Where I Stand On Vaccinations
The moment you become a mom you are instantly barraged with questions. People in authority start out with small, seemingly innocent questions. "When are you due?" "Do you want a girl of boy?" As the pregnancy progressed the questions became harder to answer without thought. "Do you want genetic testing? "Do you want a test for Downs Syndrome?" The big question before we were allowed to bring home our new baby was not safety of our home or car, if we had help or even if we schedule our first follow-up doctor appointment. Instead doctors and nurses asked if we wanted to vaccinate our brand new baby.
Before Amazing Ann was born, Bryan and I had a brief discussion on what we wanted to do. His brother did not vaccinate because they follow the values of his chiropractic training. His other brother chose to vaccinate their girls. My sisters, at the time, did not have children so they were no help just full of baby joy.
I did some research on the CDC's website which outlined the recommended vaccination schedule. The shots seemed excessive and frequent for a tiny body. Then I quickly saw how many diseases a few shots could prevent. How could a loving mother deny the very best for her child? Upon second thought, when was the last time you heard of someone sick with Diphtheria or Polio? These diseases were eradicated in the United States years ago. Why would we vaccinate for "dead" diseases?
Simply put, we were not thinking of the other children, herd immunity or taking a social stand. We decided to vaccinate our children for the day they decided to spread their wings and travel beyond our boarders. I wanted NOTHING to stand in their way from capturing a dream. If that dream included traveling to see the Taj Mahal, no known diseases would stop them. A simple vaccine allowed them to travel without fear of catching a diseases that could cripple/sicken themselves or someone they love. They were protect for life.
I will note we did delay Amazing Ann's Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine until she was 15 months old. Back then it was recommenced at 12 months of age. In 2007 the debate against this particular vaccine was at its highest point. Hollywood, Opra and the media shouted to every mother protect your child against a "wrong vaccine." Today, we all know this was incorrect science. If you knew my Amazing Ann as a baby, you would say there was no cause for worry. She was/is a well adjusted gal and received the vaccine just a few months later.
In the end, this was our family decision. We talked in private and solicited advice from people we love and trust. Back in 2006 to today, we are still confident with our decision.
Sharon, The Mayor
Before Amazing Ann was born, Bryan and I had a brief discussion on what we wanted to do. His brother did not vaccinate because they follow the values of his chiropractic training. His other brother chose to vaccinate their girls. My sisters, at the time, did not have children so they were no help just full of baby joy.
I did some research on the CDC's website which outlined the recommended vaccination schedule. The shots seemed excessive and frequent for a tiny body. Then I quickly saw how many diseases a few shots could prevent. How could a loving mother deny the very best for her child? Upon second thought, when was the last time you heard of someone sick with Diphtheria or Polio? These diseases were eradicated in the United States years ago. Why would we vaccinate for "dead" diseases?
Simply put, we were not thinking of the other children, herd immunity or taking a social stand. We decided to vaccinate our children for the day they decided to spread their wings and travel beyond our boarders. I wanted NOTHING to stand in their way from capturing a dream. If that dream included traveling to see the Taj Mahal, no known diseases would stop them. A simple vaccine allowed them to travel without fear of catching a diseases that could cripple/sicken themselves or someone they love. They were protect for life.
I will note we did delay Amazing Ann's Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine until she was 15 months old. Back then it was recommenced at 12 months of age. In 2007 the debate against this particular vaccine was at its highest point. Hollywood, Opra and the media shouted to every mother protect your child against a "wrong vaccine." Today, we all know this was incorrect science. If you knew my Amazing Ann as a baby, you would say there was no cause for worry. She was/is a well adjusted gal and received the vaccine just a few months later.
In the end, this was our family decision. We talked in private and solicited advice from people we love and trust. Back in 2006 to today, we are still confident with our decision.
Sharon, The Mayor
Comments
Post a Comment
Let me know what is rattling around in your brain. Liked something? Was I off? Leave your personal comment and I will respond. Ha, life is to short not to talk.