Before I found out I was going to be a mother, I would never have doubted the need to vaccinate my children. However, since I have found out that I'm going to be a mom in a little over 3 months the topic has been at the forefront of my mind. I have to say that David inspired me to research the need/effects of vaccines.
I've been reading a couple books talking about vaccines, one for and one against. It has made me think about the potential harmful side effects vaccines can produce. I know the reports that are cited mention the side effects of getting the vaccines are low and the potential effects of not getting the vaccines are high. Most of the vaccines that children receive for diseases are all but eradicated here in the US. I understand that if everyone stopped vaccinating their kids the diseases could come back in several generations.
About 6 weeks ago I posted about this on a discussion forum. My post was met with a myriad of responses from both ends. Some people were downright mean in their responses and indicated they wouldn't allow their child to socialize with a child that wasn't vaccinated. I have two responses 1) how would they know a child is not vaccinated and 2) if your child is vaccinated shouldn't they be protected from children who aren't?? I get it that they might be referring to socializing with kids when their own haven't received all their vaccinations but I think it's downright rude to punish me or my child for a decision that we felt was the best for our family. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and choices and I shouldn't be guilted into giving my child a vaccine if I don't feel it's safe.
I'm still in research mode, but the more I read about what goes into vaccines the more skeptical I am of them. I am looking into a delayed approach in giving vaccines. The one I am really against, at least at birth, is the Hepatitis B vaccine. I think it's totally unnecessary when they are that little.
It's hard to talk about this topic because I don't want people to think that I am weird if I don't give my child vaccines. Also I don't want to be looked down on or judged.
Have any of my readers, the few of you out there, researched this topic and which side are you on?
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