by Linda Burleson

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 21, 2008

A myriad of vaccines are administered to our children almost from the moment of birth and the possible ramifications of this practice is rarely considered, particularly by the parents who are told that their offspring must have them, and it is not optional.

As a child of the 50s I was among those children whose moms cautioned us not to play in the rain gutters lest we contract polio, a disease that was dreaded by everyone in those days. So little was known about how it was contracted that there were many old wives tales about how to protect your family from getting it. At that time, very few victims of polio lived, and those who did never completely recovered. The damage to the body was devastating. Jonas Salk discovered a vaccine that was finally approved during the 50s, and every school child received it on a sugar cube placed on the tongue. Eventually that evolved to a shot.

Smallpox was another medical danger. In early years, Smallpox wiped out entire populations. A Smallpox vaccination was required in the 50s, 60s and early 70s to enter public school. It did not hurt, but it made a vicious scab that left a permanent scar; but everyone had one, and it faded with time. Those were the only vaccinations administered during my school years. Boy, have things changed!

My children had to have a DPT with three boosters as well as a polio shot with a booster, then boosters again when they turned 12 years old. The former vaccine was to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough). My grandchildren are now mandated to have so many vaccines,some before they ever leave the hospital, that it has become a major concern for me - and not just for me. It is enough of a concern that there is now in place a government fund for persons maimed in some way by vaccinations. Of course you have to sue to get any of the federal dollars and the burden of proof is entirely on the plaintiff with big pharmaceuticals' lawyers there to refute victims' claims.

Children no longer receive Polio or Smallpox vaccinations, as those diseases are believed to have been eradicated in this country; however plenty of others have replaced them. It all begins with Hepatitis B vaccine given in the hospital nursery, with a second dose given at the first well baby visit and a third at 6 months - 7 visits to a health care provider for a total of 32 vaccine mixtures all before a child enters school. My youngest grandson received five shots at his first well baby visit. All of these required

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