It’s truly gut-wrenching to see a tiny baby suffer, especially when that baby is just seven weeks old and fighting a severe bacterial infection. A recent post by Mia Carter on her Facebook page brought this reality to light when she shared a photo of her newborn niece, Lily, who was battling a dangerous condition known as Hib flu—a preventable illness thanks to vaccines.
“Here’s a reason to vaccinate your kids: my seven-week-old niece has Hib flu,” Mia wrote. “It’s so rare that her doctor has never encountered it in her career because vaccines have largely eradicated this bacteria.” That’s a chilling thought. Diseases like this, along with polio and measles, are creeping back into our communities because some parents choose not to vaccinate their children, despite overwhelming evidence from the medical community, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, about the life-saving benefits of vaccines.
Mia shared, “I understand that some people have concerns due to adverse reactions to vaccines, but those cases are rare. Sure, my son is allergic to penicillin, but that doesn’t mean everyone is. The benefits of vaccines far exceed the risks for most people.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Hib bacteria primarily affects infants and young children, with symptoms ranging from mild ear infections to severe bloodstream infections. The CDC recommends that children receive four doses of the Hib vaccine, with the first dose at two months—something Lily wasn’t old enough to get yet.
Mia urged parents to consider the consequences of not vaccinating: “Before you decide against vaccinating because ‘it’s your choice’ and ‘those who are vaccinated won’t be affected,’ remember that babies can get sick before they’ve had a chance to be vaccinated.”
Initially, Lily’s symptoms were mistaken for a stomach bug, but they worsened. After blood tests and a spinal tap, doctors diagnosed her with Hib flu, and she required a PICC line for treatment after her IVs failed.
This situation underscores the importance of “community immunity,” or herd immunity, which protects those who can’t be vaccinated, like infants and those with allergies. When the majority of a community is vaccinated, it creates a barrier against the spread of contagious diseases.
Mia expressed her strong belief in the necessity of vaccinations, especially after witnessing her niece’s suffering from an illness that could have been avoided. Thankfully, Lily is now home and on the mend.
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In summary, Mia’s experience with her niece serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vaccinations for the safety of our children and community. By vaccinating, we protect those who can’t be vaccinated and help prevent the resurgence of dangerous diseases.
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