I never knew that this was a heated topic among moms. But, one of my mom friends told me she was at a play group when the topic came up, and tempers flared. I began researching the topic and couldn't believe how much information was out there -- on both sides of the argument. So many reports, so many differing opinions, makes it all so overwhelming. So, what of it? I just read that more and more parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. Do any of you fall into that category? And, why the trend?

I don't have children, but as far as my mothering skills go, I intend on still getting my children vaccinated. But I haven't been thinking about vaccinations so I haven't noticed a trend of not getting them.

I got my children vaccinated. Usually it is a topic I avoid with people. I look at it as protection for my children. We travel outside of the country, including Latin America, so for us, I feel it's a good thing. That is as far as I am going to say...don't have any interest in a heated debate over it.

Myspirit-- mine are vaccinated as well. Funny, I never realized that this was such a heated topic...

It is quite the debate but I figure - the diseases that the babies are vaccinated against - are nothing I want to be messing with if they catch it. Do they really cause Autism or has medicine advanced so far that now children are able to be diagnosed with all the different kinds of autism there are out there??? It is definately a heated discussion and one that people can take way to far I think. It's like do you have your baby at home or at the hospital?? Well - You don't always know that there won't be a last minute problem and I know for me - I would rather be in a hospital where there are only seconds between my child having a problem and the help to reach it over being at home when it could take several minutes for an ambulance to arrive and then you still need to have the baby transported to the hospital... but hey - I'm sure since I don't "have" kids - my opinion doesn't count....

This was quite the topic of discussion amongst the moms at the daycare I used to work at. Especially when they found out that one of the kiddos in my class was NOT vaccinated. As in, never. I'm not really sure how I feel about it, but my son has all of his shots and will continue to do so. The new baby will as well. I have no strong feelings about it mostly because I just haven't bothered to research it. I vaccinate because I grew up believing "it's just what you do." *shrug*

I've researched this topic and found out more information on vaccinations than I would have liked. However, I feel that now that I am informed, I am better able to make an educated decision on the matter and still feel that it is best to vaccinate my children. Of course, it is a personal choice, and I don't think a parent should be judged on whether or not they vaccinate their children.

Noelle,
From what I know about you so far, you are a mom to more kids than I am...bringing breakfast to kids when they haven't been fed and clothes when they need them, and I could just go on and on. Just wanted to throw that out there, that you are probably way more qualified than I am to talk about parenting. Your opinion absolutely counts!!!

Thanks for your input. In my eyes, you are an expert...

I think it's really ridiculous not to vaccinate our children.

Especially when there are so many children in other countries that if they had vaccinations, could literally save their lives !!

All it does is help build an immunity for the body.

Although, if someone chooses not to, it's their choice !