I - Immunizations

Well, when I was making my list for the A to Z Challenge, I knew that the letter I was going to be a fun one. Before I get started, I want to preface with the comment ... You know your child best. Please RESEARCH and understand ALL facts before making a decision. Do not just do something because everyone else is, or because of something someone posted from the Internet.

Today, I am going to talk about immunizations. Personally, I immunize my children. They are all up to date on their shots and I have had them done on time. I did research and research and pray. I feel that for my family, I am doing the right thing. None of my children have allergies to eggs or any of the vaccines (although we wondered about Turtle with her BAD reaction to the first round of shots).

I do NOT knock parents who decide not to immunize their children because of health reasons or research they have done. If they cannot give me a valid reason why they are not immunizing their children, it doesn't sit well. I strongly agree with those who decide to space shots out. We had talked about doing that with Turtle, but then her second and third set of shots were pretty easy. She was fussy and ran a low grade fever, but that was about it.

The shots that I think are overkill and not really necessary are the influenza (unless you are like me and have an asthmatic child) and the chicken pox. Children are going to get sick. It happens. The chicken pox vaccine is not designed to prevent chicken pox. It ANNOYS me that it is presented that way. Next time you take your child in for shots, take the time to READ the sheet they give you on the information. It is AMAZING what you will learn (it is also easy to see why people choose to space them out or reconsider shots all together).

Here is a graphic for the current "suggested" shot schedule. Again, I am NOT saying you should abide by it. In fact, more doctors are looking into the spacing it out. It is less stressful on everyone!

Read more at the CDC

Do you vaccinate? Why or why not?

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