How to talk to your doctor about

[MommyTo2Princes]

....selective vaccination!

Opinions? Recommendations on things to say?!

[Rrrrrachel]

I would bring up your specific concerns (be they with specific vaccines or with too many at once or whatever) and then very firmly say "today I would like to vaccinate for . . ." If you're uncomfortable refusing a vaccine you dot want, try "I'll bring them back for that one later."

[MrsGregory]

Your doctor is there for you to have a conversation with!  You have information they need.  They have information you need.

I had a very specific concern about a recent vaccination my daughter received, and I brought it up by simply saying, near the beginning of the appointment (during the "chat" time) that I was concerned, and I outlined my reasons why.  Turns out I had no need for alarm, we decided she'd get the shot, and I left feeling much, much better about that shot than I ever had before. 
 

[pek64]

Both responses end with at least one vaccination. How do you talk about vaccinations and walk out without vaccinating? Personally, I'd prefer to talk in one visit, think about what was said and do my own research, and if I decide to vaccinate, do it a different visit.

[Asiago]

Before choosing a doctor, choose who you even wish to interview. It is a waste of your time and thiers if the doctor is not even open to selective vaccination. I would take your spouse or significant other to witness the interview. One question upon interview should be 'which vaccines do you consider important'.The answer should be very telling......all of them or risk mortality, that depends how long will you be breastfeeding, what is your lifestyle, do you or your husband have medical conditions, has your newborn been diagnosed with any medical conditions, and so on.

The doctors response though to that simple question should be very telling though.

 If at all possible take along your partner or another person to well-baby visits, for the very same reason as in a hospital birth, so that you may have support.

These two steps may help make the conversation about selective vaccination go more smoothly while at an actual appointment.

[chickabiddy]

Originally Posted by Asiago  If at all possible take along your partner or another person to well-baby visits, for the very same reason as in a hospital birth, so that you may have support.

If a parent needs a "support person" for a typical well-baby visit, then that parent needs a different doctor.

[MommyTo2Princes]

We just moved to the area, so my boys haven't seen a doctor in months. My husband and I were on the fence on vaccination (meaning, we had different opinions!) we made a list and the months we'd like our children to have those vaccines, and I'm terrified how to bring it up to them! A lot of mothers i talk too, say they've gone to doctors who's rule is "not all then no vaccines"

[japonica]

Originally Posted by pek64 

Both responses end with at least one vaccination. How do you talk about vaccinations and walk out without vaccinating? Personally, I'd prefer to talk in one visit, think about what was said and do my own research, and if I decide to vaccinate, do it a different visit.

Agree. I've had appointments with our GP about getting the dT for DD and it ended with, "Give me a call when you're really to proceed." Any appointment to discuss issues doesn't need to end with, "Okay, do it right now!"

For the OP: I also suggest finding a doctor (maybe consider a GP, who tend to be less hardcore than peds IMO) who is willing to listen to you and to be flexible with a schedule. There is no point having a doctor who isn't a good fit, doesn't respect your concerns, and then ultimately fires you from the practice. Good luck!

[Rrrrrachel]

Fwiw my doctor has never been pushy about vaccines. They always ask which ones we want, and have even talked me ino delaying. Some drs certainly are pushy, but not all.

[MommyTo2Princes]

Thank you for all the replies!