We are parents of several children, all of whom are vaccinated. To be cautious, we chose to space out their vaccinations, thinking it would help us identify any reactions. Thankfully, this approach seemed unnecessary—until it wasn’t.
Our youngest child received two vaccines at her eighteen-month check-up. Within a day, she experienced a severe reaction: a high fever, a full-body rash, irritability, and repeated vomiting. It was a challenging time for both her and me.
Before I delve deeper, let me clarify: I am not anti-vaccine. I have faith in modern medicine and the integrity of scientific research. While some may assume that my child’s reaction would lead me to join the anti-vaccine movement, that is not the case. With the ongoing Covid pandemic and our family members fully vaccinated, I find it frustrating that anti-vaxxers exploit situations like my child’s as justification for their hesitance to vaccinate.
It’s common knowledge that vaccines can have side effects, which are readily available on each vaccine’s website, as well as on trusted government sites like the FDA and CDC. Vaccines carry risks—just like everything else in life.
The CDC has reported instances of myocarditis linked to mRNA vaccines, particularly in young males shortly after vaccination. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has also been associated with rare cases of thrombosis in women under 50. While these events are uncommon, they are real, and I refuse to dismiss the experiences of those affected. Their stories matter.
I empathize deeply with families who have faced legitimate vaccine reactions. Vaccines contain various ingredients, and reactions can occur. However, when leading scientists and healthcare professionals urge those without previous reactions to get vaccinated—to protect their health and help prevent healthcare systems from collapsing—I cannot accept their use of my child’s experience as an excuse.
First, it’s illogical. One person’s reaction does not determine the potential for another, especially among individuals without any biological connection. Second, when there’s no personal history of severe vaccine reactions, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
I choose to remain anonymous in sharing this story to prevent anyone from using my daughter’s name as part of their anti-vaccine narrative. We are not representatives for any anti-vaccine agenda.
The most troubling anti-vaccine sentiments I’ve encountered come from within my Christian community. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors, and ignoring the reality of a pandemic is not loving. Protesting against masks, refusing vaccines, and disregarding social distancing guidelines contradicts that principle.
I also wonder if those refusing the vaccine will seek medical help when they fall seriously ill with Covid or if they will rely solely on prayer and alternative remedies. It’s ironic that those advocating for natural immunity often indulge in unhealthy habits, expecting divine intervention to negate the consequences of their choices.
While some individuals genuinely cannot be vaccinated or wear masks due to medical conditions, it is our duty to protect those vulnerable members of society.
When my daughter experienced her reaction, we dedicated years to navigating medical appointments to uncover the cause. We are still in the process of determining what triggered her response. We’ve conducted allergy tests and consulted with immunologists and dermatologists. This commitment to her health is paramount to our family.
When anti-vaxxers argue against getting vaccinated due to the fear of potential reactions, I can’t help but sigh. Yes, any medication or substance can cause side effects. However, unless someone has a documented history of severe reactions, their arguments lack merit.
I wish more people would step up and get vaccinated to safeguard those who truly cannot, like my daughter. Misinformation and conspiracy theories should not overshadow the need for community care.
No credible medical professional claims that vaccines are completely risk-free; that would be unscientific. While serious reactions are rare, they do exist and deserve acknowledgment. However, those individuals—like my child—should not be used as tokens for anti-vaccine propaganda. Let’s work together to overcome this pandemic.
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In summary, while vaccine reactions are real and deserve attention, they should not serve as justification for rejecting vaccinations altogether. It’s crucial that we support vaccination efforts to protect the health of our communities, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to legitimate health concerns.
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