vaccinate your kids, or else!!

[texas*princess]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/17/mar...nes/index.html

UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland (CNN) -- A crowd of frustrated parents gathered on a chilly Saturday morning outside Prince George's County Circuit Court to comply with an order from the school system to have their children vaccinated -- or else.


A line forms outside Prince Georges County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Saturday.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey, whose office began the effort, was at the courthouse to answer questions.

Judge C. Philip Nichols, who signed the letters threatening parents with jail or fines, said he felt the tactic worked.

"We got a thousand kids back in school just by sending one letter," he said.

Nichols ordered parents to come to court Saturday to either immunize the children on the spot, or to provide proof that they already had their shots, according to The Associated Press.

Families who failed to comply could face 10 to 30 days in jail.

I know there are lots of moms & dads on the boards so I was curious what your thoughts were on this?

When I was in school, we were not allowed to set foot on the premises without immunization records.

[Drolefille]

I'm pro-immunization, and really I think it's stupid and irresponsible to not immunize your kids. The autism myth aside, bad vaccine reactions are nearly always better than getting the actual disease. AND there were medical/religious waivers accepted.

If a parent chooses not to vaccinate and the kids are out of school, it makes sense to impose penalties... they're contributing to truancy. I'm not saying this was an ideal situation, but it makes complete logical sense.

[ISUKappa]

I agree vaccinating is extremely beneficial. However, I don't agree with the current schedule that has infants and children sometimes getting 3-4 shots (covering up to 6 illnesses) all at once. We accidentally delayed some of my son's vaxes and plan to use an alternate vax schedule for any future kids to where the shots are spaced out more and done when the kids are older.

[texas*princess]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I'm pro-immunization, and really I think it's stupid and irresponsible to not immunize your kids. The autism myth aside, bad vaccine reactions are nearly always better than getting the actual disease. AND there were medical/religious waivers accepted.

If a parent chooses not to vaccinate and the kids are out of school, it makes sense to impose penalties... they're contributing to truancy. I'm not saying this was an ideal situation, but it makes complete logical sense.

I'm definitely in agreement that it's the responsible thing to do [to vaccinate children].

This came up on CNN this morning and a woman that was protesting the rule, said "these diseases haven't been around for a long time"

I'm not certain which disease she was talking about, but could it be there haven't been major cases because people have been getting immunized for the last few decades???

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

I agree vaccinating is extremely beneficial. However, I don't agree with the current schedule that has infants and children sometimes getting 3-4 shots (covering up to 6 illnesses) all at once. We accidentally delayed some of my son's vaxes and plan to use an alternate vax schedule for any future kids to where the shots are spaced out more and done when the kids are older.

Not having kids, I don't have an opinion myself, but I've heard this criticism a lot. One more thing for me to worry about when I become a parent.

Originally Posted by texas*princess

I'm definitely in agreement that it's the responsible thing to do [to vaccinate children].

This came up on CNN this morning and a woman that was protesting the rule, said "these diseases haven't been around for a long time"

I'm not certain which disease she was talking about, but could it be there haven't been major cases because people have been getting immunized for the last few decades???

One big No Shit Sherlock to her. It's right up there with "we survived for years without vaccines." Yeah, some of you did. People don't get the concept of herd immunity. If she was just endangering her own children, it wouldn't be as big of a deal, (kinda), but she endangers every child in that class. Vaccines aren't 100% effective, but when your entire population is "mostly" immune, you don't have outbreaks.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by texas*princess

I'm definitely in agreement that it's the responsible thing to do [to vaccinate children].

This came up on CNN this morning and a woman that was protesting the rule, said "these diseases haven't been around for a long time"

I'm not certain which disease she was talking about, but could it be there haven't been major cases because people have been getting immunized for the last few decades???

I do not want her collecting any disability for her kids when measles, mumps, and rubella wreck havoc on her children's systems... There is now drug resistant measles opportunistic infections in children in Africa due to malaria infections... Global Health...

[Still BLUTANG]

this whole situation bothers me so much. its on the news here EVERY YEAR and you would think that parents maybe kinda sorta know that kids need shots. these kids have been out of school since late august. LATE AUGUST because their parents/guardians don't care enough about them to follow simple rules. There is no excuse. These people weren't there because they objected to vaccinations or had religious exemptions. They were willing to let their kids miss 3 months of school, for what? Shame.

There was even one idiot on the evening news complaining because she had to take the bus (taxi? something) out there. Why are you complaining about taking a BUS when your CHILD has been out of school since AUGUST. grrrrrrr.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The autism myth aside . . . .

I just can't go there. I know what the research has shown so far, but I also know of too many parents who can pretty much peg the changes they saw in their children to the time they got certain vaccinations. We can.

I'm not saying, nor will I say, that vaccines "cause" autism. I think we are likely to figure out eventually that autism is caused by a number of genetic factors that come into play, but I also think that we will find that many environmental factors, including perhaps some vaccines, can act as triggers or help create the perfect storm in some kids.

I completely go along with the reason for vaccines, but if we had it to do over again, I'm not sure what we'd do. I do think we would delay some of the vaccines at the least.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I just can't go there. I know what the research has shown so far, but I also know of too many parents who can pretty much peg the changes they saw in their children to the time they got certain vaccinations. We can.

I'm not saying, nor will I say, that vaccines "cause" autism. I think we are likely to figure out eventually that autism is caused by a number of genetic factors that come into play, but I also think that we will find that many environmental factors, including perhaps some vaccines, can act as triggers or help create the perfect storm in some kids.

I completely go along with the reason for vaccines, but if we had it to do over again, I'm not sure what we'd do. I do think we would delay some of the vaccines at the least.

And that's why researchers are looking at the other factors, autism doesn't manifest itself until a certain age after all. It does make me wonder if perhaps it's a combination of the age, so the autism was ready to manifest, and the stimuli of getting a shot rather than the contents of it. Considering the dislike of many types of physical contact by autistics that could be a possibility. Don't know if any studies have been done down that line.

And really, I was referring more to those people who refuse to get little Bobby immunized because the internet told them about how it causes autism and refuse to listen to anyone else. At this point though, it can't be substantiated. Hell, maybe we're all wrong and it does cause autism, but if so there should be something to back it up, and some reason why everyone doesn't "catch" autism from them.

[SydneyK]

This has been a subject of much debate in my house. There is so much evidence on both sides that it's hard to know what to believe. I'm not a big fan of the way pharmaceutical companies seem to be trying to infiltrate every home, and it seems that, by requiring vaccines, the government is not only allowing this infiltration, but mandating it. So, that's frustrating. However, I understand why vaccines are important, and I'm all in favor of protecting our children from potentially deadly diseases.

I wish there were completely unbiased resources to turn to. Everything I've found seems to have some kind of spin on it, so like I said, it's hard to know what to believe.

As it is, our kids have gotten the required vaccinations at the suggested times. Fortunately, we've not seen any kind of negative reaction in either of them. If we had seen negative reactions, I'm not sure what we'd have done. And, since our younger child is still an infant (and therefore requires more vaccinations), I expect I'll continue to try to find a trustworthy source for answers.

I must admit, I'm glad to see that truant parents are being held accountable. At least, they're threatened as such (I've yet to see any indication that any parents have been sentenced to jail time for this). Given the fact that in this case, the government is allowing for religious/medical exceptions, there's no excuse for students missing so much school.

[AlphaFrog]

John is still due for his 9 month vaccinations, due to spending 6 hours at O'Hare when we should have been in Charlotte for his Dr. appt. I'm pretty sure that at 3, Mariana's past that critical point, but I'm wondering if I should do a little more research before getting John back on schedule.

MysticCat - What point/age did you notice a change in your son?

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

I do not want her collecting any disability for her kids when measles, mumps, and rubella wreck havoc on her children's systems... There is now drug resistant measles opportunistic infections in children in Africa due to malaria infections... Global Health...

well...what a lot of people forgot also was also here in MD are a few factors to think about:

1. Right around the beginning of the school year...several of them had to be shut down due to several diseases and infections were found in the student population.

2. Sorry to say this but something to consider, I wouldn't be surprised if part of the population that hasn't been immunized are made up of illegal immigrants. One of my best friends are teahcing in a school full of kids who are otherwise not legal in the US and he tells me that a lot of the kids stay sick....we discussed this very topic last weekend and he said that Baltimore City will be next more than likely in doing the same thing.

3. Insurance.... a lot of people cannot afford to get these shots and some even refuse to go to the free clinic....why? I do not know...something else my and my friend discussed last week.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

And really, I was referring more to those people who refuse to get little Bobby immunized because the internet told them about how it causes autism and refuse to listen to anyone else.

I know you were, and I see that point. My hunch, FWIW, is that some kids carry a genetic predisposition for autism spectrum disorders, and I think it's quite possible that some combination of enviromental factors (vaccines? diet/food additives?something else?) triggers that predisposition. But I think it is far from a simple answer.

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

MysticCat - What point/age did you notice a change in your son?

Around 3.

And being the proud dad that I am, let me add that now, at 10, he is doing very, very well. He still has his challenges, especially with navigating social cues and non-verbal language, but he really is doing well.

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

I wish there were completely unbiased resources to turn to. Everything I've found seems to have some kind of spin on it, so like I said, it's hard to know what to believe.

Have you looked into Dr. Sears' The Vaccine Book? I haven't personally read it, but some of my friends have and they say it's one of the more balanced books on vaccinations out there. He does have a pro-vax lean, but is also for delaying/omitting some.

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Around 3.

And being the proud dad that I am, let me add that now, at 10, he is doing very, very well. He still has his challenges, especially with navigating social cues and non-verbal language, but he really is doing well.

May I ask, was it a sudden change? Had he been a "normal" infant/toddler until that point? I think every parent worries most about that potential - their seemingly "normal" child just one day "changes" (for lack of a better word) into a completely different child.

I think it's wonderful he's doing so well, and obviously has a dad (and family) who care very much for him.

[nikki1920]

As a former PG County resident:
this happens every year. There are free shot clinics, notices sent out in every language imaginable and info sent on how to opt out of the requirement for religious or medical reasons.

If a parent has gone this long without getting the kid vaccinated, then yes, fine them or lock them up. We have this issue every year and I refuse to believe parents who say they didnt know about this. I also dont buy the argument that they cant afford it. If your child has Medicaid, its included in well baby/child checkups. If your kid doesnt qualify for Medicaid, the County always has shot clinics during the summer, during school, during breaks, etc. I think a lot of it is laziness and or ignorance on the part of the parents.