Welcome to the Anderson County Chapter of Tennesseans for Safer Vaccines

I'm a mother of 3 who became aware of my need to be more informed about mandatory vaccines after my third child had what I consider (and research confirms) a very serious reaction to his first round of childhood vaccines at age 2 months.

I consider myself to be a very well informed mother and have always taken extra precaution to read the information given to me by my pediatricians at each visit, especially the information given with each shot. I felt prepared as to what to expect as far as reactions and watched each child carefully following all immunizations. My third child has proven that not careful enough. The information I was given and trusted to be thorough didn't cover the very serious reaction he had. I didn't even realize, until after personal promptings to dig deeper, that what my child was doing was having a negative vaccine reaction. The scariest of which was a high pitched, unconsolable cry. A cry that we had never heard him make. He did this randomly for several weeks following his immunizations, with the worst being the first few days. This is the only symptom that was validated by my pediatrician as a 'possible' negative reaction. However, there were several others which included a high fever, excessive sleepiness, a type of 'nervous' twitch of his eyes and body, particularly while he slept, as well as, sensitivity at the shot sites. You can imagine my shock to discover that these symptoms could not only be a negative reaction, but one that could affect my son neurologically.

My plea is that ALL parents will inform themselves, not simply be satisfied with what someone else tells you is best for your child. Dig. Study. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of all childhood vaccines. Decide for yourself what is best for YOUR child. THIS IS YOUR CHOICE!