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Vaccine Information

If you have a child with a brain injury and/or seizure disorder you may need to rethink how you immunize them. Children with no known disorders can have complications from vaccinations so it would seem obvious that you need to be cautious with your special needs child. You would think that the medical profession as a whole would warn you and inform you about this issue but this happens very little. KidPower is providing the information on this page to help the parent make an informed decision. We do not promote foregoing vaccinations all together but do want you, the parent, to know the risks associated with some of these vaccines so that YOU can make the final decision based on what would be best for your child.

VACCINE WARNINGS

The following are some warnings to parents about what could possibly happen when your child is given these vaccines. Please consult your physician about this information but remember the final decision is ultimately yours. This is your child and you should do what you think is best. Follow your instincts.

The Pertussis vaccine, which is contained in the DTP shot, is known to cause seizures in some children. Children who already have a brain injury or seizure disorder are better off receiving the DT shot without the pertussis so as not to cause further damage or problems. There is also a new version of the DTP shot called the DTaP. This contains an accellular pertussis that does not cause as severe a reaction as the live pertussis in the DTP vaccine. Though the DTaP has been shown to have fewer risks, caution should still be used. Seizures caused by the Pertussis vaccine are documented and this is a reaction listed on the information sheet given out to parents.

The oral Polio vaccine has been shown to cause polio in some children. If your child has an immune problem or is around anyone who has an immune problem they should have the injectible polio vaccine. The injectible is now recommended over the oral.

The MMR or Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine has also caused seizures in some children. From personal experience with my son who experienced his first febrile seizures 8 days after his first MMR shot and from testimonies of two other mothers who experienced similar circumstances with their children I would strongly suggest careful consideration of this vaccination.

Varisellis or chicken pox vaccine should not be given to anyone who is on a steriod type medication.

Another concern is that children are given too many vaccinations at one visit. Spreading out the injections over several months helps to protect the child's immune system from being overwhelmed.

Parents have also become concerned with the vaccines that are combined, such as the MMR and/or the DTaP. These are bound together by a preservative, thimerosal, that contains mercury which can cause the mercury level in the child to become elevated. This is one of the concerns being looked into because of the possible autism link.

Remember that the decision whether or not to vaccinate your child is yours. If you feel the vaccinations would be more detrimental to your child then helpful you can talk to your physician about writing exemptions for your child. When your child starts school, you will have to have your physician write these every year. Be cautious, be informed.

Ask for thimerosal free vaccinations. They are becoming more widely available.

Links To More Information

About Vaccination Facts

Centers for Disease Control--National Immunization Program

Current Vaccine Issues

Exemption Information

FDA Kid's Vaccinations

Global Vaccine Awareness League

In Memory of Brandy Mae

Legal Aspects of Vaccinations: Waivers and Compensation

National Vaccine Information Center

Natural Mom Vaccination Information