In 2014, while I was heavily pregnant with twins, I was incensed by an article detailing an outbreak of measles in a California community—an illness that had been largely controlled thanks to vaccines. I felt compelled to write an essay expressing my views on vaccinations, firmly stating that vaccination is not merely a personal choice. Unlike personal decisions such as whether to breastfeed or opt for organic meals, vaccination choices significantly impact community health.
The backlash was swift and harsh; I faced insults and accusations of being uneducated and misguided. Many individuals took offense at my assertion, arguing against the science behind vaccinations. I understood their defensiveness; after all, few appreciate being told how to make medical choices for themselves or their children. My intention was to encourage informed decisions based on scientific evidence, not to dictate personal freedoms.
Critics often referenced the thoroughly discredited study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield linking vaccines to autism, and they pointed to rare cases of vaccine-related injuries. However, a recent article highlighted that, while there were a reported 2,967 adjudicated cases of vaccine injury from 2006 to 2014, this number pales in comparison to the 2.5 billion vaccinations administered during the same period. The likelihood of a vaccine injury is less than one in a million, a statistic that starkly contrasts with the odds of being struck by lightning, which stand at 1 in 960,000.
As a mother, I was deeply disturbed by stories of children suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases. I felt heartbroken reading accounts of families impacted by diseases like pertussis. It frustrated me that many would rather heed celebrities without medical expertise than listen to the voices of seasoned scientists. If celebrity endorsements are necessary, I would prefer to promote someone like Emma Thompson, who brings more credibility to the conversation.
Instead of engaging in heated arguments, I should have directed people toward credible sources such as the World Health Organization, Shot at Life, and Voices for Vaccines.
Despite the negativity I faced, my belief in vaccination remained unshaken. I vaccinate my four children according to established guidelines. Growing up in a country where vaccinations are mandatory, I have access to both required and optional vaccines. My decision to vaccinate is not made lightly or under any illusion of conspiracy; it is rooted in thorough research and a commitment to the wellbeing of my community.
Many criticized my background, dismissing my views as those of “just a mom” with no medical qualifications. Ironically, many of those who questioned my expertise also lacked formal medical training. While I may not be a doctor or researcher, I am an educated individual who has extensively studied the medical implications of vaccinations. I have come across data supporting the efficacy of vaccines in eradicating diseases and have read about regions still grappling with outbreaks due to inadequate vaccination coverage.
The Pan American Health Organization announced in September 2016 that measles had been eradicated from the Americas, which is a monumental achievement. However, health officials caution that the disease could make a comeback if vaccination rates drop. Herd immunity plays a critical role in this context, providing protection for those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or health conditions.
Recent discussions have shown that more parents are recognizing the importance of vaccination schedules. One mother, who once opposed vaccinations, shared her change of heart after her children contracted rotavirus—an illness that is preventable through vaccination. It is unfortunate that many need personal experiences with vaccine-preventable diseases to shift their views.
After my initial essay, I was approached about debating a naturopath opposed to vaccinations. I declined. I no longer wish to engage in discussions that undermine the importance of vaccinations. For me, the issue is clear: vaccinating is not a personal choice but a community responsibility.
I will not engage in name-calling or insults. Instead, I hope to encourage understanding of the facts surrounding vaccinations. I urge others to see this through the lens of concerned parents like myself. By vaccinating, you protect not only your children but also those in your community who are vulnerable and cannot be vaccinated.
Please, consider vaccinating your children to ensure a healthier future for all.
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Summary:
Vaccination is a critical component of public health and should not be viewed as a mere personal choice. The safety and efficacy of vaccines are supported by extensive research, and the community benefits from high vaccination rates through herd immunity. Engaging in informed discussions and understanding the impact of vaccination can help protect vulnerable populations.