What is your opinion?

I am 7 months PG, and in the process of interviewing pediatricians now. I want to ask them about how they feel about vaccinations that contain Thimerisol (spelling). This is a preservative that has mercury in it. Some people are starting to link mercury to autism and other issues in children. I mean, if I can't have certain fish while PG because of mercury, how great can it be for my child?

Do you think I am being a B! t ch if I demand that they use a single dose vial of the vaccination and that I see the box it comes in? This is one of the many non-negotiable criterion that I have for a pediatrician. I am just afraid the pediatrician will think I am NUTS. What are your thoughts on this? TIA

Re: What is your opinion?

Why would they think you are nuts? I asked my kids' pediatrician (who also happened to be my pediatrician when I was a kid) and he said that they didn't use thermosal. When it has to do with your kid(s), there are no wrong or right questions. You just do what you feel is right.

Re: What is your opinion?

I'm live in Massachusetts, so its a bit different here as the state pays for the mandatory vaccinations without thimerisol. My understanding is that the single dose vials are far more expensive, and that insurance doesn't cover the difference so the doctors end up losing money if the state doesn't pick up the cost like they do here.

Just to let you know, what you are reading isn't brand new information. There are just as many studies saying there isn't a link to autism. If it was clear, there is no way any doctor would give the shots. While the mandatory vaccines my DD had were thimerisol free, she did get the flu vaccine which wasn't.

You have every right to choose what you wish for your child, as long as you are prepared to pay a difference in cost and/or to travel farther to find an office that stocks the type you want.

Demanding to see the box seems over the top though. Do you think the doctor would actually blantantly lie to you about what he/she is about to inject into your child after you have directly asked? I think this would not be setting up a good relationship, and you are going to need to trust your doctor on far more significant matters than this.

Re: What is your opinion?

Which vacinations contain thermasol?

Re: What is your opinion?

I also asked, the vaccinations at my office do not contain thermasol.

You should ask to see a vial if it makes you feel more comfortable. Who else do they have to stick up for them if not us?

Re: What is your opinion?

my pediatrician automatically draws up the dose from the vial in the room, so that I can see - this was not something I had to ask for.

Re: What is your opinion?

I asked my pediatrician. There's nothing wrong with asking. I didn't ask for the single dose and to see the box though.

Re: What is your opinion?

I asked my peditrician about the MMR. I wanted it in single doses and they said they offer it that way if I want!

Re: What is your opinion?

Re: What is your opinion?

I switched pediatricians when he seemed aggravated at me for asking questions re: vaccinations. I decided that while he's done research on vaccinations/autism, since I was new to the game he should have more patience with new moms. When I mentioned that I was planning on vaccinating my children but my twin is not vaccinating her children at all, he said some things that I felt were really inappropriate about her beliefs.

I feel my pediatrician & ob/gyn are the two fields of medicine that I need to have complete faith in my doctors. I wouldn't hestitate to ask any question concerning my child's health.

Re: What is your opinion?

You should absolutly ask any questions you have. I interviewed my Ped. and his partner and they were both great. I asked tons of questions re: immulizations as I had lots of concerns. They respected my thoughts and were willing to modify the schedule of shots as a result of some of my concerns if I felt I wanted to.
I just love them so make sure you have a good rapport with whomever you choose. You need to feel very trusting. My ped. called me back a week afer we switched formulas to see if I was comfortable with the switch. I just love the care I get from them!!!!

Re: What is your opinion?

We asked our pediatrician and he said he does not use any vaccines that have thimerisol. We also get the lot number of each dose that he gets (it's written on his vaccine record that we have).

Re: What is your opinion?

You have every right to request it and see what your child is getting. There are very few pediatricians who will do indivual doses, but you can find them. I will say that now, there are only 2 vaccines, per my pedi, that are preserved in thimersol, but I can't remember which ones (they were not pediatric vaccines).

Re: What is your opinion?

Thanks for all of you opinions, ladies.

I feel so much better now.

Re: What is your opinion?

Posted by dandr10199

I am 7 months PG, and in the process of interviewing pediatricians now. I want to ask them about how they feel about vaccinations that contain Thimerisol (spelling). This is a preservative that has mercury in it. Some people are starting to link mercury to autism and other issues in children. I mean, if I can't have certain fish while PG because of mercury, how great can it be for my child?

Do you think I am being a B! t ch if I demand that they use a single dose vial of the vaccination and that I see the box it comes in? This is one of the many non-negotiable criterion that I have for a pediatrician. I am just afraid the pediatrician will think I am NUTS. What are your thoughts on this? TIA