It's kind of expensive, but I would probably try to find a pediatrition to space out the vaccines as they are administered.  Ask your doctor which diseases infants are most likely to contract if not immunized and go with those first.  I would wait until your child is about two or three years, but would start earlier than Calla suggests, given you want the time to space out the immunizations, and you'll want most of the immunizations in place before your child attends kindergarden or pre-school (where he will be exposed to more kids, for longer periods, in more confined space, than when you are merely out shopping).  Also, while Autism is a serious, lifelong communication and social learning disability, I should remind you that having Autism sure beats being dead. ;-)

So space out the shots, start as early as 18 months but no later than 3 years, and find an alternative to the standard shots that contain Thimerisol mercury (which may only be the flu vaccine at this point, but I'd ask your doctor).

I wrote this a few minutes before reading Pickel's story about the San Diego measles outbreak and her recommendation to go with the Danish Vaccination Schedule as detailed here:

http://www.generationrescue.org/pdf/danish.pdf

Pickel hit the nail on the head.  Read her story here:

http://www.trusera.com/health/stories/pickel/

the-vaccine-debate-and-the-san-diego-measles-outbreak

Hey Jude! Did you make a decision on the immunizations yet?

There are much better comments from more learned sources than me, but my wife was very freaked out by immunizations when she was pregnant. We chose a Ped who spaces them out, uses ones without thimerosal or any preservative, and one of the doctors in his practice is on the board of Autism Speaks. I believe in immunizations (Cooper is 14 months now) but I know a lot of people believe they can lead to Autism, so as mom26 commented, it is a personal choice. Best of luck to you and your wife in making that decision.

Guys! Thanks for all this...and keep it coming, if you've got more. You've given us a lot to consider. I really appreciate it! Jude

Replying to my own comment to give you this link: http://davidwolman.blogspot.com/2008/03/autism-and-that-other-word.html I hope it's helpful, in some small way.

I waited until my children were 3 before I started their immunizations. I'd read a Japanese study (which I can't locate online - except for quotes) that demonstrated a dramatic decline in reactions to immunizations when they waited until children were 3. This quote sums up my opinion: "In Chinese medicine, it is thought that the immunological system develops slowly and is not mature until age 3 at the earliest. Serious consequences associated with vaccination seem to be due to vaccinations given in the first year, especially the first six months. In my practice, I feel early vaccination plays a part in asthma, eczema, autism and ADD. Postponement of vaccinations until after age 3, or even age 5, seems reasonable. A published protocol to reduce risk recommends introduction of single vaccinations starting at age 2, each separated by six months. I agree with this. I am not unequivocally against vaccinations, because they offer real benefit against epidemic illness. However, they should be given singly, spaced out in time, and can start after age 3. Exceptions are during risks of local epidemics, such as pertussis, when combined with early enrollment in day care." By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc from Acupuncture Today It makes sense to wait. Thanks for asking.

I wrote a great post on greening our vaccines. Most kids have the ability to naturally chelate toxins from vaccines but the AAP recommends so many vaccines today that are not necessarily needed. If you compare the amount of vaccines today to the amount recommended in the 1980's it is staggering. Read this post: http://www.discussingautism.com/and-the-vaccine-debate-goes-on-green-our-vaccines/#comment-10475 And this one: http://www.discussingautism.com/the-ugly-truth-about-vaccines-and-measles/ AND, make sure to click on the links to get the research that I quote. THAT is the important part.

I'll tell you what I plan to do with my own children, when I have them. First, no combined shots. The MMR is available as three separate shots, spaced out over time. Second, before any shots are given whatsoever, the child's titers will be checked; if his/her blood already contains antibodies, there will be no vaccination for that disease. (We'll check the titers again after a reasonable amount of time has passed, to be certain that there really is an immunity there.) Third, we'll keep an eye out for thimerosal and avoid it if at all possible. It should be possible, as very few vaccines contain it at this point. These precautions are not because I think vaccines cause autism, but because I don't see the point in overloading a child's system with anything that isn't necessary. Hence checking titers and splitting up the MMR. This is just my personal opinion; your mileage may vary. And I have no scientific backing for this, either - it's just my common-sense approach.

To immunize your children is a very personal choice. After much deliberation, and the fact that we really don't know if the vaccine contributes to Autism in some way...my family has resigned from having any more.If I had to do it over again, I would not vaccinate...just a very personal choice.You have to read and really do not buy into any propaganda...Just go with your gut and your heart.Jeanette