However, they do not care for the chicken pox vaccine and do not recommend it because of the rise of chicken pox in colleges and the disastrous results that occur when an adult gets chicken pox. It is their opinion that the vaccine doesn't cover all kids and they prefer the kids just get the chicken pox young.
Unfortunately, even though I took both my girls to 3 different 'chicken pox' parties, they both caught only the very mildest form of the disease and are at great risk for shingles as an adult.
My oldest was infected with chicken pox the old fashioned way -- she was covered all over with the little pustules, looked very very nasty, but the only remaining scar is one that took one eyelash, it looks like a tiny animal took a bite out of her left eyelid, but you have to know where to look.
My son caught it as an infant, and the doc thought he might have been too young to get full immunity, so we gave him the vaccine on top of the case of chicken pox.
My husband had chicken pox but got shingles anyway. So did my daughter -- about 12 years after her case of chicken pox. Fortunately they both had very mild cases.
That. . .seems only to be, apparently; a matter of opinion or knowledge of fact. My daughter's Pediatrcian said - do not do 'flu' vaccines on her children (duh. . .) to young and because they are STILL using mercury in the shots that they were 'hyping'. Or maybe these are 'older' batches (?) Other Pediatricians simply do not go 'there'. I have also read, repeatedly. . .that while mercury is no longer used in a number of 'shots'; it has yet to be altogether abandoned.
So 'who to believe?' I don't know; but think it is all too easy for Doctors to be more than cavalier; as they consder what they think may be a 'greater good'. . .versus, alowing the Parents to weigh their options - so as to consider the probabilities of negative cause and effect.
From what I have read - and perhaps again a 'who knows' - that many (all?) flu shots etc. still are mercury based.
We can only wonder why 'autism' is on the rise. . .the stats here can no longer be excused as our simply being more aware; and the same applies for Alzheimers. That vaccines can 'never' be tainted. . .impure or just a 'bad batch'; and that those who receive them; are physically equal is unrealistic.
Much to think about; as seeking immediate protection may mean, more opportunity for future degenerative issues - whether it be child related. . .or the degenerative issues of aging adults.
And of course, not all body/physical constituions the same. What might prove quite damaging to one; may not impact another; but to ignore the possibilities and the respect of permitting one to weigh in truthfully on the matter; is medically inexcusable.
Shingles is caused by the chicken pox virus as I understand it. But not something one ‘catches’ from someone else - the virus lays dormant in the body and released, often the result of injury such as a fall.
I thought "chicken pox parties" were just something us crazy homeschoolers did. ;-) Actually, I've always thought they were a bad idea, and I was surprised when other moms I knew would go to them. But now I think maybe those moms had the right idea. I wish our eldest sons had caught chicken pox by now. Our eldest is turning 12 soon, so we're considering the vaccine before puberty sets in.
I had a really terrible case of chicken pox as a child, in fact it ruined my eyesight, but I still have had several cases of shingles.