Health Tips and Vaccine Safety with Lauren Feder, M.D.

Lauren Feder, M.D. is a physician, homeopath, lecturer, and writer. Her website, www.drfeder.com is a content rich homeopathic resource. DrFeder.com includes homeopathic and natural parenting information, remedies, books and videos. She is in private practice in Beverly Hills, California where she specializes in homeopathic medicine for children and adults. Lauren is the mother of two boys.

Disclaimer: The medical opinions stated here are for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.

Question:

What is your stance on vaccines?

Answer:

Of late, the choice to vaccinate is being questioned by more and more parents. I have many families in my practice who have chosen to either not vaccinate, fully vaccinate or partially vaccinate against specific illnesses. I have found that by the time parents arrive at my office most of them have already made their decisions regarding vaccination. Parents have the right, as the law states that vaccines are not mandatory in most states and honor their right for exemptions. With that in mind, I find that my role as a physician is to educate people about the various childhood illnesses, the risk of these diseases, as well as the risk and benefits of the vaccines. In summary, I feel that parents need to take responsibility if they have decided to not vaccinate as well as parents who do vaccinate.

For example, unvaccinated families ought to know the steps to take to avoid tetanus ahead of time in the event their child steps on a rusty nail. The vaccine controversy is no longer immune to criticism. Immunizations have been in the news. Several steps have been made to increase vaccine safety. The house subcommittee has begun to explore the complaints that Hepatitis B has been linked to disabilities and death. The oral polio vaccine has been discontinued after there were enough cases of people coming down with paralytic polio following exposure from the vaccine. Thimerosol, the mercury based preservative, is being questioned as the cause of mercury toxicity.

Many families are taking the simple steps of avoiding the shots when their children are not feeling or acting 100%. Some people choose to space out the shots. For parents who do vaccinate their children there are homeopathic remedies that can be taken right after the shot which may help in minimizing complications. If someone is not under homeopathic care a good all-purpose remedy to take after a shot is Thuja Occidentalis (known as Thuja- the tree). Any low potency of Thuja is appropriate to give a child (from 6C, 6X up to 30C or 30X. 3 tablets twice a day for 2 days.) As always, if there are any unusual side effects from the vaccine one should contact their pediatrician.

Note: You can purchase Thuja on Dr. Feder's website at www.drfeder.com.

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