Recently, I took my son for his routine well-baby checkup, which thankfully turned out to be completely uneventful. After addressing a minor concern about a dry patch on his toes—just the result of his active, sweaty little feet—the nurse came in with his vaccinations. He barely flinched for the first shot but cried a bit with the second. After a few comforting hugs, we were on our way. Not exactly thrilling, right?
When I got home, I decided to share a sweet photo of his hand clasped around my thumb on my public Instagram account. I captioned it with a light-hearted note about his checkup, his growth stats, and how he bravely handled his shots. I even mentioned how I explain to him that while it hurts for a moment, it ultimately protects him from serious illnesses. But then, the unexpected happened. The flood of comments that followed was astonishing.
I should’ve anticipated backlash by including the hashtag “#vaccines,” but the extent of the negativity was eye-opening. I received unsolicited opinions claiming that his head size suggested autism, questioning herd immunity, and expressing concerns about “toxic chemicals” being injected into him. One comment even insinuated that the vaccines were responsible for his head size, which left me baffled. I thought, “Yay vaccines! My child won’t get mumps!” while others were telling me I had just “ruined” him.
How did we reach a point where strangers on the internet feel entitled to criticize a parent making informed, science-based decisions for their child? Many of the comments echoed the same phrase: “Do your research.”
As if I haven’t done just that! My pediatrician, who has dedicated years to studying medicine and has kids of her own, would not administer something harmful to her children. I trust her judgment completely.
Now, I want to be honest with you. There was a time when I had my doubts about vaccines. Yes, I questioned everything. And that’s okay! If something raises your eyebrows, investigate it from all angles. Back in college, I opted out of the H1N1 vaccine alongside some classmates, swayed by fears from online discussions. I later realized it was just a vaccine for a flu strain and, after doing my due diligence, I got vaccinated.
Before our first child arrived, I stumbled upon a myriad of alarming vaccine information, complete with long lists of potential side effects and preservatives. It was daunting enough to make me pause and research before committing to vaccinations for my daughter. I compared the preservatives in vaccines to those in everyday foods (fun fact: a pear contains 600 times more formaldehyde than a flu shot). I found credible sources debunking myths surrounding vaccines, which made my decision clearer.
Ultimately, I chose to vaccinate my children. While I may not always get my flu shot (mostly due to forgetfulness), that’s not a statement against vaccinations; it’s a reminder to be more mindful in the future.
Here’s why I believe in vaccinating my kids: it’s not just about preventing the sniffles. It’s about protecting them from grave illnesses like polio, measles, and diphtheria. Sure, their immune systems might fight some of these off, but the potential complications can be devastating. I’d rather deal with a few tears over a shot than face a trip to the ER for a preventable disease.
Moreover, I think of those who can’t vaccinate. I once worked with a sweet girl whose health issues made vaccinations challenging for her. It’s vital that we create herd immunity to protect the most vulnerable. New parents with infants rely on the community to safeguard their children from deadly diseases.
I’m not concerned about vaccine preservatives; our bodies have built-in mechanisms to filter these substances. Vaccines need preservatives to remain stable, and your doctor won’t be using outdated measles cultures for your shot.
To those hesitant about vaccinations, I won’t speak down to you. I understand your fears and the overwhelming information you might have encountered. Parenting is tough, and every choice feels significant. I urge you to expand your research beyond biased sources. Remember: correlation doesn’t equal causation. Consult reputable resources like the CDC or the World Health Organization, and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns.
Let’s not forget the history behind these vaccines. Children in the past lost their lives to diseases that we now have the power to prevent. Thousands suffered from complications that could have been avoided with vaccinations. We live in a time where we often forget these realities because we are so distanced from the horrors of pre-vaccine eras.
When I choose to vaccinate, it’s not just for my children—it’s for yours as well. Nothing anyone says will make me feel guilty for this decision. So please, don’t tell me to “do my research.” I’ve done it thoroughly, and I encourage you to do the same.
With love,
A devoted mother.