Why I Was Wrong About Vaccinations

I don't like being wrong.  Actually, I hate it.  But here it goes.  I was wrong. 

Mostly.

We have no idea what causes Autism, so we cannot know what doesn't cause it either.  There.  I feel better.

What I do know is that today, I have seen how vicious and ugly people can be on this topic.  I have seen that there are people that rely solely on natural medical and conspiracy outlets to ascertain medical information.  I have read these blogs and articles and found a tiny drop of truth in a waterfall of misinformation.  I have also seen articles that are written on "credible" news outlets that are full of doctored and trumped up research.  I went to the web sites that each used as "sources" and there wasn't a peer reviewed research paper in the lot. 

I encourage truth.  I encourage you to get uncomfortable with how you feel about the topic and wade deep into both sides.  Each side comes with shared pain and grief.  Feel the grief of others.  It makes us human.  Right now we need that. 

I got the comment from the Mom who's happy, healthy little two year old became withdrawn and regressed for years after getting their vaccines.  It isn't fair.  Her experience is real.  Her pain is valid.

I understand my own anguish from suffering so intensely as a child with chicken pox that I swore I would give my kids a cure if there was one.  Thank heavens, there was.  They will never get chicken pox.  They will be vaccinated.

I chose to spread out the shots over a two week span.  It was miserable watching them have the shots.  It isn't comfortable to think about. 

There is some research suggesting things like maternal age, circumcision, genetic predisposition, and weakened immune systems could possibly lead to an increased risk of Autism.  But let me ask you this: even if your kid got Autism would you love them less?  The answer is a firm "no."  Our kids are precious no matter what condition they are predisposed to.

The thing I know in my heart I am right about is choice.  We should have a choice.  I have family that is Jehovah's Witness.  Rastafarian's and JW both have similar stances on medical treatment.  Bob Marley died from early refusals to treat cancer.  I have a right to my personal belief, and you have a right to yours.  We do not have the right to push our personal opinions on others.

We have a right to refuse vaccinations.  If you don't vaccinate, you understand, you could spend days and weeks with sick babies.  Your child may die.  I honestly pray that is never the case.  But you have weighed that risk and decided that the cost is worth it.  I don't have a right to tell you otherwise.  

You know that I will vaccinate.  I can't stand to have my kids sick.  I understand that I am blessed beyond anything I worthy of to have the kids I have.  I understand that some of you may not have healthy kids.  To you, I offer a hug. 

Can you get tested and find out if your child's immune system is compromised prior to vaccinating?  I suppose the technology is there.  But what then?  Do you put the children in a bubble?  We do the best we can and wade into the unknown.