Vaccines

Controversial, political, personal. All words that come to mind when I think of vaccines.



I will start by saying that all my children are fully vaccinated and I think vaccines are a good thing. The more I have learned about vaccines the more I realize that they are forced down most parents "throats" with little education, little real information, thought, or options presented.



When B was born I did not even consider not vaccinating him. Even though that was more than 9 years ago some people were already choosing not to vaccinate. I think in recent years the debate has become more public.



I feel the same way about vaccines as I do about a lot of things. I think the most important thing is for people to educate themselves and make an informed decision not simply to do what the doctor or politicians say we should do.



A week and half ago I picked up the editorial section of the Baltimore Sun Times to find an editorial about vaccinations written by the President of the Maryland Chapter of the AAP. I was outraged to say the least and I am writing an editorial back in response. I am slightly delayed but maybe it will get published. I did have an editorial published before so maybe.



The editorial tries to shove vaccinations down the public's throats and goes as far to say the state of Maryland should mandate "no exception" policies requiring every child to be vaccinated with no exception.



REALLY? Are we still in America here people? Do I think vaccinating is a good idea? YES! If I have another child I would research each vaccine more thoroughly and possibly do a delayed vaccination schedule with my child. Do I agree that if large numbers of children are unvaccinated it starts to diminish the "public health"? YES! But when Americans are unable to make their own health decisions we have a real problem.



Toto I don't think I am in Kansas anymore! Or more like "Michelle I don't think I am in the West anymore." East Coast politics and ideology is definitely different than the West. Whether the President of the AAP likes it or not I am keeping my right to think for myself. I think whether or not to vaccinate your children is a very personal decision, not one to be made by the government. The President of the Maryland AAP even states that in certain Western states that there are geographic areas where large numbers of children are unvaccinated. Most likely this is because these parents flock to areas where like-minded parents also live. I suspect near where I grew up (Boulder, CO) is one of the unvaccinated "hot spots."



So ladies, what do you think? I would love to hear some of your opinions and have some good old political debate. While I know this is not a political blog. My degree is in political science and I always love a good discussion.