It’s Disturbing That Vaccines Have Become a ‘Political’ Issue

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Last week, shortly after COVID vaccines were made available for children, a conversation erupted in my son’s school group chat. One parent inquired if anyone had successfully booked a vaccine appointment for their kids and asked about the side effects experienced by those who had already been vaccinated. These seemed like reasonable questions, considering the group often discusses everything from local doctors to the best pet grooming services.

However, as soon as the inquiry was made, another parent responded, “We can’t discuss the vaccine here; it’s too political.”

I understood immediately what they meant. The vaccine has indeed become a polarizing topic, with many on the right downplaying the pandemic and entertaining conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccine and “Big Pharma.” While some left-leaning individuals may share these sentiments, the narrative that vaccines and mandates are part of a government conspiracy is predominantly a right-wing perspective.

But the original poster wasn’t soliciting opinions on whether her child should receive the vaccine or if schools should mandate it. She was simply looking for information on where to get her child vaccinated and what experiences others had encountered.

What has happened to our society?

After the initial complaint about the topic being “too political,” several parents agreed, and soon unsourced, dubious claims about the vaccine’s unknown effects began circulating. More misinformation followed, with individuals discussing dire consequences that might arise from vaccinating children now. Ironically, the very people who argued against discussing the vaccine were now spreading unfounded fears.

Finally, a few parents, including myself, stepped in to share where our kids had been vaccinated and where to find reliable information. I couldn’t help but ask, “Since when did vaccines become ‘political?’”

Public health should never be a political issue. If our drinking water were found to be contaminated with a deadly bacteria, would anyone oppose the government’s efforts to ensure our safety? What about firefighters, paved roads, or food safety regulations? These are all government-funded initiatives designed to protect us. Why isn’t there outrage over those?

There aren’t “two sides” to protecting people from a virus that is taking thousands of lives daily. Even if you oppose vaccines, why is it wrong for others to discuss their choices? I thought we were all about a “you do you” mentality.

The argument that the topic is “too political” serves as a tactic to silence discussion. When we can’t talk about certain subjects, crucial information gets withheld, causing an environment where normal conversations, like those about vaccinating our kids, feel taboo.

Fortunately, this method of shutting down discourse didn’t last long. Although the earlier discussion became chaotic and the original question went unanswered, a few days later, another parent asked where to get their child vaccinated. This time, constructive suggestions were shared without anyone claiming it was “too sensitive” to discuss.

If parents were ever prevented from sharing basic information about health appointments, vaccinations, and the safety of our children, I would be extremely concerned. Things are already challenging enough.

This article was originally published on November 19, 2021.

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Summary:

The discussion surrounding COVID vaccinations in a school group chat took a political turn, highlighting how public health issues have been polarized. Parents shared experiences about vaccines for their children, but the conversation was initially stifled by claims that it was “too political.” Ultimately, the need for open dialogue about health and safety prevailed, illustrating the importance of discussing vaccinations without fear of political backlash.