An article posted at HattiesburgAmerican.com reports that Forrest General, a hospital in south Mississippi, is trying to push new mothers into having the Tdap vaccine (which immunizes for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) before they leave the hospital. Another article reports that the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) requires mothers who don't want the vaccine to opt out in advance. It is very important for new mothers to be aware that many hospitals, in an attempt to raise quicker revenue for the hospital, may soon be adopting this practice, informing mothers that it is in accordance with the CDC's recommendations. Mothers, who may already be feeling tired and overwhelmed after having just giving birth, may be badgered by hospital staff to get the vaccine as they are trying to leave the hospital, with no time to adequately research the vaccine and its possible side effects. Surprisingly, the article also reports that in lieu of giving women who have just given birth the Tdap vaccine, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices suggests that the Td vaccine, which immunizes against tetanus and diphtheria, be given to women who are pregnant!

The Dangers of Aluminum Phosphate

One of the ingredients in the Tdap vaccine is known as aluminum phosphate. However, one doctor warns in an article that this common vaccine adjuvant is linked with numerous neurological problems, both in human and animal studies. It is doubtful that hospital staff or doctors administering this vaccine will explain this information to someone who is about to receive the vaccine; so, it's important that all expectant mothers do their own research before agreeing to this inoculation.

The Dangers of 2-phenoxyethanol

A preservative used in the Tdap vaccine, 2-phenoxyethanol, has its own dangers. In fact, a data sheet for this chemical provided by Oxford University states: "Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. May cause reproductive defects. Severe eye and skin irritant." Anyone want an injection? Pregnant mothers should note that this chemical is known to cause reproductive defects. Smart money says that if this chemical is harmful if it is absorbed into the skin, it's probably not too healthful if it's injected into the bloodstream. It's also a good bet that mothers aren't given this little tidbit of information before receiving the jab, either.

Adverse Reactions To Tdap

As with all vaccines, people who have received this vaccine have experienced numerous adverse reactions. While some health officials tend to sugar-coat the severity of side effects, an article on a Canadian government site notes that some of the possible reactions to this shot include severe swelling and pain at the injection site; a lump at the injection site that "usually" disappears in two months; serum sickness (a disease that affects various organs of the body); tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm and chest; and serious allergic reactions (i.e. hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling in the throat/mouth/face, a form of paralysis known as Guillain Barré Syndrome). Again, it is doubtful that hospital staff will advise new mothers of these possible adverse reactions before "offering" them the jab.

Are There Any Benefits to Receiving This Vaccine?

For people who don't mind rolling the dice when it comes to their health, it is possible that this vaccine may provide immunity, at least for a short time, to tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. There is no way to tell which people will experience serious adverse reactions in advance. People are expected to just roll up their sleeves and hope for the best. New mothers are put on the spot after giving birth, probably being made to feel as if they are bad parents if they dare to refuse the vaccine which might possibly prevent them from giving one of these rare illnesses to their babies.

Are Parents Who Oppose Vaccines Kooky?

Parents often wonder where to get unbiased information on the topic of vaccinations. Parents who oppose vaccination are often thought of as kooky. The truth is that the only crazy people are the ones who don't bother to research vaccinations before getting them or allowing them to be given to their children. Doctors don't always give good advice. A New York Times article reports that in the 1940's, doctors smoked Camels more than any other cigarette, according to a tobacco company. Yes, it used to be quite fashionable for doctors to smoke. There are still dentists using mercury fillings even though mercury is known to be very toxic to human beings, and people are even warned not to eat too much fish. These are just a few examples that demonstrate that doctors aren't always right. So, just because doctors or medical organizations may advise getting a vaccine, it doesn't mean they always know what they are doing.

A Must-Read Book For Parents

Many parents wonder where they can get truthful, unbiased information about vaccines in order to weigh the absolute risks and possible benefits. There is one outstanding book called The Parents' Concise Guide to Childhood Vaccinations by Dr. Lauren Feder that provides this kind of information. It is not an anti-vaccine treatise. Instead, it offers truthful information about all of the most common vaccines. Vaccinations aren't something that should be given as one is in a rush to leave the hospital. Parents should take the time to educate themselves in order to make informed decisions.