Special needs and no vax

[Arete]

Just curious as to whether anyone else with a special needs babe (LO has Trisomy 21) has gotten extra pressure to vax.  I am fortunate to have a family practice doctor who completely supports my decision, but every specialist we see, beginning with the genetic specialist who diagnosed LO, has been irritatingly insistent.  I actually did start out on the delayed schedule, but cut it off completely when I read about how much more vulnerable to very bad reactions and to autism T21 babes are.  And I am happy to say my sweet one (1 year old) is just about the healthiest baby I can imagine--2 small colds since birth and 0 ear infections, which is almost unheard of with T21.

[bandgeek]

DD has severe CP and has not had a single vax her whole life.  We've not really had a problem surprisingly and we deal with a TON of doctors.  I chose her pedi based on recs from other non-vaxing friends and he's been good to work with.  When I brought up the discussion, he just gave me some print-outs on the ones I was considering and told me it was my decision.  When I came back and said we wouldn't be doing any, he was fine with that.  We don't get pressure from him OR the nurses.  Her pulm doc asks us every year if we want the flu vax. He's never made an issue of me declining though.  One year he even told me he didn't believe the vax made much of a difference for kids under 5!  When we end up in the ER or inpatient for whatever reason they always ask if she's "up to date" (well, about half the time they phrase it like "and her vax's are up to date of course?" which REALLY bugs me).  I always just say, "no she's not vaccinated at all" and don't offer any more info.  I think the farthest they've taken it is asking me if I don't vax "by choice"....like, what other reason would she not be vaxed?  Not lack of medical care obviously since she's in for something EVERY MONTH.  Oy.

Just don't get into an argument with anyone.  If they question your decision just state that you've researched it and have already reached a decision, and thanks for their concern.  Period.