[Ann07]

For my children I split there vaccines up, giving them one at a time every two weeks. I also skip a few vaccines, but I will give them to them when they are older, 24 months or older (such as MMR and Polio). I am not against vaccinations. They do save lives. I just don't agree with the current schedul.

I am looking at separating the DTaP, however my Ped told me that you can't separate that shot. You can only recieve the DT and not the pertusis. So I am unsure of what to do? Do I skip the P shot all together? Does anyone else know if you can just get P shot? My DD is 3 months.

[RavenSong]

I don't think the DTP vaccine is something to worry too much about. They've been combining the three (diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis) into one vaccine for at least 60 years. I was born in 1954, so I went thru most of the "childhood diseases" as many of the current vaccines were not available. The DTP was given, though, back in those years. Also, I think I was one of the first babies to receive the Polio vaccine in Los Angeles in 1954, with absolutely no problems.

I wouldn't skip the Pertussis vaccine. Whooping cough can be very dangerous for infants. My cousin chose not to vaccinate her daughter against it, and that decision almost cost her her daughter's life. I will never forget visiting that baby in the hospital...she was so, so sick.

[aclee]

I agree. Even many women who very selectively vax their children do vax for pertussis. It's alive and well in the US and can be deadly to a child. Not saying do what everyone else does or anything, just that is a vaccine where you can't really rely on the herd effect. It still happens to frequently. We do a delayed schedule as well and space them out.

[Ann07]

Aclee: How do you break your shots up?

[aclee]

We will do all out shots at least 4 weeks apart. I am going to allow 1 oral (Roto) and one needle at his 4 month. I am going to discuss which injection with his primary when we go, and whether we will do the combo DTaP etc. I already called and talked it over with a nurse, and have e-mailed my social worker about it. Until we finalize I have to follow Dr's orders regarding which shots to get first (sort of). I could go find a Dr that would do exactly what I want, but I love this Dr and she strike an awesome balance between listening to what I say, discussing my concerns, other concerns (even if I haven't heard them) in the community, and her thoughts and ideas. She is a DO and I think that helps a lot. I would encourage you to find a pediatric DO if you can.

For me, I do not plan to NOT vax, so I want a Dr that will help me make an educated choice about which ones I should do first, second and which can and should wait till Ty is over 2 or later.