At the suggestion of a fellow mom, I just finished reading The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears. It provides impartial information concerning the immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, informing readers about the vaccines, what they protect against, the risks of not vaccinating, risks and rates of adverse reactions, ingredients used to produce them, why some choose and others choose not to vaccinate, and, lastly, Dr. Sears gives his perspective (the only bias found in the book and meant to help the indecisive).
It was really helpful to read about why we're even told to vaccinate our children and what our options are as parents, and it feels good to be more proactive in my son's health care decisions. I do very little these days without first doing some research so why shouldn't I also research something so crucial to my son's well being?
For Moses, he will be getting the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) and Pc (pneumococcal) vaccines this Thursday. HIB (haemophilus influenzae type B) was on my okay list too, but they are experiencing a shortage and not giving that vaccine now. I feel like the ability for a doctor to decline certain vaccines during times of shortage shows how inconsistent the whole pro-vaccination argument is, but that's my opinion. Don't think I'm anti-vaccine, I'm just anti-doctor-knows-best.
As for other vaccines, we're delaying Polio and Hep A until he's at least two, the MMR until he's four (with a second dose of measles two years later), and declining the Chickenpox and Flu vaccines. Even though the State of Texas requires children to have certain vaccines before they enter day care and/or kindergarten, it allows parents to object to vaccinations based on philosophical beliefs as long as they file a waiver with their child's school. Since we're delaying and declining some of the vaccines, I've already requested an exemption waiver for Moses so I won't have to worry about child care objections. I was appalled to learn that Mississippi and West Virginia require that parents vaccinate their children or the state can take the children from them! Sounds like we won't be moving there any time soon.
I'm still trying to figure out the best schedule for "Chuck" but figure I have a few more months to decide.
Sorry to be on a soap box with this post, but I can't help but feel passionate about immunizations and the government's involvement in our role as parents.
Questions? Comments? I'll be glad to share what I've learned.
-Lindsey
Showing posts with label shots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shots. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
15-month Check Up
Today, Moses went for his 15-month check up. Dave was off from work today and offered to take Moses to the doctor and PDO so I could sleep in a little! I took him up on the offer but made sure to get all the details from Moses' visit to the doctor.
As usual, Moses is doing well and growing properly. He's 32.5 inches tall (90th percentile), 23 pounds 9 ounces (45th percentile), and 49.3 centimeters in head circumference (95th percentile).
He's got three teeth now, which he won't let us photograph--his two bottom ones are very visible and his top right tooth just broke the surface a couple days ago. We're to schedule his first dentist appointment for the summer. That'll be interesting...
Dr. Gray again suggested that we give him his immunizations, but we are postponing his 1-year and subsequent immunizations until after his 4th birthday or until we learn some definitive answers regarding the possibility of an Autism/MMR vaccine link. As for the other vaccines, I just think his immune system should be more mature before receiving so many live vaccines at once. In my opinion, that's asking a lot of anyone's body, let alone a one-year-old child. These are, of course, our own personal decisions on the matter, and we respect the choices our family and friends make for their own children regarding immunizations. I've just ordered a neutrally-written book on the subject that will help educate us more on the matter and inform our decision making process. Who knows? Maybe we'll make some revisions to our current schedule.
I also realized that I forgot to post his one-year check up information. The post was still in draft form so I just published it this morning but kept my original composition date. You can read it here.
-Lindsey
As usual, Moses is doing well and growing properly. He's 32.5 inches tall (90th percentile), 23 pounds 9 ounces (45th percentile), and 49.3 centimeters in head circumference (95th percentile).
He's got three teeth now, which he won't let us photograph--his two bottom ones are very visible and his top right tooth just broke the surface a couple days ago. We're to schedule his first dentist appointment for the summer. That'll be interesting...
Dr. Gray again suggested that we give him his immunizations, but we are postponing his 1-year and subsequent immunizations until after his 4th birthday or until we learn some definitive answers regarding the possibility of an Autism/MMR vaccine link. As for the other vaccines, I just think his immune system should be more mature before receiving so many live vaccines at once. In my opinion, that's asking a lot of anyone's body, let alone a one-year-old child. These are, of course, our own personal decisions on the matter, and we respect the choices our family and friends make for their own children regarding immunizations. I've just ordered a neutrally-written book on the subject that will help educate us more on the matter and inform our decision making process. Who knows? Maybe we'll make some revisions to our current schedule.
I also realized that I forgot to post his one-year check up information. The post was still in draft form so I just published it this morning but kept my original composition date. You can read it here.
-Lindsey
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
6 Month Check-Up
It's been awhile since I posted, but today was his 6 month appointment so what better time to start up again.
Dr. Gray said everything looks great. He's 17 pounds 13 ounces (50th percentile), 28 inches (90th percentile), and his head circumference was 45.5 centimeters (90th percentile). Looking at those numbers, it seems our little chunk had a good growth spurt!
He seemed to *remember* Dr. Gray this time because he started crying as soon as he saw him. Of course, he had reason to cry as he had three shots and one oral immunization. Then, we had to go to the lab for a pin-prick so they could test his blood for anemia (it's standard for this check-up).
We still haven't seen any teeth, but we can see them just below the surface. I'll be happy when they break through because he's constantly gnawing on everything.
We also started him on solids a couple weeks ago. He's had applesauce, bananas, green beans, squash, and sweet potatoes. He likes applesauce and bananas the most but still prefers breastmilk more than anything. Since he associates me with breastmilk, Dave and his grandparents have greater luck feeding him solids than I do.
Moses is now "scooting." He'll lie on his stomach and push himself backwards or pivot on his belly. He hasn't figured out crawling but has managed to get in the crawling position on a couple of occasions. It won't be long until he's everywhere!
-Lindsey
Dr. Gray said everything looks great. He's 17 pounds 13 ounces (50th percentile), 28 inches (90th percentile), and his head circumference was 45.5 centimeters (90th percentile). Looking at those numbers, it seems our little chunk had a good growth spurt!
He seemed to *remember* Dr. Gray this time because he started crying as soon as he saw him. Of course, he had reason to cry as he had three shots and one oral immunization. Then, we had to go to the lab for a pin-prick so they could test his blood for anemia (it's standard for this check-up).
We still haven't seen any teeth, but we can see them just below the surface. I'll be happy when they break through because he's constantly gnawing on everything.
We also started him on solids a couple weeks ago. He's had applesauce, bananas, green beans, squash, and sweet potatoes. He likes applesauce and bananas the most but still prefers breastmilk more than anything. Since he associates me with breastmilk, Dave and his grandparents have greater luck feeding him solids than I do.
Moses is now "scooting." He'll lie on his stomach and push himself backwards or pivot on his belly. He hasn't figured out crawling but has managed to get in the crawling position on a couple of occasions. It won't be long until he's everywhere!
-Lindsey
Thursday, April 5, 2007
4 Month Check-Up
We just returned from Moses' four-month check-up with a rave review. He's now in the 75th percentile in weight (15 pounds 10 ounces), height (25.75 inches), and head circumference (43 centimeters). We're relieved that he's proportionate, and our large heads have yet to doom him. Dr. Gray said he looks great. He's strong; He's on track developmentally; His first two teeth are almost here--All the things parents want to hear (well, we could argue the downside of teeth). And of course, we finished the visit with those pesky vaccinations, three shots and an oral dose. Poor kiddo turned bright red then screamed bloody murder. I didn't cry last time, but this time I teared up. Luckily, we have another two months to prepare for the next round.
On a lighter note, he got some summer shades:
-Lindsey
On a lighter note, he got some summer shades:
-Lindsey
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