When my first child was born, I found myself hesitant about vaccinations. I had concerns about the number of shots administered at once, the ingredients in the vaccines, and a host of other worries fueled by internet searches. By the time my second child arrived, however, my perspective had shifted. I became a firm believer in vaccinations—not only for the health of my children but for the well-being of the community. Yet, lingering fears about potential vaccine reactions remained.
Understanding Live Vaccines
Take live vaccines, for example. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, contains weakened strains of the virus. According to vaccine.gov, these vaccines can offer long-lasting immunity, often for a lifetime. Despite understanding the science, I still found myself anxious about the idea of live-virus vaccines.
The CDC recommends administering two doses of the MMR vaccine, one between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years. With both doses, the vaccine is 98% effective against measles, about 88% effective for mumps, and 97% for rubella. Nonetheless, this vaccine was frequently criticized online, and I had seen many parents express their concerns. My eldest son had received the MMR without issue—just the usual fussiness typical after vaccinations.
Leo’s First MMR Shot
When we took my younger son, Leo, for his first MMR shot at fifteen months, I even read the vaccine insert. It mentioned that reactions could include a fever—a common occurrence following immunizations. It also noted “moderate events” like a rash; however, I reassured myself that these were rare occurrences.
Initially, Leo seemed fine the next day, with no fever or discomfort. I thought we had dodged a bullet, but I was mistaken. Five days later, he developed a high fever of 104 degrees along with a significant rash. Alarmed, I contacted our pediatrician, who informed me that while it was an infrequent reaction, it could happen. A quick search confirmed her statement; the University of Oxford notes that about 1 in 10 recipients of the MMR vaccine might experience fever, loss of appetite, and a measles-like rash as the measles component of the vaccine activates.
The duration of those two to three days was incredibly stressful. Some doctors suggested that this reaction could indicate a stronger immune response should Leo encounter the actual measles virus in the future, although I couldn’t find any scientific studies to support this claim.
Proceeding with Caution
Despite this unsettling experience, Leo received his second MMR shot as scheduled. We ensured that we had several days clear afterward just in case he reacted similarly again. To our relief, he had no adverse effects at all.
Many of my friends, particularly those who lean towards alternative health practices, questioned our choice to proceed with the second vaccination. After all, our son had experienced a vaccine reaction. Wouldn’t this make us skeptical of vaccines in general? Wouldn’t this deter us from vaccinating altogether?
My husband and I had an extensive discussion. Yes, Leo’s reaction was concerning and frightening, but it also meant he was protected against measles, mumps, and rubella. With a 98% probability of avoiding measles, an 88% chance against mumps, and a 97% likelihood of steering clear of rubella, the benefits outweighed the risks. Additionally, he was unlikely to transmit these diseases to vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, infants, or those with compromised immune systems.
The Importance of Vaccination
I remember a story about a young girl who was exposed to measles while grocery shopping during her chemotherapy. This incident disrupted treatment for other children, and she had to endure quarantine, wearing a mask during travel. The incident highlighted the unforeseen consequences of disease transmission, reinforcing our decision to vaccinate.
Ultimately, we prioritize our children’s health but are even more concerned about their potential impact on others. All of our children received their required vaccinations, with most experiencing only mild reactions like slight fussiness or minor fevers. They are all thriving.
So, we continue to vaccinate, despite Leo’s “moderate” reaction. It was scary, but the risk of exposing another child to serious illness is far greater. It’s part of our collective responsibility. We must care for one another’s children, ensuring we do what’s best for the community. This means I will always choose to vaccinate my own.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, despite initial hesitations and a notable vaccine reaction in my child, my family remains committed to vaccinations as a means of protecting both our own health and the health of those around us.