Hey there, new mom friend,
It’s Sarah here. You know, the mom of Ethan — yes, that Ethan. The little one with the tracheostomy and congenital heart disease (CHD), who your child just invited over to play. I’m really looking forward to our playdate; they’re such a joy, aren’t they? Or maybe it’s the wine that makes it so delightful! Regardless, I’m thrilled.
Ethan has spent more time than I care to admit in a hospital, undergoing countless procedures and treatments, which has made every opportunity for him to engage with other kids all the more precious. My husband and I dreamed of the day we could finally take him home and allow him to experience the world.
But there’s a question I feel compelled to ask, and it’s a bit personal: Is your child vaccinated?
Ah, the contentious “v” word—a subject that can spark heated debates, often avoided because it’s seen as a private matter. Many view it as a family decision that only impacts their own children. Yet, for families like ours, it’s a different story.
Ethan was born full-term, but he faced numerous challenges from the start. Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, he struggled with several health issues, including a small jaw and an incomplete heart. In his first few months, he underwent a tracheostomy, bowel resection, and open-heart surgery. We fought against infections and illnesses with powerful antibiotics, all while trying to ensure he could thrive.
Vaccination was always part of our plan. We’ve researched the benefits and risks extensively, knowing that preventing diseases is vital—especially after witnessing the devastation of those we cannot prevent. However, in a hospital setting, priorities often shift. When faced with life-saving surgeries versus routine vaccinations, it’s understandable why some decisions are made. Ethan’s immune system, already compromised from his medical interventions, isn’t ready to handle vaccinations just yet.
We’ve spoken with his healthcare team and developed a strategy to catch him up eventually, but that process will take time. Until then, he remains vulnerable to preventable diseases.
One argument I often hear against vaccinating is that parents know their children best and feel confident in their ability to handle illnesses without medical intervention. But what about children like Ethan, those battling congenital heart defects, undergoing cancer treatments, or with compromised immune systems? Many of these kids appear healthy but have faced significant medical challenges. They rely on the immunity of those around them to keep them safe.
When these vulnerable children fall ill, it’s not merely a matter of rest and recovery at home. It can mean trips to the hospital, reliance on oxygen machines, and doses of antibiotics that may lose effectiveness due to repeated exposure. For some, a hospital visit can result in outcomes that no parent wants to think about.
I understand if it feels like I’m overstepping by asking you to vaccinate your child because we are currently unable to vaccinate Ethan. It may seem pushy, or like I’m imposing my beliefs on you. But perhaps it’s not too much to ask. Maybe it’s just one mom reaching out to another, hoping to create a safer environment for her child to play and learn—free from the shadows of hospital walls.
I genuinely hope my inquiry doesn’t offend you. It’s a conversation worth having, one that might lead you to reconsider your stance, whatever it may be. And, if you enjoy white wine, I brought some to share!
Warm hugs,
Sarah
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Summary
In this heartfelt blog post, Sarah discusses the importance of vaccinations, particularly for children with compromised health like her son Ethan, who faces significant medical challenges. She emphasizes the need for community immunity and urges other parents to consider their vaccination choices, not just for their families but for vulnerable children in their midst.