Need help with 12 yr vaccines...

August 9, 2010

I can't believe I am about to have this conversation:

My MD husband has decided that he is uncomfortable with our kids not being fully

vaccinated. He wants to talk to me and come to a compromise about getting some

of the 'more important' vaccines.

This involves my 12 and 13 yr olds. Both are fully vaccinated except for the 12

yr boosters. I believe that means they are missing TdaP, MMR and Varicella.

There is a strongly recommended meningitis vaccine and Guardasil but they aren't

part of the schedule here.

Husband seems to be OK with not vaccinating our youngest with Autism. I'm still

planning on making an arguement for not vaccinating the siblings, but I'd also

apprectiate some help on choosing the lesser of the evils if I have to

compromise.

I know it is easy to say just put your foot down. I also know this is a

marriage and a family, and keeping it in tact will guarantee more for my kids

than ripping it apart (my guess is a judge would rule in my husband's favor for

shots and I don't want to be divorced anyway). He is also an MD with faith in

his system and training.

I've saved the C-SPAN link to the latest Congressional Hearings on Autism. I

expect him to listen to them before we talk.

I'm thinking Diptheria and Pertussis aren't worth vaccinating for (when is the

last diptheria case and pertussis isn't deadly to a teenager). MMR cannot be

separated and I won't do the combo (that is right, yes?). Chicken pox can be

serious in older people on rare occasions, but it isn't really that effective

anyway. I might cave on that one. Tetanus is probably going to be the one he

asks for, along with the MMR. Guardasil is untested and I will not do it. The

meningitis vaccine? That was actually the example he used when he approached me

about this over the weekend. Two or 3 kids middle/high schoolers in the area

died from this virus last year or the year before.

I had always hoped this day wouldn't come. I feel sick. I thought he was

starting to believe in the whole toxin:neurological disorder link. I guess he

hasn't come far enough. It must be hard to turn against all you believe in

(especially when it is your career).

Maybe the replies would be better coming to my private email. I am fine with

that. The emotions will likely run high. Feel free to tell me I am a fool for

allowing him to give any shots (that is how I feel), but I'd also REALLY

appreciate stories about how some of you handled this situation.

Thanks,

Pam

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