Ok, what has everyone heard about the link between autism and vaccines? I heard that there is especially one vaccine that seems to have a direct link to causing/triggering autism. Any thoughts? I also heard that it's more common in boys and second boys at that. Getting ready to have my second son and just contemplating whether or not to skip that particular vaccine. What are your thoughts/knowledge on it?

Such a difficult choice!

I know, for instance, I've been told thimerosol is no longer in vaccines, but at our PCP's office, I asked the nurse to check the label before DD's flu shot was administered. She didn't think there was any, but there was. So she found a different brand.

I just bought The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears and just flipped through (still in the middle of another book. )
It appears nicely broken up, w/ different chapters on each vaccine, info on it, ingredients and what concerns, if any, there are for that ingredient, if it can be broken up, etc.... He also shares why some like it and others don't and what his medical thoughts are.

DD was given a certain vaccine (I never gave my consent. In fact, I never once signed for any of them, which irks me, nor was I given the requisite CDC sheets. This was at our ex-ped --not in Ocala.) and it wasn't one I felt she needed at this point. So now I'm wondering what to do and if I should just go ahead and give her the 2nd dose b/c titers may be even more painful than the shot itself, etc....

Anyway, there a cajillion books on either spectrum, and from what I've heard, the Sears' book is pretty level and acceptable to both sides of the spectrum.
In the meantime, there is such an overwhelming amount of research that it can be pretty, well, overwhelming.

I will say the recent court victory leaves a lot of questions for parents that have been told to stop asking questions....so, my advice from my experience, is exactly in line with Elizabeth, read,ask questions,and dont let anyone make you feel like you are "overreacting" when you have taken time to be educated and get resources and information to back your concerns...

Thanks for all your great responses!! I'll have to do some homework, I see.

I've heard the Dr. Sears book is pretty good, so I think that is a good place to start. I decided a long time ago to find out more and ask questions from our pediatrician. But the bottom line for me was that I chose a ped I really trusted, and I take his opinion very seriously. In turn, he's listened to my concerns in the past (on things other than shots) and even when he wasn't sure there was much to it, he gave referrals to specialists when I was sure he should. I know I can't look up everything and find out all the facts all the time, so I really do place a lot of trust in him.

I agree with Elizabeth on The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears. Another book that I found useful is Holistic Parenting by Lynn Wiese Sneyd. We are delaying all vaccines, until his immune system matures, or we may just continue to go without. I asked my ped if he could break up the vaccines, and he said it's not possible. I explained that I know other moms whose ped. can order isolated vaccines, and he didn't argue with me. He meets me halfway. I trust that he know his profession and he respects my knowledge and decisions. I completely know how you feel- confused and unsure which direction, but you'll figure it out. Best of Luck.
Warmly,
Melinda (mom to Christopher 11 mos.)

Nobody knows for sure what causes autism. There are so many different levels of the spectrum with so many different factors in play, it could be a combination of things. As a mother of 5, my youngest two have both been diagnosed with ASD, both are boys, but my older son and my two daughters have no disabilities at all. All of my children had vaccines. I have never heard that it is more common in second boys and when my first son was diagnosed it was some incredible number, somewhere in the hundred thousandth of a chance, that there could ever be two children in one family! Now they are 12 and 14! While the numbers are 1 in 150 and 1 in 94 boys being diagnosed, we must keep in mind that there are still less children with autism than without it, and just about every child is being vaccinated. The numbers are phenomenal but so too is our ability today for earlier diagnosis and better recognitiion of the signs. Think about those who have gone undiagnosed and who are now adults? My advice is to do your research, check for Thimerosol, and go back to the way the old shots were administered, one at a time and not in groups.

Visit autismspeaks.org for more information

Hi! I just joined Ocalamoms and the subject of vaccines and autism is also a concern for me. I have 6 children the first two are girls and have all been vaccinated with no problems. They are now 16 and 20. I have four younger children a 9 year old a 8 year old and twin four year olds. All boys. In my opinion, they over vaccinate. Vaccinating for chicken pox is an unnecessary risk. All 4 of my boys are not vaccinated. I have chosen to wait until they are older. All 4 of my boys attend public schools. Don"t let you pediatrician tell you they cant. You can get a exemption at the health dept.

Is anyone familiar with peds. who are willing to delay or forgo vaccinations? I am due in November and would like a Dr. who understands the my concerns with early/unesc. vaccincations.
Also, I understand that you can easily get a "religious" exemption.....reguardless of your religious affiliation.

Hi! I have also chosen not to vaccinate my children now. I take my kids to expresscare of Bellview. The only doctor I see is Dr. Poole she is very understanding of my concerns with the vaccinations. She never has given me a hard time about it and she is wonderful with my children. They love her. Also, it is very easy to get a religous exemption at the health dept. Dr. Pooles phone number is 347-5225. Good Luck!

Thanks motherof6! I appreciate your recommendation!

My personal opinion (after battling peds over a variety of issues) is family practice is the least nitpicky on things. I just wish I had switched DD to my family practice doc sooner. She's great -- much more relaxed and she actually looks at my child as a whole person.
She is in Gainesville (it took me a long time to find one I love and I didn't want to start again when we moved here, lol. Plus, she's right by the Fresh Market so I can go grocery shopping when we go...) and not taking new patients but others in her group are. We see Dr. Provost and love her.
Also what's nice w/ family practice -- you aren't sitting in all the kid germs while you're waiting to go back. And they are so used to adults that they are all super excited to have a kid come in.

And we have delayed some vax (and will be even more conservative w/ future kids.) She said her spiel and moved on. I have no issue w/ them saying what they need to -- when they make it a huge battle all the time, I do.
FUnny thing is after we had her 2 yr check up and discussed still delaying varicella until she got c pox herself or until she turned 12, she got chicken pox the next week. And not a bad case at all, and now she has the natural immunity. I was pleased (just not w/ the timing, lol.)

When we interviewed peds when I was pregnant, I met w/ one (in Ocala) whose name I won't mention who, upon hearing we were going to use cloth diapers and breastfeed, immediately told me if I didn't agree to every vaccine they wouldn't take us. Funny thing back then was I hadn't even started questioning vax so it wasn't even on my radar....

There is an article on cnn.com today with very useful info on vaccinations. Here's the link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/06/19/ep.vaccines/index.html
It's entitled "Should I Vaccinate My Baby?"

Press on! We'll find the answer yet.

Our ped is Ted Saha 352-237-5400. He accepted us - homebirth and no vaccinations. Congrats on your pregnancy...

Thanks apmummy....I am going to do some homework and see who I feel most comfortable with!