Vaccination

Does refusing vaccines make you an unfit parent?

Monica Beyer — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:00 -0700

A premature birth changed the home birth plans of a Pennsylvania couple, but after having their baby in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, the new parents allegedly had their baby taken from them for questioning the hepatitis B vaccine.

Should doctors refuse to treat unvaccinated kids?

Monica Beyer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:45:00 -0800

Vaccine researchers have discovered that more and more physicians are releasing patients from their practice who refuse to vaccinate. How ethical is this practice, and how do you feel about it?

CDC recommends routine HPV vaccines for boys

Monica Beyer — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0800

The Centers for Disease Control has now officially made a recommendation that all boys get the HPV vaccination. This immunization, already recommended for girls, is not without controversy. Where do you weigh in?

Doctors debate the benefits of vaccine cocooning

Monica Beyer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:30:00 -0800

Doctors in the U.S. and Canada aren't on the same page when it comes to vaccinating the close family members of babies who are too young to receive the shots themselves . Parents aren't in agreement, either. Read on to find out more info!

HPV vaccine risk: Shot may have put 13-year-old in coma

Monica Beyer — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:00:00 -0800

British teenager Lucy Hinks is suffering from a severe illness, possibly as a result of an HPV vaccine. Her physicians are looking for another cause, but the vaccine itself, Cervarix, is also under scrutiny. Do you feel the risks of HPV are greater than the risk of the vaccine? Will you get the vaccine for your daughter or son? Read on to learn more about HPV and the potential risks of the vaccine, as well as what other moms think about the topic.

When does my child receive the meningitis vaccine?

Jessica Smith — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:03:00 -0700

Meningitis is a serious condition that affects 3,000 Americans every year -- 30 percent of of them children and young adults. Meningitis is life threatening, and about 10 percent of people who get it will die. Another 20 percent will suffer life-altering complications for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, two vaccines offered in the U.S. can protect your family from this terrible illness.

Meningitis vaccine schedule

Jessica Smith — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:13:00 -0700

Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening condition caused by bacteria that infect the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. An estimated 3,000 people each year become infected, and about 10 percent of those die from the disease. Currently, two safe, effective vaccines are available in the United States that can help protect you and your loved ones from this terrible infection.

Symptoms of meningitis

Jessica Smith — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:19:00 -0700

When meningitis strikes, it can feel like your typical run-of-the-mill bad headache or flu. But the difference is that it’s an infection that spreads -- and fast. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs and symptoms of meningitis, get immediate medical attention.

What's behind the "safe shot" approach to vaccines?

Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:12:00 -0800

The debates about vaccinations remain charged and many parents still question the safety of “so many” vaccines. Learn about the safe shot approach, designed to help prevent -- or at least minimize -- any adverse vaccine reactions for your children.

Can vaccinations hurt your kids?

Julie Kraut — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:29:00 -0800

In recent years, vaccination has become an increasingly contentious subject. More and more vaccines are being added to the lists of mandatory or suggested preventative treatments, especially for children, and more and more people are saying that vaccines are causing greater harm than good. Who’s right and what should you do for your family?

What you need to know about immunizations

Sarah Kelsey — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:22:00 -0700

Immunization is a controversial topic. Deciding what’s right for you – given all of the information available – can feel overwhelming, which is why SheKnows.com has simplified the process. Read on for everything you need to know about immunizations.

Is my child at risk for meningitis?

Children's Miracle Network — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord and is usually caused by a viral or bacteria infection. Viral meningitis is usually, but not always, less severe and clears up on its own without treatment. Bacterial meningitis requires treatment with antibiotics and can cause serious health problems and sometimes even result in disability or death.