I don’t like to talk about controversial things here – on my blog – because frankly that is not what this space is for. However, the front page of MSNBC had an article this morning and I just cannot ignore it. Vaccines. I’m for them. You can yell at me all you want but this is why:
- After reading research on both sides of the issue I feel that the risk of my child suffering a side effect is much smaller than the risk of them catching small pox. Mercury, which supposedly has been linked to autism (and yet vaccines are not required at all in Japan and they have seen the same increase in autism we have) has not been put in vaccines since 2000. The other argument I’ve read is that a child’s immune system is not strong enough. But it is – and that is the point – to make it stronger.
- The reason why the risk of children getting small pox is so low is because EVERYBODY ELSE IS IMMUNIZED. Which means that those who don’t immunize are in some fashion (conscious or not) relying on everybody else to immunize their child.
- When enough people don’t immunize diseases come back — which they are – like measles, whooping cough and mumps. (see link to this article on MSNBC). Personally I don’t want to be the one person responsible for an outbreak of measles in my school or to watch my child needlessly suffer in a hospital because they contracted whooping cough.
Perhaps it is because I am an “older” mother but I remember my parents telling stories of kids in their schools dying from Polio, being in the hospital for whooping cough, scars from the measles, etc. Everybody has to make their own decisions but when your decision starts effecting MY family (like drunk driving, robbing, etc) then I get a bit passionate about it. Go ahead – get mad at me – I’ve braced myself.
Sorry, would like to oblige you with a rip-roaring argument. But actually . . . couldn’t have said it better myself. Maybe it’s because my dad’s a family practice doctor, but we’re all for vaccines around here.
Although I have to say I was a tiny bit sad when they came out with the chicken pox vaccine. That seemed like such a childhood ritual that I’m almost sad for my kids to never get it. (Almost!)
kuddos
I believe in vaccination too. All 3 of the kids have had their vacs and thank heavens, no problems. I’ve had whooping cough and I wouldn’t want to see my kids(or grandkids)go through it.
As a child I was forbidden to go to any public swimmng pool for fear of catching polio. This was a scourge and many kids were permanently paralyzed from this disease. The vaccine came out when I was in my 20’s and I went down to the local school and stood in a long line (gladly) to get the vaccine. Polio today has almost vanished and most of people your age have no idea of what a blessing this vacccine was. So — I totally agree with you. Vaccinate your children — protect them because some of these diseases can be devastating.
Hey Beth,
not sure if you know we have chosen not to vaccinate with Rev or any of our children. We did a lot of research as well, read many books on both sides. After much research we just couldn’t put those toxins in Revs body no matter what age his immune system is. I will disagree that a babies immune system is NOT ready for vaccines at such a young age. We of course encourage friends/family not to vaccinate or atleast do plenty of research but if they do decide I ALWAYS encourage to wait atleast 2 years before starting any vaccine. When we found out the ingredients and that there are aborted babies in vaccines we morally and religiously could not vaccinate and deny all adult vaccines as well for ourselves. I think that vaccines are mostly about money in America and not protecting our children, they are doing much more harm than good. I know many will argue this as you have done but I have read many books and feel very very educated on the subject. Until someone has read a few books on BOTH sides I don’t think a person can really make an informed decision about vaccines. I have many friends and family who disagree with us but also many friends and family who are choosing not to vaccine adn turn to more natural medicine and organic/healthy eating to keep their children and families well and healthy. Clay and I truly believe God gave us bodies with immune systems to be able to fight off disease and sickness. I woudl much rather Rev get sick adn allow his body to naturally become immune to something than put unnatural diseases in his little body. Just my opinion!
A late comment here, but I just have to ask… How does my decision to not vaccinate my kids in any way effect your kids who have been vaccinated? Unless of course, you don’t think the vaccinations work as effective as we’re told they work. In which case I ask, why even bother?
My grandmother’s younger sister, June, died from diphtheria at the age of 4. My grandmother still has a piece of Juicy Fruit gum she had snuck from June’s pack without her knowledge. She hung onto the gum because she felt so guilty when June died. My grandmother also lost her father and grandfather the same year. Her family suffered the loss of 3 vital family members between May and August of 1934.
Although the diphtheria vaccine was available, my great grandparents didn’t have June vaccinated. She died having suffered great pain and slow suffocation. Her death was senseless and preventable.
I am alarmed at the increase in parents who are not having their children vaccinated. Some may cite religious beliefs, however, God gave us the brains and ability to discover and create vaccines. I think he wants us to care for our children and survive as a human race. God has provided us with the skills and tools, such as vaccines, with which to do this. I think it is irresponsible for parents to forgo vaccinating their children.