I never had a fleeting thought about vaccinations, for pets or humans, before discovering Leerburg. Even at that, I really didn't think about vaccines for humans, until I'd engrossed myself in reading about the cause and effects of vaccinations in pets. After gaining a better understanding, I started to think, Hey this probably applies to me too! It's funny that you learn some of the most important things in the oddest of places.

I'm 20 and I'm almost positive I had the vax for chicken pox. My family (and most of the general area I live in) has always been for vaccinations, because their doctors always say it will prevent illness, and make their child healthier and safer. Yet I had an absolute horrible cause of chicken pox; everywhere you can imagine it would be, it was.

When I graduated high school I was accepted into nursing school and had to get a series of shots in order to go to school (I decided at the last minute not to go, and now I'm kicking myself in the butt b/c I could be graduating this spring with my nursing degree ). I can't remember what all I had to get but I know it included a series of hepatitis and TB. I would assume that in this you would want to be vaccinated, is this wrong in my thinking?

Today at my doctor visit, my doctor asked me if I'd had the Guardasil (sp?) shot. I said no, she asked if was interested, no again, and that was all. I was really happy she didn't try to cram it down my throat, or make me feel like I'm going to definitely get cancer b/c I didn't want to get it (I don't know why I thought like this b/c she is awesome!).

I know this is a bit off topic, but I just thought I'd share my experience, and give kudos to LB and the people who frequent this board that make us all more rounded and better educated .

My son had his early childhood vaccinations, up to age three.
He got his MMR. I'm not doing the Hep series with him.
He won't receive any additional vaccs, except the varricella vaccine.

After having two really bad shingles outbreaks myself, I'd rather have him vaccinated (and thus he cannot get shingles), than expose him to chicken pox.

At least in Washington state, you can sign the back-side of the immunization form saying you are morally or religiously opposed to vaccination when you register your child for school.

You acknowledge when you sign the form, that your child may be prohibited from attending school in the event of an outbreak.


I, on the other hand, have been vaccinated for virtually every disease know to man. Not to mention three of the wonderful "peanut butter shots" in the buttocks over the years.
After ages of arguing with the Army, did finally get a rabies vaccination. They told me it's good for 5 years.

I guess when he heads off to West Point, he'll get all of his shots then.

Alyssa,

since shingles is usually a disease that surfaces when the body is stressed and immune supressed have you thought that maybe all the vaccines you've had over your life have actually contributed to the outbreaks?

My thoughts for humans and animals are the same. Why vaccinate for a disease that isn't fatal? Good health never comes in the form of an injection. It's also not guaranteed that being vaccinated for chickenpox will prevent shingles. Vaccines are no guarantee of not contracting the diseases they are intended to prevent.


BTW, I've been vaccinated for everything under the sun. My dad worked for the American Embassy in Morocco back in the 60's so we moved to Africa. It's amazing to me that I'm as healthy as I am! You should see my vaccination records, it makes me cringe.

 Quote: Cindy Easton Rhodes

Alyssa,

since shingles is usually a disease that surfaces when the body is stressed and immune supressed have you thought that maybe all the vaccines you've had over your life have actually contributed to the outbreaks?

Many folks who have had the shingles have only had the diptheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines because they are older and the immune system starts failing them due to age - not because of exposure to vaccines. Don't get me wrong, I was a biochemistry major in college and we were having concerned discussions about vaccination in the 70s.

My kids were vaccinated before I knew about vaccinosis. If I had it to do over again I would be much more restrictive on the vaccines.

I decide what shots are required in my kid's school (home school). My kids are also not constantly exposed to every bug, indoctrination, or childish cruelty that the masses endure.

For those using public schools you can get waivers of one sort or another for every state.

It's possible, although both outbreaks were prior to military mobilizations (and prior to the accompanying vaccinations) so I'm more inclined to think environmental stress.

Regardless, if I'd never contracted Chicken Pox, I wouldn't have been able to get Shingles. So, I will more than likely vaccinate my son for Chicken Pox to save him the misery.

I'm not a big fan of vaccinations, but shingles really sucks.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

I'm not a big fan of vaccinations, but shingles really sucks.

I've also had a couple of outbreaks, and it does suck...

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

After having two really bad shingles outbreaks myself, I'd rather have him vaccinated (and thus he cannot get shingles), than expose him to chicken pox.

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=12896

I do not know the validity of this article, but I think that it brings up some very interesting possible flaws with mass varicella vaccination.

 Quote: nancy jocoy

 Quote: cindy easton rhodes

Alyssa,

since shingles is usually a disease that surfaces when the body is stressed and immune supressed have you thought that maybe all the vaccines you've had over your life have actually contributed to the outbreaks?

Many folks who have had the shingles have only had the diptheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines because they are older and the immune system starts failing them due to age - not because of exposure to vaccines. Don't get me wrong, I was a biochemistry major in college and we were having concerned discussions about vaccination in the 70s.

I don't know what being a biochem major really has to do with this topic especially when I don't think Alyssa was "older" when she came down with shingles twice.