It’s time for a serious conversation: vaccinate your children. Seriously, don’t dismiss this. I’m tired of seeing people misinterpret scientific information, putting everyone at risk for diseases we should have eradicated long ago, like measles. In the U.S., we had just 70 measles cases last year, 188 the year before, and an alarming 667 in 2014. The majority of those who contracted measles were unvaccinated.
The MMR vaccine is crucial as it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Mumps, a painful viral infection affecting the salivary glands, can occur any time of year. Just this January, Colorado faced a mumps outbreak, with 24 out of 26 cases reported in the Denver metro area alone. Washington State is also witnessing a surge in mumps cases.
The CDC reported around 20,000 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in 2015, and with many cases going unreported, that number could be much higher. Infants can’t receive the pertussis vaccine until they are at least three months old, leaving them vulnerable. In fact, 1,970 of those cases in 2015 involved children under six months, resulting in six fatalities, three of which were infants. This is all due to the choices of others not vaccinating their kids.
Addressing Vaccine Ingredient Concerns
Let’s talk about the concerns surrounding vaccine ingredients. Some worry about aluminum. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the amount found in vaccines is comparable to that in a liter of infant formula. Breastfeeding moms, don’t feel too smug; infants still consume about 7 milligrams of aluminum in their first six months, while vaccines provide just 4.4 mg.
And what about formaldehyde? The quantity in vaccines is actually less than what’s present in your baby’s own body—up to five times less. Moreover, formaldehyde is necessary for human metabolism. It’s the dosage that makes it dangerous, and vaccines contain a level far too low to harm your precious little one.
Vaccination Schedules: A Historical Perspective
Some argue that we administer too many vaccines at once. However, let’s put this into perspective: thirty years ago, we vaccinated against eight diseases, introducing just over 3,000 bacterial and viral proteins. Today, we vaccinate against 14 diseases using only 150 immunological components. Your child is exposed to fewer antigens than you were at their age.
The Importance of Herd Immunity
It’s also important to recognize the impact of individual decisions on community health. Herd immunity is vital; when a significant portion of the population is immune to a disease, it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like infants, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Refusing to vaccinate your child puts others at risk, including vulnerable babies like little Aria, who tragically lost her life to whooping cough.
You have the right to make medical decisions for your child, and I respect that. But these choices have consequences—not just for your family but for the entire community. I get that some parents worry about side effects. However, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. It’s a civic duty to protect not just your child but also those around you. My kids dislike their shots and cry, but I remind them they’re being heroes by keeping themselves and others healthy.
And don’t try to convince me that vaccines didn’t eradicate polio, smallpox, or diphtheria. Sure, sanitation and medication help, but they don’t eliminate diseases on their own. Only widespread immunity can achieve that.
Final Thoughts
So please, just vaccinate. Your child may experience some discomfort, but it’s almost certain they’ll only have a mild fever. My child was among the rare cases who developed a measles-like rash after the MMR vaccine, yet we continued with their vaccinations. Immunization is not just beneficial for your child; it’s essential for the community. You’re not living in isolation. You have a responsibility to protect the very young, the elderly, and those with health complications. Don’t take that lightly. Vaccinate.
For more about the importance of vaccination and other related topics, check out this insightful blog post. And if you’re looking for reliable information about home insemination, Cryobaby offers an excellent kit that might interest you. For a deeper understanding of the success rates of IUI, visit WebMD’s informative article.
Summary
Vaccination is critical for protecting not only your child but also the community against diseases like measles and mumps. The benefits of immunization far outweigh any minor side effects, and herd immunity is vital for safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated. It’s essential to make informed decisions for the health and well-being of your family and others.