Recently, I took my son for his routine checkup, and thankfully, it was uneventful. After addressing a minor issue with a scaly patch on his toes (which was just a result of typical sweaty boy feet), our wonderful nurse returned with his vaccinations. He didn’t flinch at the first shot, cried a bit with the second, and then we shared some comforting snuggles before heading home. Pretty standard, right?
Once home, I shared a sweet photo on my public Instagram, featuring his little hand clasping my thumb, along with this caption: “Had a well-baby checkup today! He’s doing well, and yes, he’s at the top of the chart for his head size—more room for those big brains! He clung to me during the shots, but I reassured him that the brief pain helps keep him safe from serious illnesses. I’ll explain herd immunity when he’s older. #motherhood #momlife #vaccinate”
The reaction I received was astonishing. I anticipated some backlash for using “#vaccine,” but the extent of the comments was surprising. I received messages questioning his head size and its correlation to autism, dismissals of herd immunity, and concerns about toxins in the vaccines. One comment even suggested that his head might swell from the shots, which left me incredulous. My children have always had larger heads; it’s just part of who they are!
In a world where I was celebrating the protective power of vaccines, others were quick to criticize my choices. How did we reach a point where strangers online feel entitled to challenge a mother making informed, research-based decisions for her children?
Many of the remarks echoed a familiar refrain: “Do your research.”
As if I hadn’t already. I trust my pediatrician, who has dedicated years to care and has children the same age as mine. Would she risk her own children’s health with something harmful? Highly unlikely.
Now, I’ll be honest—there was a time when I had reservations about vaccines. I believe it’s valid to question what you hear and seek out diverse perspectives. In college, I declined the H1N1 vaccine due to fears of side effects that I had read online. It felt rushed and intimidating. Over time, I realized my classmates didn’t turn into zombies, so I educated myself further and eventually got vaccinated.
Leading up to my first child’s birth, I encountered a plethora of vaccine-related information that seemed alarming. The number of vaccinations recommended before kindergarten can indeed be surprising. I took a step back to research both sides of the debate, comparing the preservatives in vaccines to those found in everyday foods. For instance, did you know that a pear contains 600 times more formaldehyde than a flu shot?
Ultimately, I chose to vaccinate my children. While I sometimes forget my flu shot, it’s not a stance; it’s simply a lapse in memory.
So, why do I vaccinate? It’s not merely about avoiding minor illnesses. It’s about protecting them from severe diseases such as polio, measles, and rubella. Sure, their bodies might fend off these diseases, but complications could arise—brain infections, blindness, or paralysis. I’d much rather have them experience a bit of discomfort from a shot than face a life-threatening illness.
Moreover, vaccination is a communal responsibility. There are individuals, like a little girl I once supported, who cannot receive vaccines due to various health issues. Her body struggled with processing vaccines, just as it did with food. For those unable to vaccinate—whether due to cancer, genetic conditions, or immune deficiencies—my family’s vaccinations help foster community immunity.
I’m not concerned about preservatives in vaccines; our bodies are equipped to handle them. Vaccines must include preservatives to maintain their integrity from production to administration.
To those currently hesitant about vaccinations: I won’t belittle your concerns. I understand the fear and confusion that come with being a parent and wanting the best for your child. It’s a challenging journey filled with tough decisions. I encourage you to expand your research beyond the counter-movement resources. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Remember, correlation does not imply causation. If you’re wary of CDC information, consider exploring insights from the World Health Organization, or better yet, consult your healthcare provider. Approach these discussions with an open mind.
Let’s be honest: in the past, many children lost their lives to diseases that we can now prevent. Thousands of families grieved lost children. Outbreaks of rubella led to countless miscarriages and serious complications for children. Today, we live in a bubble of modern healthcare, often forgetting the very real dangers posed by these diseases.
When I choose to vaccinate, it’s not just for my children. It’s for yours as well. No amount of criticism will sway my conviction about this choice.
So, please, don’t tell me to “do my research.” I have, thoroughly. I hope you do the same.
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Summary
: This article discusses the author’s unwavering commitment to vaccinating her children despite facing criticism online. It highlights the importance of informed decision-making based on research and encourages open dialogue about vaccination. The author emphasizes that vaccinations protect not just individual children but also the broader community, especially those who cannot be vaccinated.
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