This is a guest blog from Dr. Mary Alison Higi. Dr. Higi is a naturopathic physician in her final year of residency at Cascade Natural Medicine specializing in pediatrics under Dr. Candace Aasan. She studied at Bastyr University where she earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She emphasizes the importance of the physician’s role in preventative medicine and public health. Dr. Higi has a special interest in implementing Naturopathic Medicine programs for under-served communities.
I’m publishing this post because I think there is significant confusion about naturopathic physicians’ support of vaccines. I’m hoping this sheds a little light. Would love to learn more from you all about your experiences with naturopathic medical care and vaccines. Please leave comments!
I have frequently heard from parents, “You give vaccines? I thought you were a naturopath!” I can only reply, “Vaccination follows three of our most important guiding principles”
1. Premum non Nocere — First do no harm; weigh out risks and benefits and follow the least harmful path.
2. Docere — A physician should be a teacher to her patients.
3. Preventir — Practice preventative medicine.
By providing routine vaccinations to my patients I have the opportunity to help them weigh risks and benefits of vaccine preventable disease versus costly, painful and the often dangerous consequences of preventable infections.
When I counsel and give vaccines I get to teach about disease prevention and public health; I get to help patients prevent some truly life threatening diseases. So yes, vaccines are naturopathic! In that light, following our naturopathic principles, there are a few vaccination myths that I’ve heard so often, I feel compelled to dispel them:
Truth: Babies need Hepatitis B vaccines
Don’t wait until teenage years! It is true that hepatitis B is spread by blood and bodily fluids, so teens that are using drugs or are sexually active are at much higher risk. It is also an incredibly virulent (read: tough!) virus that accounts for roughly 600,000 deaths worldwide per year. Kids can also contract hepatitis B through sports injuries when there is accidental blood contact. My opinion is that hepatitis B vaccines are incredibly important and it doesn’t help to put kids at risk by postponing the hepatitis B vaccine until adolescence. Don’t delay the 3-shot vaccination series that is recommended to start at birth!
Truth: Measles is a big deal
Let me set the record straight: measles is a big deal and a recent case just this last week reminds us our risks here in the US are real. While it is true that the majority of children live through the measles, not all do. About 1-2 per 1000 die. It can also cause serious and life threatening complications such as pneumonia, seizures, permanent brain damage and death. It is unfortunately right here in this country and is easily spread by breathing air a measles infected individually has breathed. Measles is exceptionally infectious–measles remains infective in the air of a room for 2 hours after an infected individual leaves! If your child hasn’t been vaccinated, talk to your doctor about getting an MMR vaccine. Standard dosing recommends the first MMR at a child’s first birthday but if your child is traveling outside the US, it’s recommended after 6 months of age.
Truth: Whooping cough is dangerous and very contagious. Like measles, it’s a big deal
I think you would be hard pressed to find a physician who has seen pertussis infections (the bacteria that causes Whooping Cough) and the effect that it can have on an individual, family, or community, who wouldn’t recommend the DTaP or Tdap vaccine.
Pertussis often doesn’t show symptoms for up to 10 days after exposure, and sometimes for up to 6 weeks. The danger then becomes spreading it to other people without intending to. It can look very much like a common cold in the beginning and so people continue to go to work and school, spreading it to pregnant women and infants who are the most vulnerable.
If you have ever seen an infant with pertussis, it is truly painful and heart wrenching to watch. I urge patients to think about how their decision not to vaccinate can affect a community and the safety of their loved ones. All children, teens, and adults are recommended to be immunized against pertussis. For children and adults 11 and older, everyone needs a Tdap vaccine at least once.
Truth: Colds and Flus are not the same thing
Flu shots are helpful in preventing influenza infections. First, cold and “flus” are not the same thing. Not even close. I often hear patients say, “I had a cold or flu or something last year, so I’m probably immune.” True influenza infections are quite a bit more serious than a common cold and can take kids out of school or cause them to be ill in bed with high fevers and body aches for a week or more. Influenza, like pertussis, measles or chickenpox, is also more threatening for immune compromised people, pregnant women and infants in our communities. Let’s protect ourselves so that we can build healthier communities together. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated, speak with your physician about understanding vaccines and how you can help protect them, and your other loved ones.
Erika Krumbeck, ND says
Great article Dr. Higi!
Being an ND myself I understand how controversial it can be to talk about vaccines. There is a LOT of misinformation about vaccines (on both sides of the aisle, sometimes). My mission in my practice is to reduce the guilt and fear around vaccines – once parents are fully informed of the risks vs. the benefits of vaccines it becomes a much easier (less fear-based) decision. I also think that most ND’s that specialize in pediatrics DO administer vaccines in their practice – which often surprises people.
I’m not sure if you have had the same reaction – but once people learn that I do vaccines in my practice they often become “okay” with vaccinating. It’s like – if a naturopath says it’s okay – it must be okay!
At any rate – great article and good reminder about the principles of naturopathic medicine.
I’m gearing up to be the first ND in the state of Montana to be on the Vaccines for Children program! Whoohoo!
– Dr. Erika Krumbeck, Montana Whole Health.
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Hello Dr. Krumbeck,
Thank you for your response! Yes, I have found much of the same to be true. Once parents are well informed on what the risks and benefits are, many of the fears disappear. I have found that with most parents the fears they have are often based on misinformation that came from non-medical sources. I really urge parents to get information on vaccines from their physician or from well respected peer reviewed journals. I agree, most of the NDs I know who practice pediatrics do administer and support vaccines.
Good luck with the VFC program! Great that you’re bringing it to Montana!
Elizabeth Soliday says
That’s funny, the first time I took my son to a naturopath, he said “Stop vaccinating him!” Then he gave me some chelating agents to detox his body.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
Did you stop providing immunization for your child based on that opinion? Did the provider give you any data on effectiveness of chelating agents? Do the changing rates of infections here in the US (including local measles and pertussis outbreaks) change your comfort?
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m sorry you had that experience. On a side note, it is important when seeking out an ND that this person is a Naturopathic Physician (meaning that he or she went to a 4 or 5 year Naturopathic Medical School, passed board exams and has a medical license). Some people (unfortunately) call themselves “naturopaths” (as opposed to an ND or Naturopathic Physician) who are not physicians but rather went to an online training program. I hope that wasn’t your experience.
Natalie's advocate says
Dr. Gigi, do not be sorry for Elizabeth or her son. I have known her for over four years now. She took him to a naturopath AFTER he had a reaction to his preschool vaccines because mainstream medicine was of no help to him and he badly needed it as the behaviors and health problems he developed afterwards were very serious and he was suffering terribly. He is now much better than he was, he is healthy and thriving and able to learn and enjoy life again, thanks to all she has done for him, and my daughter is too, thanks to all that I have learned from her. Chelation has helped my daughter immensely as well. I’m not sorry either, and no, I’m not the least bit afraid of whooping cough or measles and while I don’t like to speak for others, I can reasonably assure you that neither is she.
Elizabeth Soliday says
Actually, his doctor, Dr. David Bove (Oregon) is very reputable. He received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1991. He also has a Masters Degree in Acupuncture from Bastyr.
From his bio, “He maintained a busy private practice in Seattle and served on the faculty of Bastyr University from 1996 to 2001. As a faculty member at Bastyr University he was involved in the academic and clinical training of naturopathic medical students and acupuncture students. He contributed to the development of the counseling training program for naturopathic medical students within the Counseling & Health Psychology Department. While at Bastyr he taught Psychoneuroimmunology; the scientific study of mindbody medicine, a field of study in which he maintains a deep interest.”
Patty says
That is wha a REAL naturopath should tell a parent
Michele Roberts says
Thanks so much for this guest post! it is such an important topic – too many people wrongly assume that naturopaths don’t vaccinate. I love Dr. Higi’s connection to the three guiding principles in her practice and how vaccines fit in. Keep up the great work and important discussions with your patients.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
You’re welcome. It’s great to learn more about how we are all working to protect our children and communities.
Pamela Reddy says
I want to offer a huge thank you from the parent of an immunocomprimised child! When naturopaths, ODs, or chiropractors take this stance on vaccinations, I believe that it reassures “crunchy” parents (which I would consider myself) and those on the fence. Thank you for advocating for public health and protecting those who are especially vulnerable!
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
Thanks for the comment, Pamela! So often parents who are hesitant (or waiting on vaccines) change their mind when I talk about classmates, community members, and friends who depend on those of us who can be immunized.
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Thank you Pamela! It’s true, I think often people are thinking about their own children but not about how infectious diseases can and do affect other children who are immuno-compromised, infants, pregnant women, children with asthma etc. who are at much higher risk for serious infections. I think being part of a community and protecting each other means supporting each other in many ways; from clean air, to clean water, to healthy food and safe neighborhoods to vaccinations.
Josh Fuller says
I applaud your stance. Just one thing… You’re not talking about nosodes, are you?
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Hi Josh,
Thank you for your comment. No, I am not talking about nosodes. I’m talking about FDA approved routine vaccinates based on the CDC schedule.
Melissa says
Are the flu vaccines containing H1N1 as a standard now? And if so, do you feel they are safe?
How do you feel about getting the vaccine without the preservatives? I always ask for that formula instead.
And you stated flu vaccines are good but then stated for those with compromised immune systems.
Do you believe all should get them? Or that is should be required?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
Hi Melissa,
The current flu shot (’13-14 season) has 3 or 4 strains of Influenza, depending on the shot or nasal spray you are offered (trivalent versus quadrivalent). All preparations of the flu shot this year contain HINI strain of Influenza A. Here’s more info: https://www.wendysueswanson.com/its-time-for-flu-shots/
I’ll let Dr Higi respond to your other questions as I assume you want her opinion, not mine. But please clarify if you want my thoughts and I’ll give you more. 🙂
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Hi Melissa,
Yes, I will say of all vaccines, I probably get the most questions from patients about flu. I’ll tell you, in medical school I contracted H1N1 and I am so grateful that it is routinely part of the vaccine now. That was not fun! So yes, it is true that influenza (like most viral and bacterial illness) can be much more dangerous for people with compromised immune systems. However, influenza is spread quickly and easily by respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, kissing, even talking) and so it can spread around a community quite quickly. In order to protect our most vulnerable populations (and also to protect ourselves!) I do think it is important for everyone to get a seasonal flu vaccine. There are typically thimerisol free flu vaccines (either injectable or flumist) available at most doctor’s offices or pharmacies.
Cody says
https://youtu.be/yJFXPmx-yBQ
Please watch.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
100 million cases of infectious disease prevented — new research spanning 19th century to current time from The New England Journal Of Medicine:
https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/the-vaccination-effect-100-million-cases-of-contagious-disease-prevented/?_r=2&
keith Kelley says
My 28 years of learning about my health led me initially to Naturopathic assistance. Over the years i continually looked for a more simpler approach to health. i have a few naturopathic friends and I admire what they do in helping people. i have however realized that we need to become more independent with our own personal health. A steady reliance on doctors, naturopaths, homeopaths, and other therapists doesn’t make you independent.
Noticing the talk here has confirmed my earlier realisation that some naturopaths are almost like medical doctors.
The medical is all about ‘drugs, surgery, invasive treatments are the only way.’ “YOU NEED US!’
i don’t personally believe in vaccines, but the big issue has always been for people to obtain the right information before making their decision.
My thinking is in line with Bechamp and Lemark, not Pasteur. To me vaccines are a Pasteur approach.
Also the last 5 years I have been following the Primal Diet and doing very well.(as are many others I know) Raw foods are basically the only things that are used in the Diet/lifestyle.(and a thought process opposite to the medical)
To me being dependent on medicines, vaccines,etc., is allowing yourself to me hobbled, constrained. If that’s your thing then fine, but if you want to be more independent with your health, then the medical style of thinking is not the way.
BTW I am now in my 60’s and have not needed any medical or doctor advise/aid in 28 years. I have never had a flu shot and only 2 vaccines when I was a kid.
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Hello Keith,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I understand that we have quite different points of view on vaccines but there are a few important things I would ask you to take into consideration;
1. While I agree that a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for the prevention (and sometimes treatment) of many types of diseases it is certainly unreasonable to say that this is the only medical intervention or treatment needed. It cannot effectively prevent all infectious diseases.
2. Ironically to your comment, vaccines are in large part used to help patients avoid needing additional medical aid or “need” more doctors. The vaccines available on the CDC schedule help prevent many serious life threatening diseases that can require invasive and expensive treatment. Lets take for example the MCV (meningococcal) vaccine- this vaccine is a two part serries used to prevent meningitis and sepsis (two extmely dangerous conditions) in teenagers. Assuming that 100% of teens who contracted it had access to medical care (which they don’t) only 85% of those kids would survive. Of those 85%, 15% would have lifelong complicaotns such as brain damage, limb loss, deafness and neurological issues (see the following link for more information https://www.cdc.gov/features/meningococcal/) – such chronic problems require interventions from primary care doctors, neurologists, infectious disease specialists,surgeons, audiologists, physical therapists, anesthesiologists etc. The vaccine itself is hugely preventative in requiring additional invasive and expensive medical attention. When physicians recommend and administer vaccinations our goal is to help patients be healthy and independent of unnecessary medical aid.
3. I’m glad for you that you have not needed medical attention. Clearly the population that we are discussing in this article (children from newborns to 18 years) are a different demographic and have very different risk factors than you do.
4. In medical school myself (and all of my colleagues- ND and MD alike) took classes to learn how to read and interpret research and decide what research is valuable to us. We spend years practicing interpretation of research so that ideally, we can use studies that are valid, acurate and truthful and ones that will help us make educated decisions with our patients. It’s not a perfect science, but we work very hard at understanding research the best we can. An “N of 1 trial” (i.e. this worked well for one person) is considered to be quite low on the totem pole of research validity because it is not reliable for the whole population of the US or the world. I’m sure you can understand then, that we cannot use research for large scale medical decision making based on the experience of one person. Instead we must look at trends and averages of hundreds of thousands of children and what measures have been both safe and effective.
keith Kelley says
My earlier comments were not meant to be ‘high and mighty’-‘I know better than you.’ i chose a different way of dealing with my health issues. if others choose the medical way then I respect their choice. The key word in life is CHOICE.
What ever we do, whatever choices we make, come from the heart. It will mostly work out.But if it doesn’t try something different.
Cheers.
A Lamont says
This was such a refreshing article. I hear way too many parents saying they are against vaccinate for reasons that have absolutely no medical foundation. To have a qualified natropath highlight the importance of vaccination is completely needed. I’m outraged by some of the reasons people don’t vaccinate. As a public health dietician and mother of two young children, I think it’s very selfish to not vaccinate children and put the most vulnerable member of our community at risk. We need more evidence based information out there to parents about the importance of vaccination and support from our local communities to promote it to parents. Thanks Dr. Higi for the article, I have shared it with all my colleagues.
ADorr says
I noticed your article doesn’t have the polio vaccine listed. Do you think it is important to get this vaccine?
Mary Alison Higi, ND says
Great! Thank you for your comment. I think it is important at we hear people out on what their concerns are in order to get a clear picture of where they are coming from and help to address concerns. Most often I have found that concerns are coming from misleading and false “research.”
keith Kelley says
Thanks Mary for your reply.
The lifestyle I follow is used by a certain number of people in the community and it works well for all of them. It’s so far removed from the medical thinking that it would be highly unlikely for it to be taken up as a good option, even though it works.
If this lifestyle is followed then vaccines take no part in it.
The thinking and theories are pretty well opposite to the medical doctrines.It touches on the Bio dynamic thinking. (the environment)
Just came off the Primal Diet FB site with this story which is one of many I have seen or been told first hand –
One of the many success stories from the Primal Diet –
‘Lisa – Thank you for sharing your experience. 10 yrs ago when I met Aajonas(Primal Diet) I had bone marrow cancer and leukemia and Aajonus food plan pulled me right out of it. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him.
Maike – did you go through chemo?
Lisa NO
Maike = how long did it take you to get rid of the cancer?
Lisa -Not sure exactly when it all healed because AV only came around once or twice a year. At the first annual appt I had with him my condition was significantly improved. I did his protocol religiously for two years … Then just continued with his books. I couldn’t afford his consults since I couldn’t work.
Maike – Are you still eating this way today?
Lisa – Yes I am
Maike – Congrats by the way!!’
You would think that a Leukemia sufferer reading this would jump at the chance to incorporate the plan into their lifestyle to overcome their disease, but sadly it doesn’t work that way. Medical indoctrination seems very powerful in the human psyche.
You seem like a caring person so keep up the good work for the people that are still dependent on the current system.
Cheers.
Rose says
Curious about something…we did the Hep B shots for our little one, but if the virus is so virulent, why aren’t adults getting immunized too? I wanted to get my shots, but I was told I had to pay out-of-pocket for it since it’s considered a “travel” vaccine.
If it’s good enough for kids, why not for adults too?
Jonathan Bell says
Dr. Higi and Dr. Swanson,
Thank you Dr. Higi for highlighting that vaccines are naturopathic! Thank you Dr. Swanson for encouraging Dr. Higi to communicate this message on your blog!
Why is vaccination “naturopathic”? As Dr. Higi states, it certainly fits into naturopathic philosophy: “First Do No Harm”, “Doctor as Teacher” and “Prevention”. I will add that vaccination fits into another principle of naturopathic medicine- “Treat the Cause”. What’s more natural then giving the immune system experiential education (teaching the immune system to recognize a pathogen so that it can be ready when it encounters it). As Dr. Higi also highlights, the main reason why naturopathic physicians support vaccination is that it makes scientific sense! Vaccines decrease the reliance on antibiotics, antivirals, and other medications, as well as hospitalization, that often becomes necessary with severe illness that vaccines help prevent. Besides decreased incidence of disease, or severity of disease, from HepB, Measles, Pertussis and Influenza, how about Hib, Rota and Pneumococcal disease? Seattle Children’s sees far less disease caused by these pathogens because of vaccines. There currently is an overwhelming amount of scientific literature demonstrating that vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, that is what has changed the modern naturopathic perspective of vaccination.
Thank you both for demonstrating that advocacy for vaccination transcends all health professions. For Community Immunity to be effective, it requires that we work together as providers and patients to increase immunization rates. What we communicate to our patients directly effects their decision to either vaccinate or not. It is well known that attitudes and beliefs figure prominently into many people’s decision to vaccinate but as physicians it is our role to refocus the conversation on medical science and integrate that into our patient discussions. Regardless of our primary care titles, our responsibility is to utilize scientific evidence to guide our work, and the most current science supports vaccination as a very effective way to decrease communicable disease. Using our clout as licensed primary care providers that have expertise in natural medicine, naturopathic doctors can be very effective in advocating vaccination, most especially to alternative medical seeking patients suspicious of vaccination.
Best to you both,
Dr. Jonathan Bell
Naturopathic physician at Ballard Neighborhood Doctors
Committee member of the WA Vaccine Advisory Committee
Board member of the Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
Thanks, Dr Bell. Really thankful for your comment, your insight, and for you taking the time to share what you know.
Ammon Prolife says
Mercury!
Aluminium!
Aboprted Fetal Tissue!
Any Naturopathic college that lets you out their doors with degree in hand, was either fooled by you, or has lost all respect for the populace’s health.
I know this will probably not be published, but I just want whoever reads this to know how sickened I was, to hear you all gloating about the poisoning and cannibalism of children!
Jennifer Martin says
Thank you so much Dr. Higi and Dr. Swanson. It’s nice to know that MDs and NDs can agree on this — one of the most important topics in pediatric healthcare. As a PNP in a busy private practice, I love to educate my patients on the benefits of vaccination. This was an interesting viewpoint that makes me more informed as a provider (I’d never read about the naturopath’s views on vaccines), and even more reassured as a mom! Thanks again!
Saul Marcus says
I’m not getting into anything approaching debate here.
There is no such thing as a Naturopathic consensus on vaccinations. I am a Naturopathic doctor and can say I know numerous colleagues who are not in favor of vaccinations, some of which have their children totally unvaccinated.
I have not taken an extensive poll of all Naturopathic doctors, so do not know where the general opinion is.
I can say that you will get varying opinions among NDs – and yes I’m talking about the ones who graduate from an accredited Naturopathic school.
Additionally, there are MDs, DOs and Phds (in medically related field) who are against vaccinations as well. While by far the overwhelming majority are far it – the degree title someone has may not say as much about them as you think it does!
While as a Naturopathic doctor I would like to say that of course all NDs are amazing brilliant practitioners, it would be foolish for anyone to make such a blanket statement about any field!
There is a lot of “debate” about this topic that gets no where. For example, in the above comments was suggested that parents should be concerned and get children vaccinated from whooping cough.
But then go and read this:
https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/finally-truth-emerges-about-whooping-cough-vaccine-obs-and-pediatricians-stand-1
And then can go and debate this endlessly.
I didn’t do the survey – but one thing for sure – can not say that NDs are for or against vaccinations! In naturopathic school students will get varying opinions from different teachers. It’s not like (at least not when I went to UBCNM) someone walks down and says “this is the official naturopathic doctrine on vaccinations and you must all agree.” I suppose depending on where and when someone went to school, their “indoctrination” and influences may vary, but still, this is the way it is. Maybe it’s different going to school in a state where NDs can prescribed medications? I don’t know, I went to school and practice in states where can not prescribe.
bhilleli says
I have to say – this one page may have changed my opinion about naturopaths… but alas… I would still be highly reluctant to consult an ND, as despite the folks on this page, the ND world is *FILLED* with “Saul Marcus’s” who believe there’s still a “debate” to be had on the topic of vaccinations.
The debate is LONG OVER. There is overwhelming scientific consensus on vaccines. They are an overwhelming net benefit to humanity and their benefit far, FAR outweighs their very low (albeit still real) risk. You state this debate can be had “endlessly” and then present “an article about an article about a study” as evidence?! Said article doesn’t even contain a link to the article it’s supposedly reporting on, nor the original study… hardly something any informed consumer should rely on, much less anyone who holds the title of ‘doctor’.
Nick M says
Encouraging people to inject toxic heavy metals is naturopathic?
It sounds like the corporate administrators have decided that it easier to co-opt alternative health rather than fight it.
Mike D says
I get the impression that something like 2% of naturopaths, those who went to an accredited school, are fully for vaccines. There is a heart wrenching story about a naturopath who did not vaccinate her kids against pertussis and then when they got sick with it, chose to skip out on medical care and treat with sugar pills and enemas.
https://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/naturopath-lets-her-kids-suffer-with-whooping-cough-child-abuse/
A former ND who went to Bastyr covered this story. She has said elsewhere that NDs learn anti-vax in their schools and don’t vaccinate as much as science-based providers.
Katie says
Please, do tell how to safely receive these routine vaccinations?
A friend of mine lost her daughter at 4 months to routine vaccinations. Why would there be such a large fund for vaccination related injuries and death if not for there being vaccine related injury and death?
How is it okay to administer a newborn child with hep B and aluminum levels of 1,000 times the fda guidelines for having it in food?
I don’t understand why there isn’t more accountability and transparency if this is something “safe” that our “children need”
Angela says
You are worried about a kid getting hep b from sports injury? Why isn’t there a hiv vax given to babies at birth? Children with hiv/aids are allowed to attend school AND play contact sports. Where is the push for that protection?
If you look through VAERS and CDC statistics you can find more children suffer chronic illnesses and death due to the vaccine side effects than babies and children who get Hep B yearly.
temeika says
basically all children,teens adults were all a Ginny pig. Just to see who will suffer, and who will benefit. maybe one day their get it right, I don’t feel any benefit. why inject your innocent baby with tons of crap????? and put them through all the pain, and having to hold them down, it’s bull. who realy knows what their putting in your baby. some say mercury???but if you think about it not anyone of us on this planet are in anyways shape or form the same, and will more likely then not have some sort of reaction to immunization. i feel it is a process of elimination??? my opinion. but My daughter has not had any of the vaccines besides the ones they gave her at birth without my consent, and from what i have been told by doctors most kids are sick several times throughout their first year. Mine has not been sick once. and she is a year in a half. she has had no medical issues. of course she did have stomach issues and did nothing but screem when she was first born due to the shots. but i agree, that their may be some that are to be considered, after gathering alot of information first, but not even all of them. it should be considered child abuse to inject your child with unknown chemicals. its an old saying why fix it if it isn’t broken. if your kids born just fine, leave it alone.