Vaccines- do you get all of them?

Gee, I didn't think you had a choice. I thought all the vaccinations were necessary. Mia just got the DTAP and the HIBV.

All parents are allowed to elect which vaccines their child gets. Some are mandatory for public schools, some are not. I have been reading a lot about some parents who chose NOT to give their child the Hep B shot. I have also read that some parents elect not to give the Chicken Pox vaccine.
I also am going to insist on single dose shots, none of the combo shots. And I have read that parents should request mercury free vaccines.

Some people believe that the combo shots are a cause of Austism. While there is NO medical proof of this and I have spoken to many people in the Austism field who say it is not true, my nephew has Austism and I cannot shake the fear of the combo shot. Again, I don't in my head believe it is the cause BUT in my heart I cannot take the chance, if that makes any sense.
I would rather have an extra shot or two then worry about Austism for months and months. But I am NOT telling anyone that they shouldn't get the combo shot. This is because I am living with the condition in my family.

Not all pediatricians even offer the big 'combo' shot = 1 vaccine for 5 diseases. Some doctors actually prefer to stagger the vaccines over several months. So, be careful when you refer to a generic 'combo' shot - there are combined shots that have been around since we were children - like Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). These are different from the Pediarix Combo Shot which is given in 3 doses for protection against DTaP, Hep B and IPV (Polio).

I have not refused any of Paul's shots thus far - but he has not been given the Pediarix Combo. All of his Hep B, Polio and DTaP were given in separate doses. In general, I believe all of the childhood vaccines are safer than actually getting the diseases they protect against.

Paul was just given the chicken pox vaccine last week...I am a little worried about the rash he might develop over the next week or so, but I am watching him carefully.

The only one that I am wondering about delaying is the MMR. I think he might be too young for that one.

ETA - these issues are a BIG reason why parents need to interview pediatricians PRIOR to the baby's birth. You need to find a practicioner who understands your concerns and will not question your refusal of a vaccine, or pressure you into accepting it, if you do not want it for your child.

BTW all children entering kindergarten born after 1998 I believe are now required to have the varicella vaccination

I'm with Michele on not doing the combo shots either

Again...I said that there is NO medical proof about the vaccines and autism BUT my decision is based on an emotional response to a family situation and I refuse to worry for the next 2 years because of a shot that can be given one at a time instead.
Again, this is JUST me and I do not recommend one over the other for any parent.