[Harrison Bergeron]

Given the prevalancy of Hep B in hospital workers, it would seem that hospital vaccinations for newborns, for whom this disease represents a mortal threat, might be prudent.

I find the level and quality of scientific information put out by the vaccination alarmists slighly below that of the environmentalists. You want to see, firsthand, the results of poor or absent child vaccination programs? Travel around the world a little bit and see the deaf, blind, and retarded young people who had measles as baies, or the cripples who had polio.

[arkfreepdom]

Not to mention that these people who don't vaccinate their children only get away with it because enough others do to keep herd immunity high.

[volchef]

As I said, I had my kids vaccinated and will have my third vaccinated against hepatitis, because I also believe it can be transmitted by casual contact in rare incidences. However, I do think that mothers and fathers should be given a serious list of pros and cons instead of just the "Because the CDC is telling you to, that's why" routine.

[afz400]

How many hospital workers have hepatitis B? Why are they allowed to work in a hospital environment with a contageous disease? Perhaps communities need to take a hard look at exactly who is working in local hospitals.

[mom of 2 GOP kids]

Given the prevalancy of Hep B in hospital workers, it would seem that hospital vaccinations for newborns, for whom this disease represents a mortal threat, might be prudent. I find the level and quality of scientific information put out by the vaccination alarmists slighly below that of the environmentalists. You want to see, firsthand, the results of poor or absent child vaccination programs? Travel around the world a little bit and see the deaf, blind, and retarded young people who had measles as baies, or the cripples who had polio.

I have to agree with you. Notice in these posts that all the medically educated people are encouraging immunizations. (doctors, nurses, etc) Maybe because they know something that lay people don't?

The problem is, people won't immunize their kids, then when they come down with hep, TB, whatever, SUE THE DOCTOR!

Also, regarding "newborns contracting hepatitis", although newborns run an increased risk of contracting anything due to immature immune systems, these immunizations are to protect, not just through "newbornhood" but through childhood and beyond, with the proper boosters. By the way, I was immunized (hospital worker)as was my husband (doctor) and we are no worse for the wear. Also my youngest son was and had no adverse reactions - and we, knowing the risks and benefits had no qualms about doing so. My oldest wasn't because they immunize for Hep B "way" back then. But due to his chosen profession (medicine) I'm sure he will be when the time comes.

The fact is, there are risks in EVERYTHING. Go get in your car today and you are risking death in an accident. The question here is: Do the risks outweigh the benefits? I say no. The benefits are clear. The risk, minimal. Although the choice is up to the individual, I believe those who don't choose to immunize their children are doing them a disservice.

[Marie]

I have no problem with vaccinations if they really do what they are supposed to do. My (then) nine year old was current on all her vaccinations and still contracted measles while staying at a German hospital. When I asked an American doctor how this happened he said, "It probably wasn't really measles. There are other things that could cause similar symptoms." When I told him that the German doctors had verified measles with a blood test, he said, "I sincerely doubt it."

The bottom line is that she had three measles vaccinations and she still got measles. How many children have had this problem and been misdiagnosed or ignored? How can the medical establishment deal with an issue if they won't even admit that it exists?

I'm not a paraniod person and I do believe that doctors and scientists have the public's best interest at heart, but (due to personal experience) I now have serious reservations and trust issues with vaccines.

[linn37]

I work at the Hospital(lab tech) I've had my shots its part of the job requirement. It makes me feel pretty damn safe when working on Hepatitis patients. Now if they can only invent a vaccine for aids. My kids have also had their shots with no side effects at all.

[joathome]

I'm not against vaccines. I agree with you that folks should take a look around the world to see what happens when kids are vaccinated. It's easy for a parent not to vaccinate here, since there is virtually NO risk, because other parents have THEIR kids vaccinated!

The problem is that we are being asked to vaccinate kids with vaccines that carry risk when the potential for benefit is low. My kids are NOT at risk for Hep B. Furthermore, if I had to vaccinate again, I would vaccinate on my OWN timetable, when my babies were older and stronger.