Why to immunize!!


 Baby legs-immunization boo boos.... I decided to write this post because one of the most common questions I get asked from friends is my thoughts on immunizations. This post is not meant to be controversial but simply my thoughts and ideas as a medical professional and now mommy! There was obviously a lot of thought/research into immunizations in our home before our sweet baby's arrival...I know how important immunizations are from working and seeing the benefits of them but when it comes to immunizing your own child it can be quite anxiety provoking. Even knowing the huge research study stating that MMR causes Autism was all a huge hoax...article here...I still had some reservation. Do I do immunizations? Should I do a delayed schedule? 

So here is my thought process...

Immunizations have not been shown to cause infant death and you don't
 hear about them killing children...<article> but

Pertussis does <article>-
(while working just last week there has been an outbreak of pertussis
 in a local daycare... a young child/infant or older person can easily pass away
 from Pertussis (whooping cough))

Measles does <article>, <article>
 300 children died in Pakistan from the measles due to lack of immunizations in 2012

Haemophilus Influenza B does <article>

Chickenpox is extremely contagious and does <article>
I have the scars to prove how  not fun this one is

Influenza (Flu) does <article>
Flu vaccine is proven safe after 6 months of age


Why I chose not to delay the schedule?
Delays my child's protection <article>
More frequent visits and increased actual number of shots <article>
No research on safety of delayed schedule


Why immunize?

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Vaccines changed medicine

Vaccines have literally transformed the landscape of medicine over the course of the 20th century. Before vaccines, parents in the United States could expect that every year:
Polio would paralyze 10,000 children.
Rubella (German measles) would cause birth defects and mental retardation in as many as 20,000 newborns.
Measles would infect about 4 million children, killing about 500.
Diphtheria would be one of the most common causes of death in school-aged children.
A bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) would cause meningitis in 15,000 children, leaving many with permanent brain damage.
Pertussis (whooping cough) would kill thousands of infants
Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia <article>
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SO with all this research we decided to immunize Isabella on the CDC recommended schedule...while I say this, YES I have cried EVERY time she has gotten a shot and don't you believe I prayed over my little pumpkin before, during, and after those shots...I prayed for protection, healing, and safety... I also gave her Tylenol before she received them (I recommend giving it 30 minutes before; I forgot and she got it 5 minutes before...bad mom, trust me I won't forget next time). She did great though...no fever or fussiness...I did give her another dose of Tylenol before bed that night and I was very gentle with her legs for a couple days!

So there is my research I thought for those who cared I should share since I spent a lot of time and energy into my research!!


Sweet little boo boo baby legs
On a lighter note why are they still making Tasmanian devil bandaids...do kids even know who that is anymore?!
...haha had to add that since I think it every time I see these little bandaids
This was her right after:) Worn out but check out that little smile below....love her!


So for the safety and protection of that sweet smile is why I chose to immunize!!!

3 comments

  1. Thank you for writing this. It is sometimes hard as a medical professional to explain the scientific reasoning behind immunizations because at this point in time because of immunizations we luckily don't see much of what they prevent. It is hard to explain that to parents. I had the same questions when it came to my son. It is different when it is your own child. But we have to remember what these immunizations prevent and then the choice is easy :) So thank you again for posting this with all of your research. It is a good tool for new parents.

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    Replies
    1. You are so welcome. I am glad you found it helpful. I figured after doing all the research I should share it. Thanks for reading!

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  2. I appreciate the calm explanation. A lot of people can get heated about these subjects. I thought it was well researched.

    Anita Mas | http://mypediatriccenter.com/immunizations/

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