Before I even start, let me preface with, I completely understand that their are parents who cannot vaccinate their children due to health reasons. For those parents, I sincerely empathize with you- here I am pregnant and worried about how to protect my child until he is old enough to have the vaccine and you have that constant worry on a daily basis without a hope in sight. I truly could never imagine.
I have done tons and tons of research prior to even thinking of writing this because I wanted to make sure I wasn't "just following the government hype" that I've heard a lot of "chosen anti-vaxers" say that in their defense. I say "chosen anti-vaxers" in that they willingly know the dangers of not vaccinating their children, and based on mostly reckless reasoning they allow their children to be liable to catch these diseases and spread them when outbreaks occur. I saw an interesting ecard the other day that really struck a nerve.
I know every mom tries to do their best, and my goodness parenting is hard. I've made plenty of mistakes and I know I'll make more- it's a learning experience. But I struggle with knowing that these "chosen anti-vaxers" do not protect their children from life threatening diseases and in turn, as an adult if they continue to not vaccinate- they travel abroad and then bring these once eradicated diseases back into our country for us to fight all over again. I firmly believe it's completely reckless.
I am normally the one all for empowering other moms, empowering moms to work together, but this is one issue that I cannot seem to even remotely support. I've read articles upon articles supporting anti-vaccination trying to get a better understanding of why these parents would make these decisions and I still cannot make any sense of it.
“People without gray hair forget that before vaccines became available, measles used to kill approximately 400 children a year in this country,” -Dr. William Schaffner-
Yes, there have been deaths from the vaccine, due to other medical issues, but I just do not believe running around un-vaccinated is the solution. I think that further research should be done, help make these vaccines more available for all children and adults. Eliminate or replace some of the ingredients and make them capable of being used for all children. I guess my thought process is, instead of contributing to the problem based on things you do not like involving the vaccine- protect your children, and use that energy to help get further funding and testing to fix the problem.
'The issue with this outbreak is not because of the vaccine, it's because of the lack of use of the vaccine.'
Normally I would never even take part in a debate like this, but when the decisions of other parents start to effect the life and safety of my children and family, then it becomes a issue I feel responsible to respond to. I know that I can safely voice my opinion in my blogs because after all, its not a Facebook post you are forced to read by being on your newsfeed. All I have to say from this point, until my son (Bryson, who will be joining the world in May/June; with God's grace) is fully vaccinated, I can only ask that if you choose not to vaccinate your children or yourself, please refrain from visiting our home. I cannot or will not take any chances when it comes to the safety of my children.
I understand and take full responsibility for knowing that this post may cause some tension especially to those who willingly choose not to vaccinate, but in the same respect understand just as you reading this feeling threatened to defend your choices are not the only one, just as I am not the only pissed off parent that this issue is here solely because of the choices parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. Also understand that just as you have an opinion, this is mine.
Looking forward to a more positive, less stressful post next time! This was something that has been eating at me and needing to be let out.
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