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Are vaccines the cause of autism?”, “Is there a link between vaccines and learning disorders in children?”, “Do you think a vaccine caused my child’s attention problem?” These are real questions I am often asked as a pediatric psychologist specializing in neurodevelopment and learning disorders.
“Is this vaccine safe?”, “What is the viral load of this combination vaccine?”, “Will my child’s health be compromised by this vaccine?” These are the questions I ask myself, as a mother of a young child each time I take her to the pediatrician.
Most children receive close to 30 vaccinations by the time they reach grade school. There has been increased media attention about the possible causative links between vaccines and medical complications, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Much of the media focus has been on the mercury-based preservative, thimerosal, which was used in manufacturing many childhood vaccines until 2001.
In addition, speculation in the media about the possible connection between MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) and autistic spectrum disorders has fueled the unease many parents feel about the combination of immunizations given to their children. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported that there is not enough scientific evidence to link vaccines and autism (www.cdc.gov/vaccines).
How can parents gain a greater sense of control and confidence about vaccinating their children? Many parents I have spoken to find that educating themselves about vaccinations and illness prevention is the first step in making informed decisions, as well as navigating the fear of immunizing their children. Here are some tips:
Do keep in mind that pediatric immunizations prevent millions of deaths worldwide among children.
Make learning about vaccinations part of parenting preparedness. Know the basics about each vaccine, spacing out your child’s vaccines, the optimal times for your child to receive the vaccines, and how vaccines work (www.hhs.gov/nvpo) (www.cdc.gov/nip).
Read website information with a critical eye. Try to determine who is sponsoring the website and their information sources (e.g., drug manufacturer, service provider, university research team, private organization, government agency). Know the background of the website’s featured authors.
Do consider religious or philosophical issues and know your rights as a parent regarding medical decisions for your child, including the decision to vaccinate your child (www.vaccineethics.org). The initial decision parents make regarding the baby’s first vaccination often is made within 24 hours of the child’s birth (e.g., Hepatitis B Vaccine).
Do take responsibility for tracking your child’s immunization history. Keep an organized binder of your child’s medical history and immunization records—including the names of each vaccine, date given, and the vaccine lot number.
Review immunization requirements for school, day-care, and camp programs far ahead of the deadlines. That way, the vaccines can be appropriately scheduled.
Know which immunizations your child is scheduled for before you enter the pediatrician’s office. If you don’t understand why your child needs a vaccination, or if you have questions about “catching up” with missed immunizations, share these concerns with the physician and/or nurse practitioner, if possible, before the start of the office visit and not in front of your child.
Children listen to and feel the emotional energy of their parents. Try not to transfer any anxiety or unease you may have about vaccinations to your child.
Ask your pediatrician to review the benefits and risks of vaccines. Be specific and clear about any concerns you may have regarding vaccines—don’t generalize. Be prepared to explain which (if any) vaccine(s) you have the most concerns about, why you are concerned, choices to consider, and what support or information you would like from the pediatrician.
Ask the pediatrician about any medical conditions, recent illnesses, allergies, and familial or genetic factors which may make your child more vulnerable to a vaccine reaction. Report any known familial incidence of vaccine reactions and review the procedure for reporting an adverse reaction.
Most important, establish a positive working relationship with your child’s physician. Choose a pediatrician with whom you feel comfortable enough to be open and honest about parenting and health concerns.
Sherry Skyler Kelly, PhD, is a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in developmental and learning disorders. Dr. Kelly can be contacted at sfbphd@aol.com
