As my little one starts to sniffle and feels warm to the touch, I think, “Time for the elderberry syrup.” I consider myself a natural-minded mom, and here’s a snapshot of my lifestyle:
- Essential oils
- WaterWipes
- Extended breastfeeding
- Flame retardant-free car seat
- Zero-VOC paint
- Organic food whenever possible
- The Bradley method
- Childbirth with a doula, no pain relief, no epidural
- And many other choices.
These decisions may not be for everyone, but they reflect my personal values. I prioritize avoiding toxins and minimizing risks for my family, which is why I wholeheartedly support vaccinations. How does that align with my natural approach?
Let’s address some common concerns surrounding vaccine ingredients.
Aluminum: This element is present in plants, food, and water. In fact, during their first six months, infants receive more aluminum from their diet—7 mg from breast milk, 38 mg from formula, and 116 mg from soy formula—than from vaccines, which contain just 4.4 mg. After vaccination, the detectable aluminum levels in an infant’s bloodstream remain unchanged.
Formaldehyde: This substance is a natural byproduct of protein and DNA production in humans. A typical 2-month-old has about 1.1 mg of formaldehyde circulating in their body, which is roughly 1,500 times the amount found in any baby vaccine.
Thimerosal: This preservative has been removed from nearly all vaccines, except for certain flu shots, which also have thimerosal-free options. There’s no connection between thimerosal and autism. While it can cause occasional allergic reactions, the health risks associated with its use in vaccines are minimal.
Polysorbate 80: Commonly used in food products like ice cream, a half-cup may contain around 170,000 micrograms of this substance, while an HPV vaccine dose has only 50 micrograms—far too little to pose a risk.
When discussing vaccine injuries, true cases (like anaphylactic reactions) are exceedingly rare. For every million vaccine doses given, only one case has received compensation. The risk of remaining unvaccinated is significantly higher.
Concerns about vaccines causing food allergies or asthma have been thoroughly examined. Studies involving over 600 infants with different DTaP formulations and more than 5,000 patients receiving various childhood vaccines found no correlation with these conditions.
Vaccination can occasionally trigger febrile seizures, which affect up to 5% of toddlers who have a fever for any reason. These seizures are most commonly associated with the MMR or combined MMR-chickenpox vaccines, occurring in about 300 out of every million vaccinated children (0.03%). While they can be alarming, these seizures are usually brief and do not lead to lasting damage.
It’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits. Many of us haven’t witnessed the devastating effects of vaccine-preventable diseases firsthand. We may not realize the pain of a child hospitalized for measles or the suffering caused by whooping cough—diseases that can be fatal for infants.
The advantages of vaccination in preventing severe illnesses far outweigh the minor risks. For instance:
- Mumps can lead to meningitis or infertility.
- Rubella during pregnancy can result in severe birth defects or intellectual disabilities.
- In the 2017-18 flu season, 180 children died from the flu, most of whom were unvaccinated.
Moreover, choosing not to vaccinate can endanger others, including premature infants, babies too young for vaccines, or those with compromised immune systems. Herd immunity relies on a significant portion of the population being vaccinated to protect the vulnerable.
My commitment to children and their families drives my support for vaccines. I want to reduce unnecessary suffering and exposure to harmful chemicals and diseases. If you have doubts about vaccines, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare professional or spacing out vaccines for peace of mind. Just remember to seek credible information, as many unsupported claims circulate online.
For further insights, you can explore resources like this children’s hospital website for vaccine safety information here, and for detailed vaccine risks and benefits, check out this link.
In conclusion, my approach as a natural-minded mom includes a strong belief in the importance of vaccinations for safeguarding my child and the community.