As a mother of multiple children, all of whom are vaccinated, I made the decision to space out their vaccinations to monitor any potential reactions more easily. This approach seemed unnecessary until we experienced a genuine reaction with our youngest child. At her eighteen-month check-up, she received two vaccines and, within a day, her condition deteriorated. She developed a fever, a full-body rash, became irritable, and vomited multiple times. It was a challenging time for both her and me.
Before I delve deeper into her story, let me clarify: I am not an anti-vaccine advocate. I trust in modern medicine, ethical scientific research, and evidence-based studies. Some may assume that witnessing my child’s reaction would push me into the anti-vaccine camp, but it didn’t. Now that COVID-19 is a reality, I feel frustrated seeing anti-vaxxers use children like mine—who have had legitimate vaccine reactions—as a rationale for refusing the vaccine.
It’s important to acknowledge that vaccines can lead to side effects, which are clearly outlined on any vaccine manufacturer’s website, as well as on government sites like the FDA and CDC. Yes, vaccines carry risks; however, so does everything in life. The CDC has documented instances of myocarditis linked to mRNA vaccines like those from Pfizer and Moderna, particularly in young men, and cases of thrombosis associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in women under 50. While rare, these incidents are valid and should not be dismissed, just as my daughter’s experience shouldn’t be minimized.
When reputable scientists and healthcare professionals urge those without a history of vaccine reactions to get vaccinated—both to protect their own health and the health of others—I cannot accept the idea of using my child’s experience as an excuse. First, someone else’s reaction has no bearing on your potential response to the vaccine, especially if there is no biological link. Secondly, the benefits of vaccination heavily outweigh the risks for individuals without prior adverse reactions.
I choose to remain anonymous in sharing this article because I refuse to let anyone exploit my daughter’s situation as a talking point against vaccines. We are not your poster children for anti-vaccine sentiment.
I find it particularly disheartening when anti-vaccine rhetoric comes from fellow Christians. The Bible emphasizes loving your neighbor. How, then, is it loving to ignore the reality of a pandemic? Protesting against masks, refusing the vaccine, and disregarding social distancing are, in my view, contrary to the teachings of God.
Moreover, I question whether those who refuse vaccination would seek medical help if they fell severely ill with COVID-19. Would they simply stay home, relying on essential oils and prayer? It seems contradictory that some who advocate for natural immunity indulge in unhealthy habits, expecting divine intervention while neglecting their well-being.
Many in our society legitimately cannot receive vaccines, and some individuals with disabilities may be unable to wear masks. This underscores the responsibility of those who can to protect the most vulnerable among us.
After my daughter’s reaction, we spent years consulting medical professionals to determine the cause. We are still in the process of identifying the specific issue, undergoing tests and consultations. This endeavor has been time-consuming and costly, but I am committed to my child’s health and our family’s well-being.
When anti-vaxxers argue against getting the vaccine due to the possibility of severe reactions, I find it exasperating. Yes, there is a chance of experiencing side effects, whether from a vaccine, medication, or even food. However, unless someone has a documented history of severe reactions, their argument lacks validity. It is incredibly frustrating to hear.
I wish more people would choose vaccination for the greater good, especially to protect those who cannot, such as my daughter. I long for individuals to redirect their energies away from spreading misinformation and instead prioritize collective safety and care.
No health professional would assert that vaccines are 100% safe; that would not align with scientific principles. While a small number of individuals may experience reactions, they should not be used as anti-vaccine tokens. It is crucial for everyone to do their part to overcome the pandemic together.
For further insights on this topic, check out this informative post and visit Intracervical Insemination for expert advice. Additionally, IVF Babble serves as a great resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Search queries:
- vaccine reactions in children
- COVID-19 vaccine safety
- importance of vaccines
- how vaccines work
- vaccine side effects
In summary, while vaccine reactions can occur, they should not serve as a justification for refusing vaccinations. The benefits of immunization far surpass the risks for those without a history of adverse reactions. It’s vital for society to prioritize collective health and safety, especially amidst a pandemic.