I remember taking my baby in for his first set of shots. The minute they laid him down, before they ever put a needle into his tiny thigh, he started screaming.
He cried, I cried. It was heart-breaking.
But that time and all the other times I’ve taken my kids to a doctor for immunizations I tell them the same thing, “This is better than measles. This is better than mumps.”
So what happens when someone choses not to vaccinate their kids?
The simple version: you’re putting not only your child but thousands of other people at risk of contracting rare, deadly diseases.
But wait, how can I spread it if they are vaccinated?
Because they aren’t.
✔ The DTP vaccine, for instance, can’t be given until a baby is 6 weeks old. (That’s the one that protects them from diphtheria and pertussis.)
✔ Or the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) that can’t be given until 9 months old.
✔ Or the Varicella vaccine that can’t be given until 12-15 months old.
So all that time kids are waiting to responsibly receive their shots, they’re at high risk if they come in contact with anyone with one of those illness.
Perhaps while they are sitting in a waiting room at doctors office or hospital.
Your negligence could literally kill other peoples children.
Do you know why you don’t have to vaccinate your kids? Because everyone else did. Since we all did our part, there isn’t pertussis and diphtheria running rampant in the streets. You don’t feel scared to protect your child from these diseases because you don’t see them. Because we have eradicated them. You now get the choice to fuck it up for the rest of us after hundreds of years of hard work. And we gave you that choice by taking care of our children. So you’re welcome.
There are years and years (and years, and years, and years……you get my point) of history telling us how scary these diseases are. How fast they grow. How painful they are.
I know we can’t all agree on a lot of things, but can we all agree that we do not want our kids experiencing heart-failure, damage to their nervous system, painful sores, rocket high fevers and a long list of other things?
Bottom line: we have these vaccines for a reason. Stop thinking you’re smarter than science because you’re not.
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
Me says
Can you tell me why a brand new baby needs the hepatitis B vaccine? It is only transmitted through drug needle use, sexually, or if their mother is positive. Doesn’t make much sense to me!
Jen says
Hep B is transmitted via bodily fluids…contact with saliva or blood from an infected person is not exclusive to sex. Birth, sloppy kisses, open cuts/sores ect. could transmit the disease to your child. Sadly, similar to ppl not getting vaccinated, alot of ppl do not quarantine or distance themselves from new babies when sick or infected with a disease. Ive had FAMILY try to visit us with a high fever 4 weeks after our daughter was born. Better safe than sorry.
Alaine says
Well said
Tasha says
So what happens when I vaccinate my child and they get Down syndrome or something else from that stupid vaccination? Who am I supposed to blame?
J says
Very uneducated response
Your simply looking for blame as you put it
lisa says
you can not develop down syndrome…..
Karen Joyce says
But you can cause Aspergers or other autistic issues and death as now proven around the world when many have developed this or died within hours or days of being given massive numbers of vaccinations as babies. Have seen the results personally of totally healthy babies and children until they received vaccinations.
Leigha says
Genetic: Research has determined that several genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. In some children, the presence of Asperger’s syndrome can be associated with genetic disorders, such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Additionally, genetic changes may make a child more susceptible to autism spectrum disorder or create the possibility for environmental risks. Furthermore, other genes may affect brain development or the way in which brain cells communicate, or will determine the severity of symptoms.
Physical: Brain imaging studies have shown that there are structural and functional differences in specific areas of the brain of those who have Asperger’s versus those who do not. These differences may be caused by abnormal migration of the embryonic cells during fetal development, which then affects the way in which the brain is wired and further goes on to affect the neural circuits that control thought and behavior.
Environmental: Researchers are also exploring the impact that environmental factors, such as viral infections, prenatal complications, and air pollutants, may play in the development of autism spectrum disorders, like Asperger’s syndrome.
Risk Factors:
Being malePresence of a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression or anxietyFamily history of autism spectrum disorders or other mental health conditionsBeing born 10+ weeks prematureHaving another medical condition, such as Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, epilepsy, and Tourette syndromeBeing born to older parents
Betty says
OMG…you think a genetic disorder can be caused by a vaccine given after birth! Ignorant isn’t a strong enough word.
Betty says
Really…you have seen this and KNOW vaccines were the cause! National Inquirer and Healthnut are not legitimate sources…if you check true medical sources you will know the truth.
Kathie says
No vaccine is proven to cause Aspergers or other autistic issues. In fact the doctor who started that nonsense Andrew Jeremy Wakefield, was gastroenterologist until he was removed from the UK medical register for unethical behavior, misconduct and fraud. He was run out of England and now lives in Texas. Don’t believe me then look him up.
Lulu says
Down symdrome is actually cause by genetics while the fetus is developing before it’s even born. Its caused by an extra 23rd chromosome. Vaccinations have nothing to do with the development of down symdrome.
That being said, some children that are born with down syndrome do have heart problems and other health issues. Some heart problem can be so severe that the child may be unable to receive vaccinations due to health reasons. They are many health issues that may prevent a child from receiving vaccines. That’s why it’s some important for children that are able to receive their vaccines to get vaccinated. It’s called herd immunity. Unlike many healthy children, these children that already have pre existing health issues could actually die from getting mumps or measel or chicken pox and other diseases that we get vaccinated against.
I also have an aunt and uncle that were left severally handicapped after developing measles during the 1950s when vaccinations weren’t given. Their lives may have taken completely different paths if they had a chance to receive these vaccinations that are available today. My own dad also survived having meningitis as a baby at 6 months old (he was very lucky that he has very little to no long lasting effects from the disease).
In my case I believe the benefits outweigh the risks of my child receiving vaccinations. Also in Ontario my child did not receive their first immunaztion until 2 months old (nothing was given at birth at the hospital).
Betty says
Now here is someone that researched in the proper places.
cheryllong37 says
Your concern is very well founded and wasn’t answered properly. You will feel the blame and no one else.
Katie says
Yes. Down Syndrome? No, I agree that is chromosomal. A host of other issues? Absolutely yes.
But yes, let us instead talk about the increase of measles, a benign childhood illness, while other LONG TERM issues skyrocket.
Please read Neil Miller, medical researcher. Excellent starting place. And keep reaching out.
katiecrystal23@yahoo.com
Katen Joyce says
Problem is that they no longer stop with the vaccinations listed here…..they begin giving vaccinations AT BIRTH when a baby’s immune system cannot handle the chemicals and all that are within the vaccinations that are not proven all over the world to cause serious side effects and damage and even death to our young ones. They are giving up to 59 vaccinations by the time a child begins school vs. the 9 given when I was growing up or my children were and what baby needs to be given vaccinations against venereal disease??? Get real, they are damaging and killing our young people. It’s actually safer for them to risk getting a childhood disease and building their own immunity and now it is being seen that the vaccinations are CAUSING outbreaks of the very disease they are meant to prevent. So this article is ridiculous at best.
Jen says
The vaccinations given now are less potent and require more doses, tho spread out over time, than previous vaccinations 10/20 years ago. This allows vaccines to be given earlier, helps reduce reactions and increases overall protection. Small doses of the childhood illnesses via vaccines DO build immunity, so saying that it would be better for a baby/child to get the full dose/illness where they have a high risk of DEATH is just foolish and ignorant of the medical facts.
Leigha says
Your comment is very uneducated. Babies do not get vaccinations at birth! They get a vitamin shot. Unless there is something known to be wrong the baby that is in need of an immune boost or something. It has been proven over and over and over that it was fabricated proof and the doctor that did his study saying immunizations cause autism and such has LIED. All these things are developed in the womb during the growth process. Plain and simple!!!! It is RARE that an immunization caused death and it was not because of the shot but because of an undiagnosed health issue with the child. This has been proven time and again as well. Advocates for non immunizations are not properly listening or actually educating themselves nor the public because of their own agendas. It does more damage than good!.
jodie freed says
Babies get HepB vaccine at birth, sorry to inform you but your comment is also uneducated.
Karyell says
Right on!
cheryllong37 says
I was actually reading and very concern until you used the f word and I began to feel your story is weak. I’ve always felt curse words are really only used by uneducated peeps. Sorry to be so blunt but i stopped reading after that.
Brooke says
Well thanks fpr risking your kid for mine! I would not do the same. I love my kids!
Betty says
Typical response by a self centered person. I am sure your children will be the same way. We love our children too but we are intelligent enough to know the real truth.
Lolamaria Robbio says
I have two children and my sister as well as two children and we vaccinated all our kids from the moment that they were supposed to get vaccinated to the end and our kids are not autistic our kids are not with Down Syndrome you guys really need to control yourselves all of you starting from the author With cursing on an article that should have not been done to the ones who are blaming vaccine for doing something that has nothing to do due to the fact that while we’re pregnant we all got tested to see if her children had Down syndrome or not did you forget the wheel one through that yes autism doesn’t really pop out till about the age of one or two about time there’s already been signs prior to that I’m an educator my field is education and I deal with autistic and down syndrome children at all times and you could tell from the moment that they are born that there’s something wrong vaccinations has nothing to do with it now that some person a wacko that got kicked out of their own country and is living now in the United States due to of all the things that he invented about the vaccinations and you guys want to believe that wacko that’s all on you but ideal day in and day out with other people’s children that all have been vaccinated from the day one and all of them knew before the first vaccination that their child already had some time of autism or down syndrome in their lives already so you know why really learn the facts before anything else because your child for not being vaccinated guess what they’re bound to get some type of disease and not make it this means even if there are a an adult or a young child so good luck to all of you
Betty Ulsas says
Too bad we don’t have a mandatory vaccine for stupidity! You can’t convince the idiots by giving them the proof. Best we can do is get legislation in place that NO Child that is not vaccinated can be placed in a public school or daycare ( except for legitimate medical reason). Also would be great if we could sue the parent if our child becomes ill or has long term damage after being exposed to a child with one of the preventible diseases.
Elizabeth says
I think those opposed to vaccines would be quicker to hear the other side of the argument if there was honesty on the part of the pharmaceutical and medical communities. There are obviously certain children who should not be vaccinated, but there is no screening process for that. Most who don’t vaccinate aren’t just ignorant parents trying to put society at risk, Many did vaccinate and saw first hand what happened as a direct result to their child or to someone they know personally. All the scientific facts in the world don’t mean anything to someone who has actual experience. Many would actually agree that some of the vaccines could be beneficial, but since they have lost all faith in doctors and those behind the vaccines, they just throw it all out.
Cami says
I do agree with you but polio is the only disease to be completely eradicated from our world. Mostly because of the countries without access to vaccines keep bringing back diseases that have been close to gone. 🙂