(WSBT) In June, a special federal vaccine court started hearing cases filed by parents who believe their child's autism was caused by vaccinations.

Almost 5,000 similar claims have been filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Government studies have shown no link between vaccinations and autism, and health officials insist they are safe and essential for a child's health. But a growing number of mothers are rethinking the way they vaccinate their children.

Deb Rhizal has not had her daughter Emma vaccinated.

“We decided we wanted to at least delay until she was two,” Rhizal said.

She is one of a growing number of mothers concerned about vaccinations.

“One is just everything else that comes with the shot — all the preservatives,” she said.

The number of shots has increased over the years. Almost 30 doses of about 12 vaccines are now recommended for children before kindergarten — all at a young age when immune systems are still developing.

“I think there's a lot going on with the way we tax our immune systems,” Rhizal told WSBT News. “I wanted to weigh the risks of vaccinating with the risks of a real disease.”

And there are risks, even if not everyone can agree on what those risks are.

“It is debatable what vaccinations are doing to our population — everything from attention deficit disorder to chronic fatigue syndrome to autoimmune disorders,” said Dr. Mark Lindholm, a chiropractor. “The big one is autism.”

The Centers for Disease Control maintains a database of all reported injuries from being vaccinated, from minor reactions to death. There’s even a compensation fund for victims.

“Even though those risks are slim, they definitely are there,” Lindholm said.

Lisa Chupp knows that all too well.

“They did some tox[in] screens and found out that my younger daughter definitely did have a reaction to her vaccinations,” Chupp told WSBT News.

Lindholm said it comes down to making sure parents are informed and then making a choice.

“I think that each parent needs to decide for themselves what is in the best interest for their child," he said.

That's a choice many parents don't realize they have the right to make.

“There's nobody that looks you in the face and says, ‘There is considerable reason to think about if this is the right choice for your family or not,’” said Rhizal.

Chupp found that out when it was too late.

“It makes me very, very upset ... very upset, because at the time I vaccinated my children I thought that it was the law and I thought that I did not have a choice and now knowing that I do have a choice, yes, it makes me very upset,” she said.

So she has some advice for parents.

“I would say really, really look into it before you give them any vaccines,” she said.

That's advice the Rhizals are taking to heart.

“With the next one? Same thing ... we'll wait!” Rhizal said.

The American Medical Association says without vaccinations, epidemics of preventable diseases could return. They stress vaccines not only protect the child, but the community as well.

That's why the health department requires some immunizations before a child can go to school. Others are simply recommended.

Some parents are choosing to delay the riskier vaccinations until their child gets a little older. Some are also spacing them out over time or choosing not to get the riskier vaccinations if they aren't required.

Families can also qualify for a medical or religious exemption from vaccinations in both Indiana and Michigan. Michigan also allows philosophical exemptions.

For more information on the difference between required and recommended vaccinations, as well as exemptions, click on the link in the Related Content box entitled "Vaccination Laws: State by State Information."

The bottom line is it's important to discuss options with a doctor and follow a plan with their guidance.