Swine Flu Vaccination and Other Questions That Keep Me Up at Night
I am sweating as I write this. The sweat and nerves are because I never write anything that might stir people up. I don't dig causing controversy-especially when I am certain I don't have all the facts and of that-I am certain this time. Yet, I am compelled to write because I am confused about what to do as a mom and I'm hoping putting this out there might illicit some real evidence that helps to make a decision.
It seems I can't outrun new vaccines these days. Most recently it is Swine Flu that is everywhere. Every time I turn to any media outlet that's what I hear, see or read about. When I go to the pediatrician I get it too.
Let me say that my children are all vaccinated with the standard vaccinations to date and I am ok with that decision-for me. Let me also say I think there is validity to the idea that a one size fits all vaccination schedule should be re-thought for the safety of our children. Let me also say that I feel I do not have enough knowledge of vaccinations, or their potential side-effects to speak on the topic. Now you know where I stand-sorta because I don't really know where I stand. All I know for sure is that I have no opinion other than it is a horrible part of parenting to have to make these calls.
What I want to talk about, question, possibly challenge today is not vaccines in general, but the idea that we need to vaccinate for every new sickness that comes along. I have a seven year old. She never had a rota virus vaccination (it wasn't offered). She has had one flu vaccination in her life and it was the year she got the flu (I know, I know mostly coincidental-but still.) My other two kids are four and two and it seems every year that we go to the doctor there are more vaccinations.
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