Hey there, new mom friend!
It’s Emily, the mom of Lucas — yes, that Lucas, the one with the tracheostomy and congenital heart defect. I’m thrilled that our little ones are getting together, whether it’s a playdate you arranged or we set up. Playdates are such a joy, right? Or maybe it’s just the wine — either way, I’m excited!
Lucas has spent a significant amount of time in the hospital, enduring countless procedures. It’s an incredible feeling to finally engage in normal activities with him after all we’ve been through. My husband and I were eagerly awaiting the day we could take him home and let him experience life outside those hospital walls.
However, I have a somewhat personal question to ask you: Is your child vaccinated?
Ah, the “v” word. It carries a level of emotion that rivals the last election. Many people shy away from discussing it, considering it a personal choice that’s not up for public debate. But for us, it’s a different story.
Lucas was born full-term but faced numerous challenges. Weighing in at about 5 pounds, he was below the first percentile on the growth chart. Beyond his size, he had a small jaw, an incomplete heart, and developmental issues in his abdomen. He arrived with a set of hurdles that we faced with as much strength as we could muster.
Sadly, this meant making tough compromises for his growth and health. He underwent a tracheostomy, bowel resection, and open-heart surgery all before reaching 4 months old. We dealt with various infections and illnesses, relying on strong antibiotics that put a strain on his young body.
As we navigated through these challenges, we always intended to vaccinate Lucas. We’ve researched the topic thoroughly and understand the risks and benefits involved. Preventing diseases that can be avoided is an obvious choice for us, especially after witnessing the consequences of those we cannot prevent. But in a hospital setting, vaccines often take a backseat to life-saving procedures. When faced with the choice of “critical surgery” versus “hepatitis B shot,” it’s understandable why one might be prioritized over the other. Plus, Lucas’s compromised immune system makes it difficult for him to receive vaccines at this time.
We have discussed a plan with his doctors to catch him up on vaccinations, but that won’t happen overnight, leaving him vulnerable to preventable diseases.
One common argument against vaccinating children is that parents know their child’s medical history best. If their child has no existing health issues, why should they receive vaccines? Why not let nature take its course? However, consider little Lucas and the many kids like him born with congenital heart disease or undergoing cancer treatments. Many children are too young, too sick, or unable to receive vaccinations for various reasons. You might not even realize some have had life-saving surgeries or have spent extended periods in hospitals, but they exist, and they need your support.
When these children fall ill, it’s not just a few days of chicken soup and rest. It often leads to hospital visits, oxygen machines, and rounds of antibiotics that might not work due to their bodies being exposed to them repeatedly. It can involve continuous monitoring and setbacks in their development. Tragically, for some, it might even mean a hospital visit they do not return from.
I realize that it may seem like too much for me to request that you vaccinate your child, especially since we cannot vaccinate ours yet. It might come off as pushy or intrusive. But perhaps it’s not too much to ask. Maybe it’s just one mom seeking help for her little one to attend daycare, school, or the playground without worry. It’s about giving Lucas a chance at a childhood free from the hospital environment he has known for so long.
I hope you understand my perspective when I ask about your child’s vaccination status. I truly hope it makes you think about your choices, whether you agree with me or not. Plus, if you enjoy white wine, I brought a couple of bottles to share!
Warmly,
Emily
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In summary, discussing vaccinations is essential for the health of all children, especially those with compromised immune systems. It’s about fostering a safe environment for every child to thrive in.