Vaccinations
Sandra Melville (luthyen(AT)erols.com)
Tue, 10 Mar 1998 02:50:43 -0500
Just a few thoughts to share about vaccinations; and I say this knowing that my
own children would stand a chance of becoming ill with TM as a result of a fluke
response to the vacination: Since we have had vaccines, some diseases (i.e.
smallpox) have been virtually eradicated. In some cases, death and serious
lasting complications are prevented (polio, MMR, DPT). With some, we prevent the
complications that may occur later in life (Hep B). With some we prevent horrible
deaths should one contract the disease (tetanus, rabies). The odds are in favor
(in most cases) of most people having a favorable response to the vaccination.
Should they know that there are risks? Absolutly! and most states require you to
sign a little sheet saying you have been informed and understasnd them.The
different health conditions of the individual may change the risks of the
individual vaccine, and should be reviewed with your health care provider. But
the majority of folks respond well to the vaccinations and they do serve a useful
purpose: look at the death rates from the diseases discussed before we had the
vaccines.
STILL: once you have had TM, choices are still individual, just the odds change.
The medical field itself doesn't have consensus on that, as reflected by the
list. I've talked with two neurologuists. One said risks of recurrance/increased
injury if my body respnded to the flu was enough to warrant the shot; one said
the same about the injection causing a problem. They were saying that there was
some risk each way, and they couldn't really be sure. We should talk w/our
healthcare providers and find out their best advice for us individually.
Be well,
Sam