In 2014, while expecting twins, I was deeply disturbed by an article detailing an outbreak of measles in a California community—an illness that had been largely controlled thanks to vaccinations. Fueled by anger and concern, I penned an essay asserting that vaccination is not merely a personal choice; it’s a communal obligation. Choosing whether to vaccinate is not like deciding between breastfeeding or offering chicken nuggets; it impacts the health of entire communities. I firmly believe that a sensible vaccination schedule for children, distributed over several years, is essential.
The response to my essay was intense and hostile. Critics hurled insults, branding me as uneducated and uninformed. They questioned my authority to declare vaccinations a community issue. I understood the backlash; people typically resist being told what to do, especially regarding medical decisions for themselves and their children. I, too, wouldn’t appreciate someone dictating my choices about birth control or body image. However, my call to action was rooted in science and public health, urging informed decisions for the greater good.
Many detractors cited the discredited study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, falsely linking vaccines to autism, and raised concerns about vaccine injuries, presenting statistics that seemed alarming. A recent article in Time highlighted that while 2,967 vaccine injury cases were adjudicated, with 1,876 compensated, this figure pales in comparison to the 2.5 billion vaccinations given between 2006 and 2014. The odds of experiencing a vaccine-related injury are less than one in a million—far less than the likelihood of being struck by lightning at 1 in 960,000. This perspective starkly illustrates the relative safety of vaccines.
My initial essay sprang from a place of maternal concern, driven by a deep sadness over the tragic stories of children suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases. I was frustrated that some chose to trust celebrities over scientists. If one were to listen to a public figure, why not someone like Kristen Bell, who advocates for informed health choices?
In retrospect, I should have directed readers to credible organizations such as the World Health Organization and Voices for Vaccines for accurate information. Despite the vitriol, my faith in science remains unwavering. I follow a vaccination schedule for my four children. Living in a country where many vaccines are mandatory and others are easily accessible, my choices are not made lightly or blindly. I am not a pawn of a pharmaceutical conspiracy; I am a mother committed to the well-being of my children and community.
Critics often dismissed me as “just a former public relations and marketing person,” implying that my lack of medical credentials disqualified my opinion. Ironically, many who opposed vaccinations were not medical professionals either. I may not be a doctor or a researcher, but I am a college-educated mother who relentlessly seeks knowledge. I have studied the medical literature on vaccinations and understand their role in eliminating deadly diseases worldwide.
For instance, on September 27, 2016, the Pan American Health Organization announced the eradication of measles from the Americas. However, officials cautioned that the disease could resurface if vaccination rates drop—an alarming reality underscored by recent outbreaks in places like Italy. This is where the concept of herd immunity becomes critical. Herd immunity protects those unable to be vaccinated by ensuring that a significant portion of the population is immune.
Recently, I have noticed a shift in attitudes. In the comments on my original article, many parents echoed my belief in scheduled vaccinations. One former anti-vaccination mother shared how her perspective changed after her children contracted rotavirus. Stories like hers illustrate how personal experiences can shift beliefs—often after a family member suffers from vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s unfortunate that it often takes such incidents to alter one’s viewpoint.
After my initial essay, I was invited to debate a naturopath on vaccination. I declined. I no longer wish to engage in a debate over whether vaccinations are a wise choice. The arguments from anti-vaccination advocates, filled with misinformation, do not sway my conviction: vaccinations are a communal responsibility, not a personal choice.
I refuse to engage in name-calling or insults. There are credible resources available for those who choose to seek the truth. I will not shout from the rooftops or resort to judgment. Instead, I encourage others to consider the perspective of parents like myself. I advocate for informed health choices and community protection.
Please, vaccinate your children. Safeguard not only their health but also the well-being of those who cannot be vaccinated for various reasons. Together, we can create a healthier community.
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In summary, the conversation around vaccinations should focus on community health rather than individual choice. By understanding the facts and supporting each other, we can protect our children and strengthen our communities.
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