The Vaccine Debate

Perhaps the most controversial topic when it come to parenting is whether or not to vaccinate you child. I did not start this blog to push my beliefs onto anyone, but I will get on a soap box about EDUCATION.

When you buy a car do you just walk into a dealership and take what ever the salesman gives you without question? Didn’t think so.

It is your job and no one else’s to become an informed consumer!

No matter what you decide when it comes to vaccinations, and parenting in general, the most important thing I can stress is do your research. Look at things from both sides thoroughly, make a list of risks and benefits, ask for opinions of those you trust, and don’t let fear or intimidation scare you into making a decision before you’re ready. Make sure you feel comfortable enough with your pediatrician to ask questions, and choose some one who will not make you feel guilty if you have a different opinion than them.

This is a very touchy subject for some people and sometimes a simple question can turn into hateful slandering and judgment on ones parenting. It is caddy and a waste of energy in my opinion. I love the following quote and find it fitting for debates like this:

“Each mother/parent is doing the best s/he can and making the best decisions s/he can make based on their own situation. State that it’s not for you, if you will, but please don’t judge those who make different decisions than you. Odds are, you’re screwing your kid up as well, just in a different way.” ~Joanna Schmehl Irizarry

If asked, I will tell people why I do not vaccinate and in return I will listen to anyone who is pro-vaccination. The only rebuttal I have is “well based on the research I’ve seen I’ve made the decision that the risk vaccinations carry are greater than the chance of Olivia coming into contact with a disease they protect against so at this time we’re not getting any shots”

Will I change my mind in the future…I don’t know.

Do vaccines cause autism…I don’t know.

Will there be an epidemic of diseases coming back because people are choosing not to vaccinate…I don’t know.

Is my child at risk by not vaccinating…yes but she also has the risk of being one of the rare cases of a deadly vaccine adverse reaction.

Do I believe parents who vaccinate do not love their children…NO! and don’t waste your energy worrying about people who do believe that and just want to criticize you.

People want to turn parenting into a competition. What they do is right and everyone else is wrong. Aside from neglect and abuse, there is no right way or wrong way to raise a child. If there was, there would be magical manual that solved all parenting problems and we all know that doesn’t exist.

To vaccinate or not is just one of the many choices parents have to make for their kids and only you can make the decision right for your situation. As I said before, make sure you educate yourself before making those decisions.

Here are some links to get you started. I hope you do your own research and make the decision that’s best for you. You know whats best for your family, so don’t let anyone try to tell you you’re wrong.

The CDC recommended schedule

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm

Dr Sears alternative schedule

http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/features/robert-sears-alternative-vaccine-schedule

Adverse reaction reporting

http://vaers.hhs.gov/index

AAP’s vaccination page

http://www2.aap.org/immunization/pediatricians/pediatricians.html

School exemption forms (Texas)

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/#exclusions