Last week, I took my son for a routine well-child checkup. It was a typical appointment without any major issues to discuss, aside from a minor concern about a dry patch on his foot, which turned out to be nothing more than the result of a little boy’s sweaty feet. After a brief examination, the nurse came in with his vaccinations. He barely flinched with the first shot, cried a little with the second, but soon settled down with some comforting hugs, and we were on our way. Unremarkable, right?
Upon returning home, I shared a snapshot on my public Instagram account—a picture of his hand clasping mine. I captioned it: “Just had a well-baby checkup! He is right on track for height and weight, and yes, he has a big head—more room for all that brainpower! He was a trooper getting his shots. I always remind my kids that the brief pain is worth it to keep them safe from harmful germs. I’ll explain herd immunity to them when they’re older. #parenting #vaccines #momblog #letthembelittle #bigbrain”
The response I received was astonishing. I anticipated some backlash for including “#vaccines,” but I was unprepared for the volume of unsolicited comments and private messages. People expressed opinions that his head size indicated a risk for autism (what?!), questioned the validity of herd immunity, and even mentioned toxic substances that I supposedly allowed into my child’s system (what am I supposed to do now? The shots are done). One comment even suggested that his head was swelling from the vaccines, which made me chuckle; my kids have always had larger than average heads—trust me on this!
I thought I was celebrating the fact that my son wouldn’t be at risk for mumps, while others were quick to chastise me, claiming I had ruined him. When did we reach a point where strangers feel entitled to critique a parent’s well-researched, medically sound choices?
Many comments echoed the same refrain: “Do your research.” Do they genuinely think I haven’t? Do they assume my pediatrician, who has dedicated years to her practice, hasn’t either? My doctor is a mother to children the same age as mine. Would she be administering something potentially harmful to her own kids? I highly doubt it.
To be completely candid, I had my doubts about vaccines at one point in my life. Yes, I said it. I acknowledge the importance of questioning information and seeking out various perspectives. In college, I opted out of the H1N1 vaccine due to concerns about side effects I read online. The school’s rushed communication made it sound more menacing than it was. However, witnessing my classmates remain healthy calmed my fears, and I eventually got vaccinated, especially since I was entering a medical profession where protecting vulnerable populations is critical.
Before having my first child, I encountered a flood of alarming information regarding vaccines, including potential side effects and preservatives. The extensive vaccination schedule for children before kindergarten is indeed surprising. I took a step back, investigated thoroughly, and compared the levels of “dangerous” preservatives in vaccines to what we typically consume. For instance, did you know that a pear contains 600 times more formaldehyde than a flu vaccine? This article does a great job of debunking myths with linked studies, so I won’t reiterate their points here.
Ultimately, I made the informed decision to vaccinate my children. I don’t consistently get my flu shot, but that’s simply due to forgetfulness, not a matter of principle.
My Reasoning for Vaccinating
Now, let’s discuss my reasoning for vaccinating my kids. This is about more than just preventing a mild illness. I’m protecting them from serious diseases like polio, measles, diphtheria, and rubella. Sure, their bodies could potentially fight these off, but complications such as brain infections or paralysis are real risks. I would much rather endure a few minutes of discomfort from a shot than face an emergency room visit due to a preventable disease.
Additionally, we vaccinate to protect those who cannot, such as a little girl I once worked with who couldn’t receive vaccines due to her medical condition. Just because her body struggled with processing vaccines doesn’t mean we should stop vaccinating altogether. Many individuals—those with cancer, genetic disorders, or immune deficiencies—rely on community immunity. My family can safely receive vaccines, which helps shield vulnerable people, especially newborns who haven’t completed their vaccination schedules.
I have no fear of preservatives in vaccines. Our bodies are equipped with natural filtration systems to handle them. Vaccines require preservatives to remain viable until administration; doctors won’t be using a fresh batch of measles from a petri dish for your inoculation.
To those of you who are hesitant about vaccines, I won’t belittle your concerns; I understand where you’re coming from. Parenting is incredibly challenging, and we all strive to make the best decisions for our kids. I encourage you to expand your research beyond biased sources. There’s a lot of misinformation readily available. Remember that correlation does not imply causation. If you find the CDC untrustworthy, consult the World Health Organization or speak directly to your healthcare provider. Approach these conversations with an open mind and express your concerns.
Let’s be serious: In the past, countless children lost their lives to diseases we now have the power to prevent. Thousands of families grieved children taken too soon. Outbreaks of diseases like rubella led to miscarriages and severe complications. We are fortunate to live in an era where these threats seem distant, but the reality of their potential impact is crucial to remember.
When I choose to vaccinate, it’s not solely for my children; it’s for yours as well. No amount of negative commentary will induce guilt about this important choice.
So please, don’t tell me to “do my research.” I have already done so, extensively.
I hope you will too.
Further Reading
For more insights into family planning and parenting, check out our other blog posts, such as this one about navigating the fertility journey. For even more resources, Kindbody is an excellent guide for pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for new parents, check out this Bathtime Buddies gift set.
Summary
This article emphasizes the author’s commitment to vaccinating her children, highlighting the significance of informed decision-making based on solid research and medical advice. It addresses common misconceptions, the importance of community immunity, and encourages open dialogue about vaccine hesitancy while reinforcing the protective benefits of vaccinations for both individual children and society as a whole.