Tuesday, July 17, 2007

It's Controversial, but I'm Going There

Several of my blogging buddies have opted out of vacciniating their children, so I know that this topic is touchy. I feel informed about my choices (to vaccinate or not, that is the question), and we have chosen to vaccinate our children. My kids have always done fine with very minor (if any) side effects, so I have never questioned that we made the right choice. I have kept track of all of the vaccines the kids have gotten since they were babies, and for Cody who is now five, the shots are coming to an end. Yesterday, however, I had to take both the boys in for their physicals (Caden for his fifteen month check-up and Cody for his kindergarten physical) and both the boys got shots. Cody only had to get one, Caden got two. They really did fine (a little whimpering, but not too bad!) and we left the doctor's office with my sanity still intact. WHEW!

Last night, however, Cody spiked a fever of 102.4. No other symptoms, no complaints, just a fever. I immediately called the pharmacist (my new best friend) and he reassured me that this is normal and that it happens to 1 in 20 kids who get this particular vaccine. This morning the fever is down but it is still there.

Every mother knows what it's like (f they choose to vaccinate) when they take their little baby to the doctor's office to get those first shots. It's heart-breaking, but you truly feel you're doing the right, responsible thing...protecting your child from dangerous illnesses and diseases, vaccinating them so they don't have to fight the system once they enter school, and listening to the doctors who reassure you that what you're reading "out there" is untrue. It's hard to know what to believe sometimes, but you go with your gut and trust you're making the right decision for your kids. As our doctor says, the benefit far outweighs the risk.

But my little guy is feverish today and I feel guilty. I know I am making the right decision for our family. I just feel bad for him. And, perhaps the fever is something else entirely, something other than a side effect of the vaccine? Who knows. In any case, I'm going to shut down my computer and get some cuddle time on the couch with him while the baby naps. It's a rainy day and I can't think of anything else I'd rather do! Have a great day, everyone.

3 comments:

Kari Lynn said...

I also decided to vaccinate our children and have already talked to my husband about getting the new HPV vaccine for Ashley when she is old enough. It is still fairly new and hopefully by then they will have more info available. I had cervical cancer after I had Tyler and hope that she will not have to go through the same thing. Hope your little man feels better soon.

Just T said...

Don't feel too bad. I had both my children vaccinated. Our government even offers a monetary incentive to parents who vaccinate Not my reason for doing it though. I always say "better to be safe, than sorry".

I think at one stage, both mine had high temps, and also got hard, swollen lumps around where they had needles. Always broke my heart, but I know I did the right thing for me and my kids!

MorningSong said...

We vaccinated too and I was fine vaccinating my daughter after I made sure there weren't any traces of mercury in them. Once my son was born I felt fear more than ever before. You know they say it is worse with boys. I had to pray and trust God. I also choose to delay every vaccine by bringing my little guy a few months late. I know he is getting the shots but more spread out than they want. I think you are wise and that you are trusting God to lead you. Do not feel bad! Only God truly knows what vaccines if any are harmful. I believe He sees your faith in letting Him lead you and He will guide you to what is best for your family. Either choice you go with there is a touch of fear with both sides. It is hard to not worry but do not feel bad!! I am usually praying for my kids before the pediatrician walks in. That is such a scary time for me - I want to just scream and run out, but I think, as far as I know - which isn't much, a vaccine is a good choice.