The Flu Shot for Baby-Is it Necessary?

In our house, we have always been big proponents of the flu shot. We all get them every year. And, it is that time of year again. My husband works in the medical field, and in past years, he has had to be in contact with flu patients regularly. Since our children are young, we have always been cautious. In his current job, he is not in close contact with patients infected with the flu, although he does still work in a hospital. So, I found myself asking him if it was really necessary. I had never really questioned it … Continue reading →

Good and Bad News About Your Baby’s Ear Infection

When my daughter came down with her first ear infection as a baby she was in a tremendous amount of pain. Back then I did what most first-time moms would do, I high tailed it to the pediatrician and expected the doctor to help alleviate my baby’s discomfort and help heal her infection. However, instead of leaving the ped’s office with a handful of prescription antibiotics and a list of tried and true pain relieving techniques, all I went home with was a super cranky baby. My daughter’s doctor has a wait-and-see policy to avoid over-prescribing antibiotics to their young … Continue reading →

Flu Shots for Babies

I took my six-month-old to his pediatrician this morning for his checkup. As soon as all the vitals were checked we got onto the topic of vaccines. More specifically, the pediatrician wanted to debunk some common misconceptions about the flu vaccine, especially the H1N1. If you’ve watched the news lately, you know there is a lot of controversy surrounding the H1N1 vaccine. Many people are concerned that they will get sick from the vaccine. Others are concerned that it is “too new.” My pediatrician told me why both of these claims are false. Flu vaccinations only contain a “dead” form … Continue reading →

Ask for Thigh Injections

No one likes to take their child for shots, but it is just something that has to be done. As a parent, you are the first advocate for your child, so it is important to be aware of any issues that might surface. Sometime around the second birthday, most pediatric offices will switch the injection site for immunizations from the thigh to the arm. This may be because they believe that the child is old enough for the more convenient way to administer any shots. But there is good reason to ask the office if shots can still be administered … Continue reading →

Vaccines Not the Cause of Autism, Rules the Court

There is a lot of debate out there whether or not to vaccinate children. Some folks are big believers in vaccines (such as myself), while others fear them and a possible link to autism. Whichever side of the issue you are on, you’ll want to make note of this news. A special court ruled yesterday that there is no reason to blame shots on children’s autism, siting years of scientific evidence that showed no increase risk of autism from receiving vaccination. The special court, made up of special masters that serve on the U.S. Court of Claims, received evidence from … Continue reading →

Foods to Build Your Child’s Immunity

Starting early with good food can do more than just fight obesity. It can also help your child develop better, grow stronger and live longer as an adult. One thing that science is telling us more and more is that there are certain foods that are essential for building immunity. This means that feed your child well and she just may avoid all of the stomach viruses, respiratory infections and other illnesses that are rampant among play dates, preschool and day care this winter. Phytonutrients Phytonutrients are plant nutrients that have been shown to have the ability to stimulate the … Continue reading →

Guide to the Rotavirus Vaccine

When it comes to your baby, I am of the mindset that the more information you have at hand, the better chance you have of making the right decision for your baby. Immunization is a highly debated topic among some. Many parents choose not to vaccinate and are trying to enact laws that make it illegal for a child to be refused private daycare because of lack of immunization. Other parents believe wholeheartedly in the power of vaccinations to protect children from potentially fatal diseases and oppose measures that would allow non-vaccinated children to be enrolled in private day care … Continue reading →

Preparing for Shots

No one thinks going to the pediatrician is fun, whether it is for a sick visit or a well visit. If you are prepared, though, things can go a bit more smoothly, especially when it comes to your child getting shots. You’ll also be able to bring up topics of concern and get your questions answered, despite holding on to a squirming baby, toddler or preschooler. Here are some ways to be prepared for the pediatrician when it comes to shots. Dress your child appropriately. This will make the visit so much easier. Forget about impressing the staff or the … Continue reading →

One in Four Toddlers Improperly Vaccinated

CDC researchers are concerned because recent studies show that one in four toddlers are improperly vaccinated. Either they are missing doses or are given vaccinations too early or too late. However, the CDC is calling this a “wake up” call. Interestingly, one issue that the study discovered was that babies were being immunized too early. If a baby or toddler is immunized too early and/or has their shots too close together, the CDC counted them as invalid saying that there is a window of optimal response. If your baby has the shot too early, then the response might not be … Continue reading →

You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat it Too: Thoughts on Refusing Vaccines

Last month, I wrote about Hannah Polling, a girl whose vaccines caused her autism. Her parents won money from the Vaccine Injury Compensation program. It was a landmark case in part because it was one of the largest compensations for autism ever awarded. Autism advocacy groups were quick to print headlines that the CDC acknowledges that vaccines cause autism and the government was quick to tout studies that showed that vaccines don’t cause autism. Before this the big ‘vaccine’ news was mandatory vaccinations in New Jersey that sent several hundred parents to court to prove that their children had them. … Continue reading →