Vaccines and summer reading

Perhaps he would have preferred getting tetanus or diptheria?

Oscar had his 2 month appointment today (a few days late) and weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs 1 oz. Sheesh! I thought he was getting heavy. He also got 3 shots, an oral vaccine and a dose of Tylenol. Then he went to sleep but I'm thinking it'll be all Moby wrap all day to keep him semi peaceful. He settled down pretty quick after this photo.

Mr. H and I are both pro-vaccine and, to be honest, can't quite figure out the anti-vaccine crowd. Vaccines don't cause autism, folks! Oscar's nurse said they have several patients' parents who decline or modify vaccine schedules which they (the doctors) find annoying. If you want to read something totally unrelated to vaccines but that will make you think they're a good thing, try At Home by Bill Bryson. Chapter 16 has a piece on smallpox and let's all be glad that's one disease we don't need to worry about!

And, speaking of reading, At Home is counting as my non-fiction book for the library summer reading bingo game. For the second year in a row, Biscuit is playing for blackout but is losing steam. Yesterday I was picking up some books on hold and I decided what the heck, game ON. I am going to whip her at summer reading and get to blackout first. Yes, they do have an adult version of the program so I'm not going to whip through Mr. Popper's Penguins and call it a day.

I put a good dent in her commanding lead with simple ones like: download the library app (done by Mr. H, iPhone haver), subscribe to booklist, check out language database, read to someone else, etc etc.

Today I am dying wool yarn with instructions from a very cool book I happened to spot while looking for something else entirely: The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes by local(ish) author Sasha Duerr. Blackberry dye in the works (both fruits and leaves in separate pots). I'll report back.

So, while Biscuit is on a Fancy Nancy and Amelia Bedelia kick, I seem to be into YA Fantasy (one of which I am totally counting as Science Fiction even though it's not entirely accurate...). I need quick reads if I'm going to win. Anyone want to recommend a mystery? And is Little Bee any good? My mom didn't seem to think so but I requested the Play Away (one bingo square) and if I listen I can attend the audiobook book club later this month (another square). That seemed more realistic than reading Alexandria by tomorrow evening's historical fiction book club meeting :) What about a short, readable "classic"? I was thinking Little Women or Jane Eyre. Got 'em both free on Kindle but I'm open to ideas. I've got a few graphic novels requested thanks to recommendations in this post by Melissa Wiley. And I'm reading Little Audrey, a super short book suggested by a friendly librarian who saw my stack and realized I'm totally cool with reading children's books. And if I can read all that before Biscuit finishes Mr. Popper's Penguins and listens to an audio book I should be all set. Right.... I'd better go read.

Comments

[Superjules]

1. I agree with you on vaccines. My dad had polio as a child. It enrages me when people are all 'those diseases don't exist anymore... shrug.'

2. If you liked Graceling, read Fire! Same author, some of the same characters, seriously awesome.

[Melissa Haworth]

 Got Fire during my last library trip! Totally going to read it! (but it wont give me any bingo squares so Im trying to focus :)

[Krista]

Little Bee is readable and probably listenable. Not the best book ever, but definitely worth it for the win! (Competitive book reading- I like it!)

[Susan]

I still can't get through Jane Eyre; not a fast summer read for me. Little Bee was good. I'm enjoying The Help, which you have probably already read.
Thanks for vaccinating Oscar.
Hope you beat Biscuit!

[Jeannie]

I feel like, in all respect, including a counterpoint as I happen to be a parent that has declined 2 of the newer vaccines for my child. Rotovirus and Chicken Pox. Parents like me are not declining all vaccines like a couple people are stating. For me it's the ones that haven't been around long enough to really 'test' the outcome like chicken pox. As well as ones that are unnecessary like the rotovirus, which is taken orally, since my child isn't in daycare around other kids so him getting sick and dehydrated, etc. from other kid germs was non existant. Each parent can do and decide whatever they think is best for their child and I would never judge anyone on their decision. I know I felt it when I declined them from the nurses, definetly but really they have to know I wouldn't unknowingly decline something that would help my kid if I didn't have reliable sources and studies to back up my concerns. For me what it comes down to, is that if there is any debate about any of these topics, I would rather see the researchers prove it one way or another before changing the way schedules use to be, or creating new vaccines and administering them before conducting lonterm studies on the effects. I hope this helps to clarify again just the 'other side' on this debate. My hope that this comment is received in absolutely no ill will or negatively. My hope is that everyone can always look rationally and intellectually at both sides. :)

[Melissa Haworth]

Hi Jeannie,
thanks for your thoughtful reply. I can more understand your situation on declining newer vaccines (esp rotovirus if your kid is not going to be in daycare as mine is). Still, part of me thinks the only way we can determine efficacy of newer vaccines if for lots of kids to try them. Assuming theyre deemed safe by fda etc Im not too worried about adverse affects, its not a perfect system but Id rather my very healthy child get the vaccine and hopefully prevent a child who cant get the vaccine (ie a child with a immune disorder) from getting the illness and having a very serious case of what would be a moderate illness for healthy kids.

Anyway, the debate goes on. My main beef is with folks who still insist on the autism link even though its been thoroughly disproved and the original papers authors retracted it. Autism is certainly scary but not about vaccines.

Melissa