>>>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...
>>
>>Are you talking about the MMR triple vaccine? The British doctor who started the furore about this and links to autism a few years back was discredited. Can't be arsed looking it up but I seem to recall there was some legal action taken against him recently.
>>
>>My 2 kids have both had the 2 MMRs required. The UK govt is again pushing for all parents to take this up.
>
>Just goes to show that there are differing views in every place. Nicholas' kids had no vaccines (if I understood him correctly).

Must admit that we vacillated on the subject for a long time till the "research" was poo-pooed.

No disrespect to Nick but such parents are painted (by the authorities) as "ruining it for the rest" - ie preventing its universal efficacy.