Pediatric vaccinations for patient in remission

[paulo]

Our son contracted severe AA when he was 4 years old. ATG, Prednisone & Cyclosporine (with approx one-year taper) brought us back to near normal levels. He's now 8 years old and has been off all meds for nearly three years.

We never finished his childhood vaccinations... and are nervous to continue them. We've been cautious for the last four years when it comes to exposing him to anything questionable. He only has two vacc's to go.

Hemoc Doctor says to get them, but I'd really like a second, third & fourth opinion.

[bailie]

What are your scientific reasons for being nervous?

[Marlene]

Paulo,

That's a loaded question. So much depends on the current health of the individual, which vaccines are involved, past medical history, etc. I do understand your concern especially if his counts have yet returned to normal. There's just no way to predict if your son will have an adverse reaction to them. And then, if the immune system is not fully functional, the efficacy of the vaccine may not be fully realized.

There's lots of data to support both sides of the argument and the best thing is to educate yourself to make an informed decision that makes sense for your son. Spend time on the CDC's website as well as the National Vaccine Information Center for the counter opinions. Understand what the disease is and the chances of him contracting it.

Many parents are not 100% against vaccines but question the need for all of them as well as the schedule/timing. Many want them spaced out more or they want single vaccines vs multiple vaccine in one shot; Single dose vials vs multiple dose vials; understanding the adjunct chemical contained in the vaccine, etc. So it's not just about whether or not to vaccine. It's about informed choice and creating an approach that makes sense for the child instead of an assembly line approach to medicine.