As a functional medicine doctor, I often hear from parents, especially young mothers, who are seeking guidance on the childhood vaccine schedule. My approach is always to encourage informed, individualized decisions based on each child’s unique health profile.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Vaccines are not a one-size-fits-all solution. To make the best decision for your child, it is essential to consider:
- The ingredients in each vaccine.
- The risk of the disease, including its prevalence and severity by age (e.g., an infant has no risk of an STD).
- The risk of the vaccine versus the disease (e.g., rotavirus is a significant issue in developing countries but far less so in the U.S.).
- Research on long-term health impacts, such as increased rates of food allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children (e.g., studies by Dr. Paul Thomas and the Children’s Health Defense organization).
Individual Risk Factors
Some children may be at a higher risk for adverse reactions to vaccines due to genetic predisposition, immune function, and overall health status. Consider the following factors:
Family History:
- Autism, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), ADD/ADHD
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes)
- Degenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Allergies or chemical sensitivities
- Seizures or neurological disorders
Child’s Health Status:
- C-section birth or antibiotic exposure at birth
- Prematurity or lack of breastfeeding
- Skin conditions like eczema or chronic rashes
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, colic, or IBS
- History of hyperbilirubinemia
- Food allergies, skin sensitivities, or poor sleep
- Developmental delays (speech, motor function, tone, sensory issues, or lack of eye contact)
- Nutrient deficiencies impacting immune function
- Exposure to environmental toxins like glyphosate in food
The Issue of Chronic Low-Dose Exposure
Most toxicity studies focus on high-dose exposure, but research is increasingly recognizing the silent impact of low-dose accumulation over time. Injecting small amounts of toxins repeatedly may contribute to chronic health issues. For example:
- Aluminum: A known neurotoxin found in many vaccines. Study
- Formaldehyde: Classified as a carcinogen. Fact Sheet
- Glutaraldehyde: Another toxic ingredient with potential long-term effects. More Info
Repeated exposure to these and other substances may contribute to long-term immune dysregulation, gut flora imbalances, and systemic inflammation.
Educate Yourself
It is crucial for parents to do their own research and make informed choices. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- List of vaccine ingredients: Oregon.gov Pharmacy
- Research on cumulative toxicity: Study
- Chronic illness trends in U.S. youth: Children’s Health Defense
Final Thoughts
Every parent wants to protect their child’s health. Understanding the risks and benefits of vaccines, considering your child’s unique medical history, and being aware of potential chronic exposure risks can help you make the best decision for your family. If you need further guidance, contact our office for personalized support.
