I think most of us can agree that being anti-vaccination is bat shit crazy. However, I want to address something far less dangerous, but also far more common - the alternative vaccine schedule.
The alternative vaccine schedule was developed by Robert Sears as a means of giving parents more control over their kids vaccinations. In short, parents who don't want to give their kids multiple vaccinations at once are given an option to spread out vaccinations over a longer period of time. Our pediatrician gave us this option, and I was a bit surprised. Having done some research, and spoken to a couple of experts on the subject, I have found basically no scientific evidence supporting this alternate schedule. Rather, I am simply delaying protecting my kids from diseases past the point research has indicated it is safe to protect them.
To the extent that this takes an otherwise anti-vaxxer "mom knows best" type and allows them to be comfortable vaccinating kids, it's a step in the right direction. However, when my pediatrician is offering me - a sane parent - this option as though it is something I should reasonably consider, I am a little perturbed.
Does anyone know of any evidence to support the use of the alternative schedule? How do you feel about it?
I personally feel that anti-vaxxers are guilty of child abuse, and should be dealt with accordingly. Do any of you share this sentiment? Do you think anything similar about people that would use an alternative (delayed) vaccine schedule?
The alternative vaccine schedule was developed by Robert Sears as a means of giving parents more control over their kids vaccinations. In short, parents who don't want to give their kids multiple vaccinations at once are given an option to spread out vaccinations over a longer period of time. Our pediatrician gave us this option, and I was a bit surprised. Having done some research, and spoken to a couple of experts on the subject, I have found basically no scientific evidence supporting this alternate schedule. Rather, I am simply delaying protecting my kids from diseases past the point research has indicated it is safe to protect them.
To the extent that this takes an otherwise anti-vaxxer "mom knows best" type and allows them to be comfortable vaccinating kids, it's a step in the right direction. However, when my pediatrician is offering me - a sane parent - this option as though it is something I should reasonably consider, I am a little perturbed.
Does anyone know of any evidence to support the use of the alternative schedule? How do you feel about it?
I personally feel that anti-vaxxers are guilty of child abuse, and should be dealt with accordingly. Do any of you share this sentiment? Do you think anything similar about people that would use an alternative (delayed) vaccine schedule?
Alternative vaccine schedule supported by science?
