pneumoadip.org, yahoo!health.com , 'Mother Warriors' by Jenny McCarthy, talkaboutcuringautism.com
