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AIBU?

MMR

111 replies

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:26

I don't want to start an argument or be judges/seen as judging others, but I could really do with some advice.

My brother was Autistic. He had Fragile X syndrome and after being tested I also tested positive for it, but my 'symptoms' are much milder than his were due to the fact that I have a healthy X chromosome to balance out the 'bad' one.

Now my question is on the MMR. I know the study linking MMR to Autism has been discredited, but OH's Aunt is a Caffcas worker and has seen parents who swear blind their child was healthy and happy and literally changed over night after having the MMR.

I, like any parent, only want the best for my daughter. She is 10 months old so will need to have it in a couple of months and I am still unsure what would be best.

All NHS guidelines recommend the combined injection, but obviously they would do. But, once given, this isn't something that can be taken back if there is a problem.

But with the single vaccines, the NHS website states there is an ncteased risk of my daughter catching one of the diseases before she is immunised and they mentioned that all the clinics which offer the single vaccines are unlicensed, so obviously that has scared me!

I know this is long and I sound like a PFB mother (which I am!) but I just don't know what to do.

Help me please?

OP posts:
Livingintheburbmum · 09/01/2013 19:29

What do you want to do OP? Ignore family members.

KobayashiMaru · 09/01/2013 19:33

Have the MMR. If there was any link, it would be known by now, there has been more research into the mmr than any other vaccine. It's as safe as vaccines can be.
Risks of measles are real and documented and much higher than any risk of vaccine damage.

Put it simply, you've got 2 guns to shoot at your kid, one has a one in 5000 chance of harming them, one has a one in 1 million chance of harming them. Which do you pick?

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:34

I geninuely don't know what to do, which I think the problem is. If I knew what I wanted, I would stand my ground and go for it, but I really don't know what to do :/

OP posts:
RyleDup · 09/01/2013 19:36

Thats hard. Has your dd been tested for fragile X?

MrsTerryPratchett · 09/01/2013 19:39

Hi Laly you must be worried with a family history of Fragile X. It is a very difficult thing to deal with. You know that this syndrome is genetic and isn't caused by vaccination. Can you sit down with a trusted HCP and discuss this? Does your DB have a SW or HCP you could talk to who could reassure you?

CaptChaos · 09/01/2013 19:39

Laly sit down and work out the pros and cons and make your own decision.

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:39

Kobay that is a very good point about research. I never thought of it like that before.

Ryle no we haven't had her tested yet. I'm not even sure how I would go about that? I was young when I was tested for it.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 09/01/2013 19:39

I think you need to speak to health care professionals rather than post on AIBU where things are likely to get quite heated.

My understanding is there is no mumps injection available in this country and its only in the MMR?

Personally, especially given the rise in cases of measles I would get the vaccinations. But it is your choice (and your partners of course) to do what you feel is best.

Pickles101 · 09/01/2013 19:40

WTAF.

You say that "obviously" the NHS would recommend the combined vaccine over the individual courses. Because they want to poison us all, presumably?
But the fact that having individual injections could leave your baby open to risk of catching of the other diseases MMR would also prevent has scared you!? Well that's why the NHS recommends the combined vaccine, isn't it!? Hmm

StarvingBookworm · 09/01/2013 19:40

Shortly after DS had his MMR he seemed to change - tantrums and all sorts of not-like-him behaviour. I was recommended the chapter from the Wonder Weeks (leap 9 I think) which is all about the developmental changes children go through at this age (ie MMR age). He was also grumpy and miserable from the MMR for a while, so combining those things I can see how a child may be seen to "change literally overnight".

There have been studies done with first birthday party videos in which children who developed signs of autism after the MMR are seen to be showing signs at a year, it's just that it's harder to spot in a baby.

Pickles101 · 09/01/2013 19:41

Sorry for fulfilling Sirzy's predictions and getting a bit heated. Takes chill pill

ladyintheradiator · 09/01/2013 19:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:44

MrsTP my brother died ten years ago, so I don't have any contact with his old health team.

I think I'm leaning towards having the MMR, but am just terrified with all these stories and the fact that she may already have Autism and the immunisation could exacerbate it, IYSWIM?

I know its a decision only my aoH and I can make, but thank you for listening and advising xx

OP posts:
GoldPlatedNineDoors · 09/01/2013 19:44

What are the signs to look for in one so young?

Dd has been scheduoed for her MMR in a fortnight. I'll admit, I am wary, even though I know it has been scrupulously researched.

RyleDup · 09/01/2013 19:45

I'd talk to your gp about it op, if you want dd to have a referral to be tested. I'd also talk to him/her about the pros and cons of the mmr versus the singles, plus your family history of fragile x, and see if you can reach a conclusion/ put your mind at rest, from that.

StarlightMcKenzie · 09/01/2013 19:45

Vaccine damage is a very real (tiny) risk and is more likely in children who are less healthy than average.

Risks stats are based on populations not individuals and reporting is based on politics. OP, I would investigate and research and apply your knowledge on an individual basis. There is no risk-free option.

whois · 09/01/2013 19:45

I know the study linking MMR to Autism has been discredited

but OH's Aunt is a Caffcas worker and has seen parents who swear blind their child was healthy and happy and literally changed over night after having the MMR.

You say it yourself. Study disproven, no other evidence has come to light.

If you're not going to get MMR then just pay privately for the separate vaccines if it will put your mind at rest (over a non exist any problem).

gordyslovesheep · 09/01/2013 19:46

Vaccine CAN cause damage - this is well publicised by the NHS and given as side effects - it is RARE but I am sure your aunt HAS met the odd family with vaccine damaged children - and possibly ones with children damaged by the illnesses as well

MMR does not cause Autism though

The Gov does not want to harm children on mass - it wants to offer totally free of charge vaccines to prevent your child, and others, being damaged by disease and illness

in other countries people pay for this or their children die

be thankful you have the NHS and the luxury of wibbling about life saving options

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:47

Pickles I only meant that the NHS obviously recommend the combined vaccine as they say there is no harm in it. It they were to say there is no harm and then offer the single vaccines it would undermine their claims that there is nothing wrong with it, if that makes sense?

I didn't mean there was some conspiracy to kill us all via mass immunisation xx

OP posts:
Bubblegum78 · 09/01/2013 19:48

Choosing my words carefully...

All vaccines are tested thoroughly before use on humans.

Autism and Fragile X are syndromes not diseases, you cannot "catch/develop" these things from vaccines, you are BORN with them but they do not become apparent until 16 months + that is why some swear blind their children were fine beforehand.

These diagnosis are extremly frightening and a huge shock, most peoples immediate reaction is to blame the first thing they can think of.

There is NO link.

How would you feel however if your child died from Measles, Mumps or Reubella?

There is currently a measels epidemic, also whooping cough and they are now telling women over 6+ months pregnant to have the combined flu vaccine due to the recent flu pandemic.

ALL of my children have had the MMR vaccine and are fine. I would make the same choice again, no question.

clicketyclick66 · 09/01/2013 19:52

OP, I waited until each of my children were 4yo before I let them have the MMR. Like you, I was worried about Autism.
My dd1 was diagnosed with Aspergers but her symptoms were traced back to long before she had her first injection.
I fretted and worried all the time prior to them getting the vaccines - then immense relief each time once a few days had passed and they were fine.
Now I regret leaving them so long, I realise all along I left them open to getting these diseases.
My advice is to just go ahead and get your dd vaccinated then forget about it!

Pickles101 · 09/01/2013 19:53

Laly what your saying makes sense, but I'm sorry to say that it just isn't true. I understand that your concerns aren't unfounded, but that doesn't mean your daughter will become sick because you vaccinate her.

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3monkeys3 · 09/01/2013 19:54

My ds1 has probable hfa - not diagnosed atm as he is extremely high functioning and coping very well, but we are discussing going down the diagnosis route before he starts school this September. My dd is showing signs now too - again, very high functioning. I have chosen to have ds2 vaccinated separately - I don't actually blame the MMR, but wanted to take it out of the equation for ds2 so if he turned out to be on the spectrum I would know, absolutely, that it was not the MMR that caused it.

Get the measles jab first, as soon as she is old enough - that is the riskiest illness by far - rubella and mumps are less of a risk, so it is less worrying to wait the 6 weeks inbetween jabs for them.

LalyRawr · 09/01/2013 19:54

Thanks for all the opinions guys, I am leaning towards the MMR, I think I'm just being paranoid/precious and needed someone to tell me that.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 09/01/2013 19:55

Very sorry for your loss Laly.

There are people who swear blind that all sorts of things are true. If you are interested in why and how bad we are at assessing evidence, read Ben Goldacre's book.

I worked for SS and worked with people with LD. I have seen one person who was vaccine damaged. Lots more damaged by diseases. None where the MMR caused damage. IMO vaccines, anesthetics and antibiotics are the best things about living today medically. We should be very grateful for them.

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