My Child Experienced a Genuine Vaccine Reaction — Please Don’t Use Her as Justification for Anti-Vaccine Views

As a parent of multiple children, all of whom are fully vaccinated, we chose to space out their vaccinations to monitor any possible reactions closely. However, we never anticipated how significant one of those reactions would be.

Our youngest, during her eighteen-month check-up, received two vaccines. Within just a day, she was in distress, suffering from a fever, a full-body rash, fussiness, and repeated vomiting. It was a challenging experience for both her and me.

Before I go further, let me clarify: I am not against vaccinations. I firmly believe in the efficacy of modern medicine, ethical scientific research, and the importance of vaccines. While some might think that my child’s reaction would lead me to join the anti-vaccine movement, that has not been the case. Especially now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it frustrates me to see anti-vaxxers leveraging stories like my daughter’s as anecdotal evidence against vaccination.

It’s essential to acknowledge that vaccines can cause side effects. This information is readily available on vaccine manufacturer websites, as well as reliable government resources like the FDA and CDC. Vaccines, like everything else in life, carry some level of risk. For instance, the CDC has reported instances of myocarditis following mRNA vaccines, particularly among young males, and cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome linked to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in younger women. While these cases are rare, they are real, and I respect the experiences of those affected, just as I respect my daughter’s reaction.

I empathize deeply with families who have faced legitimate vaccine-related challenges. However, it’s frustrating when those who have no history of vaccine reactions use my daughter’s experience as an excuse not to protect their health and the health of others.

To put it simply, the reaction of one person does not directly relate to another’s decision to vaccinate, especially when there is no familial connection. The benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks for those without prior adverse reactions.

I write this anonymously because I refuse to let anyone use my child’s situation as a justification for anti-vaccine sentiment. We should not be used as examples for such rhetoric.

I find it particularly disheartening when fellow Christians propagate anti-vaccine views. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors, which raises the question: how is ignoring a pandemic an expression of love? Avoiding masks, refusing vaccines, and disregarding social distancing guidelines seem contrary to the teachings of compassion and responsibility.

I often wonder if those who refuse vaccination will seek medical help when they fall gravely ill from COVID-19 or if they will rely solely on alternative remedies. I’ve heard the arguments that we should trust our immune systems, but those same individuals often neglect their health in other areas.

There are individuals in our community who genuinely cannot get vaccinated or wear masks due to health reasons. This is why it’s imperative for the rest of us to step up and protect those who are vulnerable.

When my daughter reacted, we spent years navigating medical consultations to understand her specific vaccine response. We’re still engaged in that process. This commitment is for her health and the health of our entire family.

So, when someone against vaccinations claims they won’t receive “the jab” due to a potential severe reaction, I can’t help but sigh. Yes, reactions can happen, but unless someone has personally experienced a severe vaccine reaction, their argument lacks substance.

I encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated, not just for themselves but to protect those like my daughter who cannot. Instead of spreading misinformation, let’s focus on supporting each other during this challenging time.

It’s important to note that while no vaccine is 100% safe, the majority of individuals do not experience severe reactions. Those who do—like my child—should not be used as tokens in the anti-vaccine debate.

Let’s work together to overcome this pandemic.

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Summary:

The author shares a personal experience of her child’s genuine vaccine reaction while firmly standing in support of vaccination. She emphasizes that such experiences should not be used as excuses to reject vaccines, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The author calls for collective responsibility in protecting public health and urges more individuals to get vaccinated for the sake of those who cannot.

Keyphrase: vaccine reaction and anti-vaccine sentiment

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