Moms: Understanding Vaccines and Autism

Hamilton-Wenham Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Hamilton and Wenham.

Each week in , local mothers take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in to read this week's question. Below is how local mothers answered, but we want to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comment box below and share your thoughts.

Question: A recent report by retired MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour host Robert MacNeil has reignited the debate about childhood vaccines. The report focused on MacNeil’s daughter, Alison, who said her son was developing fine until receiving the DTaP, MMR and Hib vaccinations at 15 months and soon thereafter began showing signs of Autism.

Do you share Alison MacNeil’s concerns about vaccinations? Have you or anyone else you know made a decision to forgo vaccinations or alter their child’s vaccination schedule because of concerns about Autism? What things should be considered when considering the benefits of vaccination versus the concerns about Autism?

: While on the road over the April vacation, I heard an interview on the radio with Robert MacNeill about his week long series of reports on the MacNeill/Lehrer Newshour. I did not have the opportunity to see the actual reports on public TV, however.

Yes, the topic of the vaccine schedule and combining of vaccines is of concern. I do know parents who have altered the schedule and a few that skipped the Chicken Pox vaccine all together.

With my 9-year-old, I asked the doctor to spread out the vaccines, but was talked out of it. Fortunately, my son did not develop Autism or I would have always been left to wonder.

I do believe vaccines may play a role in triggering Autism in some children who are already predisposed genetically to it. Since we do not know, yet, who is and who is not predisposed to Autism, everyone should follow their instincts on what to do. I also believe diet may play a role helping alleviate some symptoms. 

I recommend Jenny McCarthy's book “Louder Than Word,” not because it gives any answers, but it gives encouragement to follow your mothering instincts and advocate for your child.

: These Mom's Talks can hit some touchy subjects. This is a subject that is very complicated because it is not as simple as scientific evidence informing the public about the correct choices to make. I think the answer lies in a parent’s own research of studies (and who is funding them) and their gut instinct.

For my children, I chose a delayed immunization schedule. I do believe that immunizations have changed the world and saved many lives, but I feel that too many shots are given to children at a young age. Our children's shot schedule I created with help of my supportive doctor. My children only got one shot per visit so their bodies could adjust to the shot.