It’s time to talk vaccinations—specifically, the urgency of vaccinating your children. Enough with the misinformation and pseudoscience; we are facing a resurgence of diseases that should have been eradicated long ago. In the U.S., there were 70 reported cases of measles last year, 188 the year prior, and a staggering 667 cases in 2014. The overwhelming majority of those affected were unvaccinated individuals.
The MMR vaccine is crucial as it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Mumps can be particularly painful, affecting the salivary glands, and it’s been spreading, as seen in a recent outbreak in Colorado where 24 of 26 cases were reported in the Denver area. Washington State is also witnessing an uptick in mumps cases.
In 2015, about 20,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were documented, but the actual numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting. Infants can’t receive their first pertussis vaccine until they are three months old, leaving them extremely vulnerable. In fact, 1,970 of those 20,000 cases involved children under six months, and six individuals died—three of them were infants. This tragic reality underscores the importance of widespread vaccination.
Common Misconceptions
Let’s discuss some common misconceptions. For instance, the aluminum in vaccines is present in amounts comparable to what’s found in infant formula. And don’t forget that breastfed babies still consume aluminum from breast milk—7 milligrams in six months compared to 4.4 mg from vaccines. So there’s no reason to worry about the aluminum in vaccines causing severe health issues.
Regarding formaldehyde, the levels in vaccines are significantly lower than those naturally occurring in your child’s body, by at least five times. Formaldehyde is part of human metabolism, and the amounts in vaccines are far too low to pose any risk.
Don’t fall for the idea that the number of vaccines given at once could lead to developmental issues. Thirty years ago, children received vaccines for eight diseases using over 3,000 bacterial and viral components. Today, we vaccinate against 14 diseases with only 150 immunological components, meaning children actually receive fewer antigens than previous generations.
The Impact of Vaccination Choices
Moreover, your choice to not vaccinate doesn’t just affect your child; it impacts the entire community. Herd immunity is vital; it protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and immunocompromised individuals. When you choose not to vaccinate your child, you jeopardize the health of vulnerable members of your community. For instance, Riley Hughes, a one-month-old, tragically lost his life to whooping cough because of such decisions.
Free choice is an important principle, but it carries responsibilities. While it’s natural to fear side effects, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. My children don’t enjoy getting shots, but I remind them that they are contributing to the health of others. They may not understand the broader implications, but it’s crucial that we recognize our responsibility to community health.
The Role of Vaccines in Public Health
Let’s not kid ourselves; vaccines have played a monumental role in eradicating diseases like polio and smallpox. Improved sanitation and healthcare can help reduce mortality rates but cannot eliminate diseases alone—only widespread immunity can do that.
So please, just vaccinate your kids. Yes, they may cry and feel discomfort, but the likelihood of serious side effects is minimal. My own child had a mild reaction to the MMR vaccine, yet we completed his vaccination schedule because protecting our community is paramount. You don’t exist in isolation; your choices affect those around you, from the youngest to the oldest. Don’t take this responsibility lightly. Vaccinate.
Further Reading
For further reading, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at MedlinePlus. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination options, take a look at this blog post for more information. There’s also valuable information on the topic at Intracervical Insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, the message is clear: vaccinate your children to protect them and the community. The science supports it, and the importance of herd immunity cannot be overstated.