hunkered
I haven’t been writing because we have our noses tethered to the grindstone. Marc is waist-deep into tax stuff and I am just slammed with work. It is hard to imagine that taking 10 minutes to write a quick post is not possible, but, sometimes it just is.
Yesterday, while taking a quick break – probably waiting for a big file to save – I caught up with a blog that I read, with a post about vaccines and her rationale for vaccinating her kid which I totally agree with. Then, as if the universe was having a debate at that very moment and wanted me to hear it – a facebook friend of mine posted a youtube clip of Jenny McCarthy on Larry King. I don’t know… her side is pretty compelling… even if some of her facts may be exaggerated.
We vaccinated H on the schedule our doc prescribed. But, part of me – either the overly-sensitive-hippie or educated-intelligent-yuppie depending on which side of the argument you fall on – wishes I would have asked the doc to space them out or considered finding a doc who only gave the 1980′s schedule. I had done the research prior to his birth, known about Jenny McCarthy’s situation and the argument against the “bloated” schedule but, decided to take the advice of our doctor, friends and family and just do what I’m told. Because, to be clear, the argument that Autism is caused by vaccines does not support NOT vaccinating – they support a lessened schedule of vaccines. Closer to something that we all got when we were babies – a scheulde more like 10 shots rather than 36 before the time we were two years old.
So, now I’m having a moment where I feel like going with the flow got in the way of me doing what might have been best for my kid. He hasn’t had any adverse reactions to the vaccines thus far, but, it’s scary to think that we wouldn’t really know – for another year.
Just when you think you’re getting the hang of this parenting thing and all is going swimmingly – an issue like this comes back to bite you in the A-S-S. So, here I am working while listening to Larry King and the alarmist opinions of a former Playmate and this guy. Is it too early for a margarita?
Listening: Obits
I’m glad you did and hope you are not going to kick yourself around about this. I know it seems like alot of injections, but children under the age of 1 are vulnerable to some diseases, pertusses and hib in particular. I suppose Hep B could be postponed. Anyway there are more to come when he turns 1, like MMR!
It actually scares me to hear about the trend to not immunize. When the “herd” immunization level goes down, everyone shares the risk. We had an outbreak of pertusses at the middle school the last year I was working, and a teacher carried it home to her 13 month old. (The baby was only partially immunized). Us old folks, remember only too well, measles, mumps, rubella(exposure occurred while preg) and especially polio. I think you are right on target Mom!
thank you. and no – I never would have chosen to NOT immunize… but, partial or a spaced-out schedule was considered. But, it is good to know that some of the less common vaccines are actually useful in this day and age… and yes, I understand that the risk goes far beyond just my kid when he doesn’t get immunized. Thanks for the reassurance!
Aimee,
We postponed a few of Tyler shots for various reasons. Hep B was one of them. He is current but he has had some spacing in there. I bet your pediatrician might still be open to that if you voice it. Ultimately, you are in charge. Also, there is a school of thought that the baby’s body weight plays a factor (and the immunizations, unlike every other medication for kids, do not factor in body weight) and Tyler was always on the hefty side prior to 1 year as I think Harrison is too if that makes you feel better. I know this subject is anxiety producing but Harrison will be just fine.
thanks nicole. yeah… this is just one of many issues that comes up and makes you think that you’re doing everything wrong. it’s fleeting, but, you know… it sucks!
this is exactly how i feel! at this point it’s done– we need no more shots until he’s 5. we didn’t have any adverse reactions, but in my sleep-deprived state (and general go-with-the-flow attitude) i never asked for a more spaced out schedule and i do sometimes wish i had…just another one of those mom moments where you feel like you never do it right! which reminds me that i don’t have to be perfect…