I’m a firm believer in vaccinations—bring on every single one! I want my kids to get their shots on schedule and I support making them mandatory. We’ve worked too hard as a society to eliminate diseases that could easily return and wreak havoc again. People die from these illnesses, and tragically, it’s often children who suffer the most. Infants, who are too young to receive their own vaccinations, rely on others to make the responsible choice to vaccinate when the time comes.
Choosing whether or not to vaccinate isn’t merely a personal decision. A personal choice affects only you and your immediate family, while vaccination decisions impact entire communities. If you opt out of vaccinations because you fear autism—a claim that has been debunked by numerous studies—you’re making a choice that endangers countless others.
There are plenty of personal choices that are just that—personal. Whether to breastfeed, what school your child will attend, or how to raise them in terms of gender identity are all personal decisions. But vaccination? That’s a collective responsibility, not a personal privilege.
Even if I entertained the idea that vaccines might be linked to autism (which I don’t, because the evidence clearly says otherwise), I would still choose vaccination over the risk of losing my child to a preventable illness. I could handle autism; I can learn about it, advocate for my child, and help them navigate their challenges. But losing my child to a disease? That’s a heartbreak I can’t fathom.
When someone declares, “I choose not to vaccinate, and that’s my right!” they’re not just making a decision for themselves. They’re putting all our kids at risk by allowing these preventable diseases to circulate. This choice endangers the elderly, adults with waning immunity, and the most vulnerable among us—our babies.
Have you ever seen a five-week-old in the ICU struggling to breathe due to whooping cough? It’s a heartbreaking sight that should never happen. That little one’s family suffered because someone chose not to vaccinate.
Pertussis can be deadly. Surviving it can lead to long-term health issues. Remember when smallpox was a common fear? Thanks to vaccines, it’s nearly eradicated. There are enough diseases in the world without us reintroducing old foes.
Before you label vaccination as a “personal choice,” take the time to educate yourself. Dive into the wealth of information available, and don’t let fear dictate your decisions. Your choices impact more than just your family; they can ripple through the community, affecting everyone.
This article was originally published on Sep. 12, 2011. For more insights on related topics, check out our privacy policy here.
In summary, vaccinations are not just personal choices; they are vital for public health and safety. We must prioritize the well-being of our communities over individual fears. Stay informed, and let’s protect our children together.