The Great Debate on Vaccination

In the midst of an outbreak of measles in our country, it's inevitable that the vaccine discussion come up at some point in time.  There are so many big stories about people who are asking their children's schools to ban unvaccinated children to protect their kids.  There are news stories about the "fear" that Superbowl attendees will be exposed (since there are cases in Arizona from a clinic).  It seems that there is a very polarizing debate on the issue that didn't necessarily exist as definitively until this outbreak began.  So here are my Heatherisms on the issue.....

Vaccination is a choice that each parent needs to make for themselves.  I personally choose to vaccinate.  I researched and decided that the possible side effects of the vaccines were small compared to the possibility of my child contracting one of the diseases that the vaccines prevent.  Not everyone views it in this fashion and some children simply are unable to receive the vaccines for a variety of reasons.  It should NOT be mandated by the government and it should NOT be something that anyone else can decide for you.  It's a personal choice that each parent needs to make for themselves.

Choosing NOT to vaccinate shouldn't be based on a trend.  There are a lot of people who choose not to vaccinate who have read the articles, done the research and made an educated choice.  There are also a large chunk of people who choose not to vaccinate that are doing it based on a couple of articles and a growing trend of people who choose to avoid them.  Your choice to vaccinate should be based on true research and education, not a trend.

There IS risk involved to both choices.  Even a skilled pediatrician can tell you that there are side effects to vaccines (though, as I said, I believe them to be minimal comparatively).  With that being said, a choice NOT to vaccinate does run its own risks.  Measles was eradicated in our country years ago and is now raring it's ugly head.  Even young children who HAVE been vaccinated can be infected with this disease as sometimes the original vaccination (without the additional booster that gets administered before reaching school age), toddlers and preschoolers can come down with this disease. 

People have a right to fear your choice to not vaccinate.  In my humble opinion, my choice to vaccinate doesn't affect a non-vaccinating parent.  My child is not going to spread a communicable disease to them BECAUSE of my choice.  However, a non-vaccinating parent's choice can affect a vaccinating parent's child.  People have a right to fear your choice and to act accordingly.  I'm not suggesting that some of the extreme measures people are currently suggesting are necessary.  What I AM saying is that it's understandable and normal for people to react.

and finally.....

There are consequences to your actions (whichever choice you make).  Sometimes people in our current society get so overwhelmingly entitled that they forget that there are consequences to every action, good and bad.  For instance, some doctors office are choosing to not accept new patients that choose not to vaccinate.  I would absolutely and wholeheartedly support these doctors in their choice.  If you choose to not vaccinate, you are affecting a wider population than just your family.  If you are excluded from certain places and/or activities, that is a direct consequence of your choice.  It is NOT some sort of "let's get a lawyer and sue them for discrimination" issue.  It's a consequence of your choice.