Babies- "well child visits"

[Rach]

On one of the pregnancy boards, under the attachment parenting section, there is a post about how this women is postponing, if at all giving, her 4 month olds shots. He had his 2 months, but she doesn't want him to have anymore until she knows more about the shots given and can make a decision herself.

Other mothers chimed in saying they haven't given their kids their shots at all (a couple being over 2 yrs old) and even one saying she doesn't bring her baby to every well child visit.

What do you think about this?

For those that chose to not vaccinate, what were your reasons?


IMO, I would think not bringing your baby to every visit is not being very responsible. I don't understand the reasoning behind it. I understand you are the parent, but this doctor went through 4 + years of college, did training at a hospital and you are just going by your instincts and what you have read on the internet. I know not every dr. is right, but common sense to me would be you'd want to go to every visit.

[CoffeeGirl]

Each parent can make their own choices obviously, but we saw & still see no other option that immunizing our children to help them in the best ways possibe to fight off germs & illnesses.JMO-My kids have always had shots!

[Erika]

I don't understand the reasoning behind not vaccinating your child much less not taking them to doc appts. Yes, kids went many years without shots and regular doc appointments but how much higher were the disease rates and death rates in children then. Why would you take the chance with your child when you have the technology available.

[Joy]

I've missed some well baby appts, due to ummmm....natural disasters and moving. Other than that, why not take the baby to get a check up? Now, some people don't like having to pay for their doctor visits so that's their decision, imo, but shots are free provided by each state health dept. No reason not to do it.

Schools will accept children without up to date immunizations if they state the reasoning was for personal or religous beliefs.

[Rach]

Originally Posted by Joy Schools will accept children without up to date immunizations if they state the reasoning was for personal or religous beliefs.

Only certain states are like that, not all.

I would NOT miss well-baby checkups, although the GL peds and SD peds through the Navy did a wonderful job of having Gwen be 10 months behind on her immunizations. Really, each to thier own, but I would rather have my kids protected from disease than put them at risk. If you have the oppurtunity to protect your child from these awful diseases, why wouldn't you? There are only so many things you can control in you and your child's life. Now, I am not saying be a germaphobe, but there is a big difference between DISEASES and ILLNESSES.

[MW5M]

I delayed George's shots, as Ive stated before, and also my dd's. My reasons are my own, they are completely personal. I made them with a TON of research, and knowing they were not going to daycare or going to be around many other children. When we have another child, we will do the same.

Im not a sheep, I dont just follow what someone tells me is right, without knowing facts. Thats just my opinion. If you ask questions of your doctor, as I did, you may find that they agree with you. Just because the american academy of pediatrics reccommends something doesnt mean it is the only way.

They reccommend children dont use trampolines too. How many of us have one of those, or want one for their children? They reccommend children not be taught to swim until they are at least 4 yrs old. How many people have taught their children to swim prior to that age mark?


We did attend well baby checks to answer the other inquiry of the post

[Cherrish]

I personally think it's irresponsible of parents not to have their children vaccinated. The risk of something happening because of the vaccine is very small compared to the risk of something happening from not getting it. There's obviously a reason why vaccines were created in the first place...it's OK to do research about what's in them, but to put them off completely? Irresponsible. JMO

[MW5M]

Originally Posted by Rach Only certain states are like that, not all.

IT IS ALL, CA included. They can not REQUIRE you to have all immunizations. The schools may tell you this, but they are misinformed. You can not be denied entrance to a public school for religious reasons or beliefs. Its one of your constitutional rights.

[MW5M]

Originally Posted by *Married2USAF* I personally think it's irresponsible of parents not to have their children vaccinated. The risk of something happening because of the vaccine is very small compared to the risk of something happening from not getting it. There's obviously a reason why vaccines were created in the first place...it's OK to do research about what's in them, but to put them off completely? Irresponsible. JMO

So when you child dies from excessive levels of mercury will you still sing the same tune? Mercury is poisonous. Yes its rare, but I think the statement of irresponsibility is a little bold here. When you lose a child, come tell me this again.