>I cannot believe I'm using the UT to ask this question, but since many out here have kids....
>
>In a few months, we'll be facing the issue of immunizations. We haven't decided if our daughter will go to a public school or private school, so we don't know if we'll be facing the public school regulations or not.
>
>Generally, I'm in favor of immunizations, feeling (as a layman) that the benefits far outweight the risks.
>My only hesitation is that I have a few very intelligent friends, VERY intelligent, who are absolutely opposed to childhood vaccines (health risks including risk of autism) and have not vaccinated their children. These people are extremely devoted to their children - as a matter of fact, they "seem" like some of the best parents I've ever seen and are raising what appear to be extremely bright children - but they were opposed to childhood shots.
>
>My response to these people was that the (limited) research I did concluded that the risk is virtually zero if vaccines are spread out according to generally accepted medical guidelines.
>
>Like I said, my gut instinct is still to listen to the very doctors whom I'm sure also gain as a result. (I don't mind if doctors get rich on their advice, so long as their advice is medically sound).
>
>So anyway....as one whose medical knowledge extends to being able to quote TV doctors, has anyone looked into this further, and has some suggestions?
>
>thanks...

FWIW, I am 64. In grade two I had a polio shot and later a booster from a needle that was dipped into a solution between injections for injectees. In the RCAF I was given TABTD which is five immunants mixed together in one pneumatic injection and since then, without hesitation, I get a flu shot every fall. Unless the recipient has an alergy to eggs, the odds are greatly in favour of successful immunization. But, in the end, it is your call.