To Immunize or Not, that is the Question…

Posted on Feb 6 2015 - 1:11pm by Aubrey

vaccine-bottle-syringe

The immunization “debate” has been making headlines as of late because of higher number of peoples who have measles ever since that Disneyland outbreak. It’s a touchy subject for many people…and I realize there are people on either side who feel strongly about why they do or do not give their kids the vaccines for preventable diseases like measles, mumps and rubella.

So here’s my stand, I vaccinated my kids without hesitation. It’s strongly advised by doctors, I received immunizations when I was growing up (and I’m fine)…and if I can PREVENT my child with having to ever deal with a PREVENTABLE disease, then I’m going to do it!

My heart broke when I read a story this morning of 5 babies in Chicago all being diagnosed with measles. It happened at a daycare/learning center and all 5 babies are under the age of 1, so in their case they had not received any vaccine yet because it isn’t usually administered until the reach the age of 1. But the point is they got it from somewhere…someone (who hadn’t been vaccinated) passed it to them and a possible outcome of having it is DEATH.

Think about that for a second. Not only is measles preventable, but it is passed from one person to another, then another, then another… thus causing an “outbreak,” when there is a carrier around people who are not protected from it.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It causes fever, red and sore eyes, runny nose, cough and a rash. It can cause deadly health complications including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Measles is spread by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing. It can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

And — we are lucky to have the vaccine. There are parents in so many countries who do not have access to medicine which can protect their kids. It is a LUXURY.

Okay, so I’ll get off my soapbox…but that is where I stand. So whether we’re talking about measles or the flu…if I can PROTECT my children with medicine, I will. I don’t think I could ever live with myself knowing I haven’t done all I can to keep my child safe.