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If
you are trying to make a decision about whether to vaccinate yourself or your
child we hope you find the information on our website helpful in making an
informed decision. We recommend that you not only use NVIC’s information in
making a decision but also talk to trusted health professionals and consider
browsing through other vaccine information web sites, many of which are linked
directly from this web site. If
you or your child has suffered a serious health problem following receipt of a
vaccine, it is very important that you make a vaccine adverse event report to
NVIC (click here to report a reaction). Since 1982, NVIC has operated a
vaccine adverse event database which is helping to stimulate independent
research into vaccine adverse events. A record of what happened to you or your
child could help identify common factors which pre-dispose individuals to
reacting to vaccines; find ways to prevent others from suffering the same kind
of vaccine-related health problems you or your child are suffering; and may well
contribute to future development of therapies to help repair vaccine damage. You
should also make a vaccine adverse event report to the federal government’s
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The health professional that
administered the vaccine has a duty under the law to report all serious health
problems which develop within 30 days of vaccination to VAERS. If that person
refuses to make the report, contact NVIC and we will help you make the vaccine
adverse event report to VAERS yourself.
We hope you will become a member of NVIC so we can continue our mission of preventing vaccine injuries and deaths through public education. As a member you will receive e-mail reports and that will keep you up-to-date on the latest developments in vaccine research, development, policymaking and legislation.
~ Barbara Loe Fisher VACCINATION DECISIONS FOR PARENTS Vaccination is a medical procedure which carries a risk of injury or death. As a parent, it is your responsibility to become educated about the benefits and risks of vaccines in order to make the most informed, responsible vaccination decisions. 1. Your doctor is required by law to provide you with vaccine benefit/risk information materials before your child is vaccinated. Consumer groups, including the National Vaccine Information Center, worked with government health agencies to develop parent information booklets on each mandated vaccine. Ask your doctor for the booklet and take time to read it before your child is vaccinated. You may also ask your doctor to show you the information insert provided by the drug company which manufactured the vaccine(s) your child is scheduled to receive. 2. Your doctor is required by law to keep a permanent record of all vaccinations given, including the vaccine manufacturer's name and lot number. Ask for a copy of the doctor's record on vaccinations given to your child to keep for your records. 3. Your doctor is required by law to report all adverse events, including injuries and deaths which occur within 30 days after vaccination to federal health authorities. If your doctor refuses to report a reaction following vaccination, you have the right to report to the government yourself. 4. If your child is left permanently brain damaged or dies as a result of a vaccine reaction, you may be entitled to benefits under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. DO: Become educated about childhood diseases and vaccines. You have the ultimate responsibility for your child's health and well-being and you, not your doctor or state or federal health officials, will live with, and be responsible for the consequences of your decision. Ask your doctor to give your child a physical exam to make sure your child is healthy before you permit vaccination. A sick child can be at increased risk for having a vaccine reaction. Write down your child's personal and family medical history listing major illnesses and diseases or medical conditions, especially previous reactions to vaccinations, and have it included in your child's permanent medical records. Before permitting vaccination of your child, ask your doctor if any of these conditions will put your child at risk for having a vaccine reaction. A child who has had a previous severe reaction to a vaccination can be especially at risk for even more severe reactions if more vaccine is given. If you are not satisfied with the answers you are given, get a second opinion. Monitor your child closely after vaccination. Call your doctor if you suspect a reaction. If your doctor is not concerned and you are, take your child to an emergency room. Obtain a copy of your state mandatory vaccination laws. Become educated about state vaccine requirements, your rights and legal exemptions to vaccination. Click here to review your state law. Don't be intimidated by medical personnel and forced into a vaccination decision before you are comfortable with your decision. |
