Moms Talk: Immunization Debate – Safe or Harmful?

When a nurse came into my hospital room and said it was time for my newborn little girl, who was born the day before, to get a few shots, I bombarded her with questions first and wasn't satisfied with her answers.

“Why would a baby, just 24 hours old, need to start getting immunizations so early in life?”

“Is it safe for a 7-pound newborn to have vaccinations, and what exactly are in the shots, anyway?”

Upon getting home, I researched the topic and found some compelling information for and against following the government’s recommended schedule for vaccines.

I am about to have my third little miracle and still have a hard time with the issue of immunizations. I have to admit the thought of vaccinating small children will always scare me because I have heard of too many horrible experiences.

I would never want my child to contract an awful disease on account of my fears, however. I also would not want my youngster to pick something up from someone who is carrying a disease he or she never was immunized against.

I have never met a physician who has not defended immunizations and the timetable for when they should be given. Children need to be caught up on their shots to go to school, I have been told. The risk of a life-threatening reaction is very low, I have been assured.

Yet, I know numerous mothers who have been able to get around the “rules” because they believe shots are not worth the potential side effects that could and do occur. Some moms claim their children are healthier without vaccinations, and the ingredients included in shots are extremely harmful to young bodies.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Are you comfortable with shots?