15 Month Well Check

Today Kyle is 15 months old!  Happy Birthday little guy!  Kyle went for his 15 month well check today, and came out with a clean bill of health!  He is 25 lbs. 1oz., and 33.5" tall.  He is in the 50-75% for weight, and the 97% for height.  His numbers have always been off the charts since he was born, so these are "normal" numbers for him.  He's a big boy!

Today we told the doctor that we have decided to stop vaccinating Kyle.  I was very anxious today, not knowing what kind of a response to expect.  I know that some pediatricians will literally kick you out of their practice if you do not vaccinate, and there have even been accounts of pediatricians calling Child Protective Services for child abuse...for not vaccinating your child.  How obserd!  Parents should be able to make an informed decision and not be made to feel guilty for doing so.  Our doctor is very nice, and I didn't expect there to be any drama...but I wasn't sure...

The Dr. was very nice about the whole thing.  He listened to our concerns, and didn't make us feel bad for our decision.  He understood that we had valid concerns, although he still held his position of recommending the vaccinations.  I respect his recommendation, but we have decided not to take it.  He was honest and said he didn't have a response when I mentioned that the people who are recommending these vaccinations (CDC, FDA, and the manufactures) have done some shady things in the past with contaminated vaccinations.  My point about it was...what contaminants might be in these vaccines now that we won't find out about for another 10 years that are harmful...?  He couldn't answer that question...nor did I expect him to!  But, it's a valid concern.  He said that honestly these diseases we are vaccinating for are rare, but of course can (not will) have complications if you get them.  He basically told us that we have to weigh the benefits and risks both ways, and decide which risk to take.  Are the vaccines a bigger risk, or getting a not so common disease that could have complications...?  Of course we told him that we thought the risks of the vaccines were higher.  He could tell that I had done my homework, and there was no talking us out of our decision.

He didn't fight us at all, or make us feel stupid for our choice.  We actually discussed the topic a bit, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be after all!  The Dr. was very respectful, and had me sign a form saying that I was declining the vaccinations for Kyle today.  He was supposed to get a DPaT booster, and a Hep A vaccine today.  He also recommended the flu vaccine, which we also declined.  I assume that every visit where vaccines are routine, I will have to sign that form declining the vaccines.

He told us flat out that some practices kick patients out who decide not to vaccinate, but this practice has decided that the kids that don't vaccinate need a doctor too.  So, they try to support the decision, even though it goes against their recommendation.  It makes me feel good that this is their position, and that they genuinely care for the kids!  It clearly isn't all about money at this office, which is really nice to confirm!  Our doctor said that if we ever change our mind and decide to vaccinate, they can do it at any time.

It was a good day, and I have a happy and healthy baby!  It was really nice coming home with a healthy baby today...one who wasn't fussy, or running a fever from shots!  What a relief!  :)