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Post by Ericsmomma on May 6, 2005 7:13:25 GMT -5
Kokie,
I have gotten all the vaccines for Eric. I'm not a big fan of getting those "combo" vaccines. I know its less "sticks" for the child, but I prefer them given separately. More trips to the docs, but I think its worth it. I did get Eric the chickenpox vaccine, but only because kids with low immune systems have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia with the pox. And at that time, Eric was having trouble with frequent bouts of pneumonia, so I figured the benefits outweigh the risk. I work for 2 pediatricians...both have different ideas on getting the chickenpox vaccine. The older MD, who is terrific, recommends getting the shot. The younger guy leaves it up to the parent, he doesn't push it. He feels you have better immunity if you get the pox naturally. I have given the shot to some of our patients who then get the chickenpox anyway, but its not as severe and less duration. If Eric didn't have DS, I wouldn't have gotten him the shot. Anyways, here in Ohio the vaccine will become MANDITORY starting in 2006. You must get it before kindergarten.
Dolly
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Post by Kristen on May 6, 2005 10:26:51 GMT -5
I am pro vaccine. The only one I have withheld is the chicken pox one because I am not really convinced of it and from what I see they may need a booster, which indicated TO ME (not saying that it is TRUE, just my interpretation) that it could leave them open to shingles which is w-a-y worse. That being said, Carter has not picked them up yet because everyone is vaccined which means he is at risk for shingles later in life which is what I want to avoid at all cost, and they want it for school, so he will be getting it now. I am ok with the decision to put that one off because it's not a big deal in my mind. That being said, I have a mother who had whooping cough that almost killed her and a father who was told he would never walk again when he was dx'd with spinal paralytic polio in the 8th grade. He's fine now. Actually went on to have several other near death/disabling experiences which involved running and did the Ironman triathalon at 55 years old, so he got up and going again, but we are a somewhat of a medically confusing family Other things are a big deal to me like all the other vaccine diseases! HOWEVER, both of my kids had reactions. Carter got the 1 in a zillion MMR rash conveniently 1 week before I had Sydney and TOTALLY freaked me out on several levels. Did not know it was the MMR rash, thought it was contageous and could kil Syd in utero (Hey, at that point ANYTHING was possible after what I went through with him, KIWM?) then heard MMR and reaction in the same sentance and almost passed out without hearing the rest thinking the worst...Then Syd got a DTP and reacted B-A-D with a 104 fever, vomiting and rag doll action which also scared the living life out of me and and now she gets a DT no P.
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Post by Kristen on May 6, 2005 10:28:21 GMT -5
Oh, and incidentially, for school I needed a DTP and an MMR. Got them both on the same day long with my second TB test. I thought uh-oh and picked up a frozen pizza for dinner on the way home just in case. I got...NOTHING! It's weird how this stuff happens!
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Post by MatureMomG on May 6, 2005 14:40:44 GMT -5
And for those who are anti-vaccine, we question whether the vaccine actually works AGAINST your natural immune system, at least in part. Therefore, it would seem doubly prudent (to us) NOT to immunize a child with DS whose may already have a compromised immune system. That it may jeporadize it even further. Not to get into a major for/against discussion here. Just wanted to comment that a possibly compromised immune system wold make me even more NOT immunize.
Yours in Christ, Kathy
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Post by Kristen on May 6, 2005 16:55:18 GMT -5
Kathy, I am not out to debate, either, but I have run across only a few people who do not immunize. I wanted to ask, when something becomes more common - i.e. whooping cough is coming up in my area and a cause for concern because it is so contageous, do you selectively immunize or just let it ride? I have never had the opportunity to ask someone and wondered if you keep an extra eye on the trends.
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Post by christie on May 6, 2005 19:07:07 GMT -5
I can only share that I have two children, Kodi Lee, 15, non DS and Chris, 12, DS and they both had all the shots that kids get, includng the Chicken Pox shot a couple years back. Neither of my kids had any reactions whatsoever to any of the shots For me I am pro vaccinations BUT I will share that if I were not I would not have done Chris just due to his DS, just my thoughts. CC
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Post by kokie on May 6, 2005 23:57:55 GMT -5
Thanks so much for all the opinions thus far!
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