I get it—if you’re feeling uncertain about vaccines, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. When my first two kids were born, I opted out of the Hep B vaccine for them. There were a variety of reasons for this choice, including concerns about potential reactions due to their severe intolerances as children. We ended up following a modified vaccination schedule. I vividly remember the first time my middle child received the MMR vaccine. It was alarming to see him develop symptoms that looked just like measles. If I hadn’t been somewhat educated on the matter, I might have decided to stop vaccinating altogether. Plus, after getting flu shots, I still caught the flu, which made me question their effectiveness.
So, yes, I truly understand your hesitations. The internet is filled with conflicting information, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You read about various chemicals in vaccines, discuss possible adverse reactions, and worry about overloading your child’s immune system. With the decline of these diseases in our society, it’s natural to wonder if vaccinations are necessary. You want what’s best for your child’s health, and that’s a commendable goal. Let’s break down some common myths surrounding vaccines that you might have encountered.
Myth #1: Vaccines are loaded with dangerous chemicals.
It’s common to feel hesitant about vaccines because they contain chemicals. However, the term “chemicals” is overly simplistic; everything around us is made up of chemicals. When we talk about harmful substances, people often mention mercury, thimerosal, and aluminum.
According to the CDC, thimerosal is only found in multi-dose vials of the flu vaccine and is often encountered in certain types of fish. While it contains 49.6% mercury by weight, the FDA notes that the benefits of pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine far outweigh any theoretical risks associated with thimerosal. As for aluminum, the CDC explains that it’s used in the form of aluminum salts to enhance the immune response. We encounter aluminum daily through drinking water, infant formula, and various health products. A study from 2011 showed that children had aluminum levels well below the “minimal risk levels” after receiving vaccinations.
Myth #2: Kids today receive too many vaccines.
It’s a common concern that giving children more vaccines than we received as kids might overwhelm their immune systems. This thought kept me questioning vaccines for quite some time. However, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia clarifies that back in the ’80s, we were only protected against seven diseases, which involved around 3,000 immunological components. In contrast, today’s children are shielded from 16 diseases with just 15-160 components. They’re actually better off now than we were.
Myth #3: These diseases are a thing of the past.
The truth is, these diseases are still very much present. From January to October 2019, the CDC reported 1,250 cases of measles across 31 states. Chickenpox outbreaks still occur, and rotavirus and flu are prevalent as well. If you believe these diseases no longer exist, you might not be looking closely enough. For instance, there were 2,618 reported cases of mumps across 48 states and DC, according to the CDC. These diseases can cause significant harm.
Myth #4: The flu vaccine actually gives you the flu.
This myth had me worried about vaccines for a long time until an epidemiologist clarified something important: the goal of the flu vaccine isn’t to entirely prevent flu infection but to reduce the risk of severe illness and death. In the 2018-2019 flu season, approximately 79,400 Americans died from the flu, including 116 children. The CDC states that the vaccine reduces the likelihood of a doctor visit for the flu by 40-60%. One study even found that the flu vaccine lowered the risk of flu-related pediatric ICU admissions by 74% during specific flu seasons. My own family got the flu last year after being vaccinated, but our experience was much milder than when I caught it without a vaccine.
I completely understand why vaccines can be intimidating. Shots are uncomfortable, and it’s daunting when experts tell you what’s best for your child. But if you’re still questioning the necessity of vaccines, remember that these diseases are real and can be frightening, while the chemicals in vaccines have been shown to be safe in appropriate amounts.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have; they will be more than happy to address your questions and guide you in making informed decisions about your child’s health. For more details, check out this other blog post from Home Insemination Kit, or visit Intracervical Insemination for expert insights on this topic. You can also find valuable information on the IVF process in this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, it’s completely normal to have doubts about vaccines. However, understanding the facts and debunking myths can help you feel more confident in your decisions regarding your child’s health.