Joanna- As I began to research the vaccination issue about ten years ago, I stopped giving my children the vaccines completely. Some had received the “required” immunizations and some of my children have had none.

One of the factors in our decision to abstain was the ingredients used to prepare the vaccine. It is true that manufacturers use human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue.

Another factor is that the children in my family who received the full battery of immunizations were constantly dealing with colds, ear infections, respiratory infections, etc… The children who did not receive immunizations have enjoyed much better health. This observation alone was enough for me to ask more questions.

The other thing I’d love people to consider is this: it is recommended that newborns (whose immune system is still developing and who receives the same dosage as an adult) receive vaccines at well baby check-ups because doctors know it is the best time to get the patients in the office, not because it is the best time to introduce foreign substances in the human body. My doctor required that I sign a consent form which stated that I was aware of the risks of immunizations, death being one of them. I simply told him I was unwilling to sign the consent form if he could not explain exactly what caused death in a population of children receiving the vaccine. Even the CDC cannot tell you why certain people have adverse reactions and yet I’m supposed to blindly consent to do possible harm to my child?

My advice to anyone who is on the fence with the immunization decision is to wait until your child is old enough to verbally communicate the side effects of the vaccine. A howling infant who just received DPT cannot say that it feels like their head is going to explode and far too many health officials will try to pacify mothers by saying “Oh…it’s probably just muscle soreness and is to be expected.” I’m pretty sure ibuprofen won’t take the pain of a swollen brain away.

I’m not an expert. These are just my opinions. All I can say is that I’m too selfish to risk my child’s health for the sake of the herd. Thank you for your comment and bravo for asking questions!