"Frankly, I feel that parents who don't vaccinate their children are parasites."

That was uncalled for. She would rather expose her daughter to skin cancer than put sunscreen on her. Ok well, her life but don't be calling people parasites.

Her daughter is gorgeous.

While agree with the sentiment that all children should be vaccinated, I also believe that all parents should make sure they do the research to make sure they're keeping their kids from valid things. If she were so concerned about keeping her child safe, she'd research the fact that not all sunscreens are bad for your children and protect them from, oh, I don't know...skin cancer.

Thanks goodness! Someone finally speaks sense! I think parents have every right to not vaccinate, but I don't knowingly surround myself with kids who are not vaccinated. If they get measles, diptheria, or polio--they're on their own. I'm grateful that schools require them so most people get them eventually.

I'm all for vaccinations as well. I don't think calling parents who don't vaccinate "parasites" was good though. It only puts more division between the two sides.

The parasites comment is just uncalled for, and silly. It puts everything else she said in a negative light by association.

I have my daughter on the modified schedule. I don't mind if she's around unvaxed kids, though. If she's immunized, why would I worry about exposure? I'm not going to willingly expose my kids to the actual disease, like if someone has the measles she's not hanging out with them. But merely unvaxed, I don't worry.

Schools can't require them. They have to allow for religious or personal reasons to not have them. They just have to know which kids so that if an outbreak of something happens, the unvaxed child isn't allowed to attend school or something along those lines.

What a rude comment. I agree with the organic food and no sunscreen... but I'm thinking she probably got her "research" from her brother-in-law.... and he's a pediatrician, so what else would he say?

Don't know why people feel the need to lash out at people with different opinions. If her child is vaccinated and she is so confident in them, why should she care?

every parent does what right for them and their children. but she is a grown up and shouldn't be refering to other's as "parasites" not setting much of a example, hmmm?

What she meant by "parasite" was that the other parents don't take the "risk," or at least time and expense, of vaccinating their children, instead relying on the fact that other parents are vaccinating, thereby reducing the odds of an epidemic spreading. I agree that it is a negative word, but it is parasitic behavior.

Also, I think the organic foods/not wearing sunscreen comment is odd, but I think her point was that she is just as suspicious of chemicals and toxins as every other middle/upper class white woman is, yet still thinks vaccination is important. Amanda Peet strikes me as a very smart woman. Very different from Jenny McCarthy's, "even if scientific research disagrees with me, I KNOW what's best for MY child because I"m a MOTHER" rhetoric.

good points snowbunny.

Her comments seem really harsh and a bit negative as most chose not to vaccinate for the fear of autism. I too am choosing to vaccinate my child even though it hares me out just a tad. As far as the sunscreen goes it is possible to not put sunscreen on your child and not expose them to direct sun. We take my little guy everywhere without sunscreen and he is still as white as the background of this page

i always find it amusing when new parents make sweeping comments like this. she's been a parent for what, a year and a half? reminds me of how teenagers think they know everything and parents are idiots.

Kudos to Amanda Peet for speaking out on behalf of vaccination, one of the most lifesaving public health interventions ever. The thing is, eradicating childhood disease depends on UNIVERSAL vaccination. Essentially, certain celebrities who oppose vaccination and are saying things that are at least as divisive as the parasite comment, are effectively putting the rest of our children at risk of dying of preventable diseases!

BTW, the link between sunscreen and skin cancer prevention is not as wonderful as sunscreen companies want us to believe, so I'm with her on this one too. I wear sunscreen myself, but for infants, I prefer coverage and shade.

Honestly, the parasite comment makes me disregard any research or view she has because that's just uncalled for..

For her to say she avoids using sunscreen on her daughter, yet feel parents who don't vaccinate her kids are parasites is just ridiculous, and seems pretty uneducated.. I think not vaccinating is legit for some people, it's a case by case circumstance..

It is unacceptable to say it's a "case by case" basis for people to decide whether to vaccinate or not. Your decision to not vaccinate your child means you are decreasing the number of immunized members of the population. If the number of immunized people fall under a certain threshold, then the population is at risk for an epidemic of that disease. It was only a few decades ago that a vaccine for polio was invented, and the only reason we don't still have children and grown ups dying from polio is because people TOOK the vaccine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_immunity

And really, in what case WOULD you want to not vaccinate your child? Research has shown that vaccinations are not linked to autism, yet not vaccinating your kids has been linked to, ya know, getting a really fun disease! Sure, that could be a parent's choice, however, we prosecute parents who are neglectful and harm their kids, and though I'm not going as far as to say we should prosecute parents who don't vaccinate, I can certainly feel justified in saying they are wrong to put their kids at that risk.

Also, this is NOT just a "mommy" issue. If people stop vaccinating their children it means the ENTIRE population is at risk to get sick in an epidemic of measles, mumps or rubella. Complications from measles can kill a grown adult. Maybe a grown adult can shake some of these diseases off, but what about the elderly? If a pregnant woman is exposed to a child with one of these diseases, she can miscarry, or her baby can be born with a serious birth defect. Why should one parent get to choose to not vaccinate, so another parent can miscarry or have a disabled child?

Hey, if vaccinations WERE shown to cause autism, I'd feel a lot differently, obviously.

asking your brother in law who's a pediatrician isnt doing your research.... at least not as far as i'm concerned.... give your baby 5 shots at a time... best wishes that she'll have no reaction to them. when your child DOES have a reaction... your views may change & you'll be as parasitic as the rest of the parents who question 30 shots for a baby before they're one years old... 5 and 6 shots at a time... and i'm not against vaccinations... i'm against too many too soon.

we're vaccinating but we're doing it ONE SHOT AT A TIME... that's it. i dont care if i'm back in that office every month... one at a time!!!!

Phat- OBVIOUSLY I was not advocating that children who have a horrible immune reaction to vaccination get vaccinated!? Where did I say that? I was talking about the people who won't vaccinate their child over fear that there could be a link with autism, or parents who don't want to vaccinate their kids because they don't believe in medicine! The herd immunity threshold rate is usually 85%, so not every single child needs to be vaccinated if it would be harmful to him/her. I'm sure they don't advocate that kids with seriously weakened immune systems, possibly from AIDS or Leukemia get vaccinated.

But if you are worried your perfectly healthy might get sick from a vaccination, while I am sure it is possible, it's very rare. However, if we make a country-wide effort to stop vaccinating kids, what is not just possible, but for sure, is that they WILL get sick from an epidemic, and some will be disabled, and some will die. People are very worried about smallpox for instance coming back, because the vaccine for that is no longer manufactured. And remember, we no longer worry about kids dying from smallpox because it was VACCINATED against.

Also, I just read that there was a recent outbreak of measles in North America, like over 100 kids got infected.

Also, I would never say that all of the shots must be done at once, just that eventually the vaccinations should be given.

Exactly, phatE. Religious reasons also make the "case by case" comment correct.

Rox- I thought a pediatrician was a doctor who had, ya know, gone to medical school? Also, the article said, "after much investigating," so how do you know she didn't consult other sources?

Greggie- I'm sorry, your religion doesn't mean that my child, or myself should be unsafe. Why should your religious values get to trump my desire to not miscarry?

My religious views aren't applicable - I said above that I vaccinate on the alternate schedule.

I understand you don't consider it a valid reason. I obviously completely disagree. I consider someone's religious beliefs to be valid.

I meant "your" in the general sense. The sad thing is, kids who can't get vaccinated because of an underlying immune system problem, they are the ones that are more likely to die if they contract measles. That's why I think it's even more selfish not to get vaccinated if you actually can. As long as the percent of vaccinated individuals in a population is high enough, then the outbreak is so rare that the person with the compromised immune system would not need to worry.

Also, I'm unaware of any section of the Bible, Torah, or Koran that specifically prohibits the use of vaccinations.

snowbunny, you're all over the place sweetie..

you said: "It is unacceptable to say it's a "case by case" basis for people to decide whether to vaccinate or not." {which was in response to my first reply}

you then asked: "And really, in what case WOULD you want to not vaccinate your child?"

and then I replied about immune mediated diseases..

that, and religious choices are perfectly good reasons to avoid vaccinating your child.. the people who make educated choices to not vaccinate have the right to do so.. why don't you follow around the people who are just following a trend, or not doing their research..

Do not, under any circumstance call me sweetie. It is impossible for someone to have made an educated decision not to vaccinate. If you examined all the studies that have been regarding vaccination, you can only come to one conclusion.

I had not considered the rare case where an individual has an immunodeficency issue might not be able to be vaccinated, when I said it isn't a "case by case" basis. But I did not mean to include them. So, restated: "UNLESS your child has a severe immunodeficency, it is NOT a case by case basis." Like I said, this is NOT a "mommy" decision. This is a public health issue, and the prevention of widespread dangerous disease depends on everyone participating.

snowbunny, it is quite possible that people can make educated decisions to not vaccinate. I read the same studies (likely many more) and came up with the opposite opinion, so does that mean I just can't read properly? Oh and in Matthew Jesus says only the sick see doctors, not the well.

Doing anything to your body is a completely personal decision, you can't say I'm being neglectful because I don't believe the majority opinion, no matter how credible it MAY seem. How many times has the entire medical community been wrong? (thalidamyde, right?)

LilRuck44-"only the sick see doctors, not the well"???

Well, golly, let's stop doing mammograms, pap smears, pre-natal visits, etc.

Cuz the Bible said.

Easy there, I was only pointing out to snowbunny where the Bible could have meant something pertaining to vaccines, since she said she was unaware. Not suggesting we stop all preventative care.

There are religions who oppose pretty much all medical care. Whether or not I think the Bible states it isn't the point, it's simply their beliefs and they have every right to follow that.

PhatE - you said:
"that, and religious choices are perfectly good reasons to avoid vaccinating your child.. the people who make educated choices to not vaccinate have the right to do so."

just wanting to clarify - is a religious reason to not vaccinate an educated one? (I personally don't think it is, but I'm wondering what your opinion is on it).

Also to roxtarchic you said:
"give your baby 5 shots at a time... best wishes that she'll have no reaction to them. when your child DOES have a reaction..."

All 4 of my children went on the regular schedule of vaccinations, getting 4 and 5 shots at some visits (most of them only 2 or 3 a visit), and not one of the 4 ever had any kind of reaction, ever. No fever, no swelling, nothing. So it is possible for a child to have no reaction to multiple vaccinations. By all means you have a right to your opinion and how you medicate your child I'm just saying that it is possible that no reaction will occur.

I think this is another one of those subjects that there will always be opposing views on and very strong ones at that - this is our children we're talking about afterall. I think in cases like this is just best to agree to disagree. I know where I personally stand on the issue and I realize not everyone is going to agree with me and that's ok, and I hope to be given the same respect in return. Name calling is never productive so it should be avoided at all costs imo, especially among adults. It's just another extremist way to express ones opinions.

Kimpossible,

I get what you're asking, and I think that there are people (like with anything else) who just go along with it without really educating themselves or without really understanding why, and the significance of it.. However, I don't view it as the norm, and it's still considered pretty extreme, and the people I know who have taken this road really have done their HW and remained open-minded..

I think alot of the people who practice the religions that really are against vaccinating are pretty hard core as it is..Not EVERYONE, but this is just what I have seen, and what I think.. IMO religion has become pretty apathetic, and alot of people may say they are affiliated with one, but never practice it, or just attend on important dates, etc.

SO, (IMO) I really think people who go against the norm, especially when it comes to their child, really have a passionate belief, and most likely understand why they are doing, it, the benefits, and what can be done in replacement (instead of just doing it b/c everyone else is)
Does that make sense? My mind is everywhere right now..

Now, are they educated on the medical/scientific reasons? Who knows, I know about 3 families who cite their religious beliefs as reason not to vaccinate, one of them has taken the time to research both sides, but believes in holistic approaches, the other one doesn't give a flip about the medical side, and completely disagrees with the majority of things practiced in medicine.. Not sure about the 3rd, but I think some people are really turned off with the way medicine is practices, and how "unnatural" it's become, and instead of looking at it piece by piece, look at the general views of other people in their same position and go along with it.. Now would I consider that educated? I think MOST parents care so deeply about their children that they don't just go against the norm for the hell of it..

I think the majority who are that against medicine really have their reasons and have really looked into it.A lot of them have personal reasons or experiences they are basing their decision off of, and choosing to practice holistic views, and taking whatever steps that route suggests.

I personally don't think the majority who are anti-vaccines take their decision lightly, but I also think there is always going to be room for more education, and I am not saying that's the best approach.. I am just saying there are other views, and I think the insults, and condescending crap some people say really is just ignorant, and probably not going to encourage people to see their point of view.

Practicing things outside of the norm, and still maintain the proper health care for your child or yourself isn't easy, it's easier just to go with the flow.. We are all SO different, and it's really not possible to have one way be the only way, if people were cookie cutter replicas of themselves, that would be easier,but there are valid reasons to not vaccinate your child as a baby. I really feel the majority of people have thought about it, and I know my family has in our situation so because of that, and because I have experienced the other side, I remain open to each case, instead of judging them.

and snowbunny, I think you've got alot of nerve to judge Jenny McCarthy, or really anyone who really has valid reason to question this topic.. I can agree that people play the mom card alot, but when it comes to a child's health, and wellbeing they have every right to whether you agree with it or not. Should more people become more educated? yes.. Should more people not just act like sheep and follow the crowd? yes.. but should those of you who are so strongly against their point of view attack them like this? NO! maybe you should look into some productive ways of communicating about this, instead of the counterproductive approach you've taken.

phatE - I've only known one Mom who has chosen not to have her 3rd and 4th children vaccinated (her older 2 were up until just a few years ago and never had a reaction or illness due to vaccinations)... just with her 3rd child she became paranoid about things and decided not to risk the vaccination issue. she's done research - not a whole lot but enough to make her feel good about her decision. The only issue that I have with her is that she uses religion as her excuse as to not vaccinate even though she does not practice a religion that is against vaccinations. it's simply a scapegoat, an easy out for her rather than having to deal with the schools. I am sure she is not the norm, but I'm also sure she's not alone in this practice.

I'm of a mixed mind. I agree with you that medicine is practiced differently today than it was years ago - heck we have commercials on tv for drugs and you should ask your doctor about them! I just hate that. I don't believe that taking a pill for anything and everything is or should be the go to, end all be all answer all the time. I am not against medication don't get me wrong, I just think that in many cases (ADD, depression and such) other avenues could and should be explored before just opting to shove a pill down someones throat. I opted to vaccinate my children initially because when I started having children the vaccination debate wasn't that big, but then I continued to because for us and our family the risk of vaccinating outweighed the risk of not vaccinating. I realize that for others it's the opposite. Oh but getting back to my mixed mind point. Like I said I agree that medicine is not practiced the way it used to be and I am all for trying homeopathic and/or holistic methods - also with research first obviously. I'm also for people disclosing all of their medications etc. to their doctors and I'm totally against people using numerous pharmacies to get rx's filled, etc. I think people don't realize the risks involved of not informing your health care provider and/or pharmacist of your history and medicine intake. Communication is key I think. Even myself if I try a new medication - particularly otc/herbal etc. I always let my husband know lol it's almost funny. I'll tell him, "I just took xxx so if something should happen and I pass out or something you'll know what to tell the EMT's and docs" ...

I'm sure you're right that the majority of people who are against medications and vaccinations have done their homework and research.

I just don't think that religious reasons is an "educated" reason to not vaccinate. Many people go soley by what their religious leader or pamphlets tell them and don't do their own research as well. They tend to trust their leaders and dogma a little too easily. Please note I said many, not all, as I know not everyone does. I don't think religion can be called an educated reason to not vaccinate because it's based on a religous belief not neccessarily scientific study.

Thanks for giving your viewpoint.

We have the tendency to be very arrogant creatures, wanting to control the world around us, and the things that go wrong in it. I can understand a bit of that, I have acne and I'm CONVINCED that every drop of dairy, sip of beer or sleepless night is going to break me out beyond belief.

The thing is, autism has been researched, and shown to have primarily genetic causes. Please, lickety and phat, if you're going to complain that I'm uneducated, site a reputable study that has proven a link between autism and vaccination? I can give you 50 links to studies that show there is no link, but what proof, other than the conviction that we can control our fate can you find that shows you're correct? There is no way you can justify putting other kids at risk. What do you say to the woman who miscarries because she was exposed to your child who had rubella?

This doctor makes the point I attempted to make, so much more adequately:

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:qefYfGhPl_8J:www.childrensvaccine.o...

I swear, this is like the "is the earth flat, did evolution happen?" kind of argument. Some people will feel the way they do despite overwhelming proof to the contrary, no matter what. Only, I don't give a crap if someone thinks evolution doesn't exist because it doesn't put me or my family at risk.

i never said you were uneducated. uninformed is better. you cannot know what we're talking about. and to someone who has a miscarriage because of MY CHOICE not to vaccinate my children; sh*t happens. and isn't that what you are basically saying to me? suggesting that a certain number of children will get autism and how can you really know what will trigger it? guess what, gonna pick my kid every time just as you and every other mother would. and btw, vaccinations aren't required for a child to attend school so if you feel your kids will be at risk you might consider home schooling.

No, my kids will be vaccinated, so they should be fine. Vaccines don't cause autism, so your choice not to vaccinate is just a senseless risk to your children and pregnant women. And the world is flat, whatever.