How to Decide Whether to Vaccinate Your Child

With recent claims linking vaccinations to autism, seizures, brain damage and even death, one of the most difficult decisions a parent can make is whether to immunize her child. Here's how to decide what's best for your family.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• A pediatrician

How to Decide Whether to Vaccinate Your Child

1. Visit the Center for Disease Control's website and read the risks and benefits for each vaccination.

2. Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician to discuss any concerns you might have regarding vaccinations.

3. During your meeting with the pediatrician, ask for the package inserts for all upcoming vaccines. Take them home and take the time to read through them.

4. Contact a local autism support group. Ask how many parents believe vaccines caused their children's autism.

5. Visit reputable websites that argue both sides of the debate. Beware of sites that don't have a medical affiliation.

6. Contact a local school district and ask which vaccines are required to register for school. Ask about your state's exemption policy.

7. After your research, make a pros and cons list for each vaccine. Ask yourself if the risks outweigh the benefit.

8. Call your pediatrician with any follow up questions.

Tips & Warnings

• When reading studies that link vaccines to autism, be aware that correlation does not necessarily mean causation. Draw your own conclusions.

Resources

• The Center for Disease Control
• Austism Speaks

[amethystautumn]

on 11/14/2009 Vaccines don't cause autism. Genetics cause autism.

[debstips]

on 10/5/2009 Thank you again!This is a very helpful,informative article.5*