[nurse_reedle]

I'm not questioning another's right to make a decision for *their* child. I *do* understand there are more concerns for a medically fragile child...and I have a lot of compassion for that. I *do* have a *big* problem with other people saying or insinuating that other choices are irresponsible. DDW also explained that she doesn't take her child much of anywhere...so it isn't like she is running all over with her kid and then freaking out when she finds out a child's friend is not vaccinated. That is what I was wondering about from people on here...not specific to DDW circumstances...I only directly responded to her twice....both because she directly responded to me and we were dialoguing...and I thought I made it clear I wasn't talking about her particular circumstances. The second was to show where the irresponsible thing came from.....

[jules17]

Originally Posted by nurse_reedle

Seriously? I have to say, you had probably better not take your child anywhere in that case. Plenty of responsible parents are making alternative vaccine choices. And if your kid has health problems, you had better keep them away from anyone vaccinated in the last month, because live vaccines can shed and cause illness. I am also curious as to how anyone knows that something they got who knows where came from someone that wasn't vaccinated? Do you honestly believe that it couldn't have come from someone that was vaccinated?? If so, then surely you believe your vaccinated kid is completely safe.

'

This is what I was responding to. The irresponsible quote is irrelevant to me as DDW didn't say it.

[Stormster]

This thread is so not answering my question!

[lovemy2boys]

I don't see any problems bringing E around the baby right now, so long as E doesn't have a cold, flu, etc. (which you obviously know )

As for letting them "play" when they're older? Well, I think that would be a personal decision as to whether or not you are ok with it.

For me personally, I wouldn't keep my kids from playing with a child who wasn't immunized - although EVERY child at my kids school is immunized, I can't be so certain of children in public places, and I pretty much take the kids everywhere...so long as you and your friend are both on board, there should be no problem...

[loveajax]

I said "amen" to Shannon and I will say it again.

I have absolutely no problems with how people parent their own children. I honestly try not to judge other parenting decisions. 99.9 percent of those decisions are none of my business.

But a decision not to vaccinate has societal implications. If the "responsible" thing were to not vaccinate, then should we all not do it? And then....what...hope that there is no return of polio and measles outbreaks?

I may be unenlightened but a decision not to vaccinate at all (as opposed to different schedules or whatever floats your boat) DOES affect society as a whole and I do find it irresponsible. It is absolutely crazy to me to see what goes on in Third World countries and my heart breaks that kids die of preventable diseases every day. And then somehow to try to comprehend that people are "smarter" to think it is OK not to try to prohibit that from happening in this country? Nope. Can't do it.

PS: Sorry, Storm, didn't see your later post! I don't know the answer! I don't "know" anyone IRL who has chosen not to immunize their kids. Where is Fadzi when I need him? haha

[BlessedbySnuggs]

Sorry, can't remember the screen name who commented on this....but in TX where I live, granted I don't know ALL of the laws, the daycare M is in right now does NOT allow any children who have not been up to date with their vaccinations. My nephew goes to the same private school/daycare that M will be going to soon (he has been there for 4 years) and they also require vaccinations to be enrolled there. So I don't know how things are done anywhere else, but the places I have talked to here, do require it to be done to be enrolled in to their program. Unless there are special circumstances that I am not aware of, this is what has been told to me. Personally, I'm glad this particular school does it.

I am not naive; I know I can't protect my daughter from everything, but the things I can, darn right I will.

ETA: okay, I did more research TX is a state that is mandated to be vaccinated when enrolling into daycare or schools; however, if there are religious beliefs that keep people from vaccinating their children they will have the parents fill out some sort of forms and keep the child's information on file in case of an outbreak of any sort, so they will not be allowed into the school until things clear up. Hope that helps, anyone that cares! LOL

[tkapelle]

I commented on the ability for a private school to not include children who are not immunized. I cannot speak for your nephew's school. However, I also live in Texas and own a private school. I am required by Texas law to ask for immunizations, but if a parent has a religious or health reason for not immunizing their child, they can simply fill out a form stating that. As an owner of a school, I do tell families that they are "required" to give me immunization records before a child starts. However, if a child's parents presses the issue and claims that they have religious or health reasons for not immunizing, I cannot deny them entry into the school for that reason.

From the Texas Department of Health regarding --
Exemptions regarding immunizations and school enrollment
"The law allows (a) physicians to write a statement stating that the vaccine(s) required is medically contraindicated or poses a
significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or any member of the child’s household, and (b) parents/guardians to
choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. Schools and child-care facilities should maintain an up-to-date list of students with exemptions, so they can be excluded from attending school if an outbreak occurs."

[BlessedbySnuggs]

LOL I guess we were writing at the same time!

Yes, I just added the same part that you did to my last post.

[tkapelle]

Well, I will say, having been in private schools for about 16 years now, I have only come across 2 families who opted for this choice.

[OakShannon]

Vaccinations have saved millions of lives. They work. The proof of that is as clear as the fact that in this country our children are no longer dying or becoming disabled because of polio, diphtheria, measles and other serious illnesses. We have essentially eliminated the threat through vaccinations. They are one of the most important things we do to safeguard the public health.

The best thing I can say about opting out of vaccinations is that such a parent is choosing to protect their own child from minute risks resulting from vaccination by relying on the fact that my child - and most others - are vaccinated. If this choice were widespread, then international travel would assure serious outbreaks of these devastating and entirely preventable illnesses.

So I stand by my statement that it is irresponsible. I have a right - a responsibility - to make thousands of decisions regarding my child's care. Some are decisions you may not agree with and it usually doesn't matter much. But a decision that goes against the public welfare is not responsible or morally neutral. By vaccinating my child, I am doing my part to protect not only him but others, including medically fragile children, ill children, seniors and others who are more vulnerable than my healthy son.

[nurse_reedle]

Wow. I am going to bow out of this conversation now, because I don't believe any well-informed parent is irresponsible if they make a different decision. There are plenty of decisions others make that I *do not* agree with, but I completely respect another's ability and right to make a different decision from me. Even the government recognizes the risks are great and the informed consent should be obtained before administering them. They have a vaccine injury board for these safe vaccines.

[lovemy2boys]

Ok ladies...now that we know where each other stands...

What are your opinions in relation to Storms' question?

For those of you who choose not to vaccinate, would you be concerned if you had a newborn who receives no vaccines and your friend brings their adorable toddler over? (And I know that vaccinations don't "protect" from things like the common cold, etc.) But what is your policy?

For those who DO vaccinate, what about you? Would you bring your child around one who isn't vaccinated, and are you confident in your child's vaccinations?

[chrisandaaron]

Since I do vax my kids, I wouldn't worry about it unless the child is sick. In which case we wouldn't be there playing. I've done what I can to protect my child. I'm sure between swimming lessons and public play areas my kids are exposed to other kids or adults who are not vaxed and I don't even know it.

I must admit. I have always been a strong believer in vaccines. But with my latest baby I am taken aback by the number of vaccines they want to give my little baby. I have even opted out of some (those considered "optional"). I can certainly understand why many parents are opting not to vax or to vax on modified schedules.

[Mommy24]

Storm is looking for advice, please respond accordingly. This is not the thread for debate on whether or not to vaccinate.

Back to our regularly scheduled program

[Momto1human-2furry]

Hey Stormster, this is where immunising your child helps. Since your kid has been taking vaccinations he has immunity towards many diseases. And like some one said you will not know when they join a playgroup/school who has gotten vaccination and who hasn't. They will play with the kids you can't check with every single mom.

So don't worry. Relax ! Let him play with kids that are not vaccinated unless they are sick and are obviously carrying something infectious.