In 2014, during my pregnancy with twins, I was deeply troubled by a report detailing a measles outbreak in California. This disease, which had been largely controlled through vaccinations, reignited my passion for the topic. Fueled by emotion, I penned an essay asserting that vaccination is not simply a personal choice. Choices like breastfeeding or dietary preferences belong to the individual, but vaccinations impact entire communities. I firmly believed then—and still do—that a well-structured vaccination schedule for children is essential.
The reaction was swift and harsh. Critics labeled me as ignorant, uneducated, and confrontational. They questioned my authority to assert that vaccinations are not merely personal decisions. I recognized their resistance; after all, people generally dislike being told how to manage their health, especially regarding their children. I wouldn’t want anyone dictating aspects of my life, such as my choice of contraception or my parenting practices.
Yet, rather than recognizing that I was advocating for informed decisions rooted in science for the collective good, many felt I was merely imposing my views. Some referenced the discredited study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, which falsely linked vaccines to autism. Others shared alarming statistics about vaccine-related injuries. However, a recent article in Time highlighted that while 2,967 claims of vaccine injury were reviewed, only 1,876 were compensated. When you compare that to the staggering 2.5 billion vaccinations administered from 2006 to 2014, the odds of experiencing a vaccine injury are less than one in a million. To put that in perspective, the chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 960,000.
My initial essay stemmed from the perspective of a concerned mother. I was exhausted by reports of children succumbing to diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines. It pained me to hear stories from parents grappling with the consequences of vaccine-preventable illnesses. I felt frustrated that some would trust a celebrity with no medical credentials over scientists dedicated to public health. If individuals are inclined to listen to celebrity opinions, perhaps they could consider more reasonable voices like Jessica Alba or Kristen Bell.
Looking back, I should have directed readers to factual resources from respected organizations such as the World Health Organization, Shot at Life, and the parent-driven group, Voices for Vaccines.
Despite the backlash, my belief in science remained steadfast. I continue to vaccinate my four children according to a recommended schedule. In my country, many vaccinations are required, while optional ones are accessible and affordable. My decision stems not from blind faith or conspiracy theories suggesting a profit-driven agenda, but from informed research and a commitment to doing what’s best for my community.
Skeptics often dismissed my views by saying I was “just a mom” with a background in public relations and marketing, implying my lack of medical expertise disqualified my opinions. Ironically, many of those who opposed vaccinations lacked formal medical training as well. I’m not a doctor or a researcher; I don’t hold a medical degree. However, I am educated and passionate about understanding health issues, particularly vaccinations. I have explored extensive literature on the safety and efficacy of vaccines, as well as the dire consequences communities face when vaccination rates decline.
For instance, the Pan American Health Organization declared on September 27, 2016, that measles had been eradicated from the Americas, meaning any new cases originated outside the region. While this is promising, health officials warn that measles could re-emerge if vaccination rates drop, as seen in recent outbreaks in Italy. This is where the concept of herd immunity becomes crucial.
Herd immunity offers indirect protection against infectious diseases when a significant portion of the population is immune. This protects those who cannot receive vaccines due to age or health conditions.
Perhaps attitudes are shifting. Many parents have recently expressed agreement with the importance of scheduled vaccinations. One mother who formerly opposed vaccines shared her change of heart after her children contracted rotavirus, which is preventable through vaccination. Such experiences often catalyze a shift in perspective, although it’s unfortunate that it takes such incidents to sway opinions.
After I published my original essay, someone reached out to suggest a debate with a naturopath about my views on vaccinations. I declined. I no longer wish to debate whether vaccination is the right decision. For me, this is not a matter of personal choice, but rather a community imperative. Instead of engaging in name-calling or insults, I prefer to encourage open-mindedness and discussion based on credible research.
I won’t resort to shouting or judgment. I simply ask those who may disagree to consider the perspectives of parents like myself. I’m not on an emotional soapbox anymore; I’m simply a mother advocating for the health of children and the welfare of our communities.
Please, vaccinate your children. Protect them, as well as those who cannot be vaccinated for various reasons, and ultimately safeguard the community. You can learn more about the journey of artificial insemination and family planning at this link. Additionally, for valuable insights into patient care, check out this resource. For more information on home insemination, IVF Babble provides excellent resources.
In summary, vaccinations should not be a point of contention but a collective responsibility. It’s essential for the health and safety of our children and communities.