Some thoughts on vaccinating

I believe it is important to get your children vaccinated. I personally don't buy the theory that vaccines are linked to autism. Many studies have been done to prove that there is no link. With that evidence, I would not risk either of my children's health.

I found an interesting article on CNN regarding the studies and some history of the Wakefield studies:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/07/p.autism.vaccine.debate/index.html

Getting vaccines are no fun. It is really hard watching your child getting pricked with needles. A nurse at our last appointment informed us that one of the shot burns. I do wish there was a easy way for vaccines to be given. You would think that they could come up with some painless way to give vaccines. Luckily for us, the pains and crying only seemed to last about a day. I know some babies get fevers. We've been lucky so far, knock on wood! But still would never risk my children getting sick with polio or any of the other countless diseases if it can be prevented.

That being said, I found another interested article/radio story from
NPR. It talks about the newer vaccines added for chicken pox and whooping cough.

I was really surprised when Joy told me they have a vaccine for chicken pox. I remember hearing stories about parents sending their kids to play with other kids with chicken box in order to get it out of the way when they are young.

The article talks about how these new vaccines might not be as effective and even need booster shots:

http://m.npr.org/story/130433634

This article shows that the vaccines might not be flawless. I love the idea that my boys might not get chicken pox. Possibly more research needs to be done on this.

In the long run, I'm happy my boys are vaccinated. I'm happy they're safe.