Wednesday, 01 October 2008
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The Threat of Childhood Immunization Refusal
by Nurse Jenna
Recently, parents have begun to question the value of immunizations for their children. It is ironic--the benefits of immunization are often getting forgotten since the diseases they have eradicated are no longer prevalent to remind people of their importance. Smallpox has been eliminated, polio is no longer in North America and diseases that used to be common such as diphtheria, tetanus, measles, and H. influenza are now rarely seen. Despite this and the fact that by some estimates immunizations prevent approximately 3 million childhood deaths a year, many parents still are hesitant, or refuse to have their children immunized.Many of the reasons parents refuse immunizations are not supported by any medical data and are mostly acquired from unreliable Internet sources, or other parents who speculate their children’s problems are related to immunizations. Immunizations have taken the blame for a battery of poorly understood conditions. Though vaccinations are not 100% without risk or effective, the risks of remaining unvaccinated can be greater. Here is an example: the risk of brain disease due to the measles vaccine is 1 in 1 million, but the risk from measles itself is 1000 times greater.
It is well known that immunizations benefit not only individual people, but communities as a whole and the more children that go unimmunized the greater the public health threat. Parents who choose not to immunize their children are given the term “free-riders” because they count on the immunity of others to keep their child protected from these devastating diseases that would otherwise reimerge if the majority of the population did not stay immunized.
One could argue (and has), and so would I, that there is a civic duty to immunize your child since the benefits have been proven to be great and the risks to the individual small, yet the risks to the general population are extreme when immunization is refused. I feel unless there is an extenuating circumstance where there is a danger for a child to be immunized, parents should not have the right to refuse immunization. It puts too many others at risk, not to mention your own child.
Do you feel immunizations should be required? Do you think that public safety should be considered, or should the decision to immunize be up to the parents?
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Comments (184)
I hate watching my children get shots. It's horrible.
That said, I would never refuse the immunizations. I agree with you that the risk from them is so much smaller than the damage done by the actual disease.
With both of my children I have gotten their shots on schedule (except my daughter didn't get the first Hep B in the hospital b/c she was born at home) and I will continue to do so. I feel that even though it hurts them for a minute, it protects them in the long run.
I think that immunizations are a good idea. The safety of the community should be taken into consideration, and the low risk to the individual children, but ultimately the decision should remain with the parent.
I know that some schools require certain immunizations be administered before the child can attend, though(at least in my area).
I think the choice is the parents. They should have the freedom to choose. We do what we believe best for our children.
My children have all their shots.
My cousins don't because my aunt didn't think they should. They range in age from 30 to 7 (she has 9 children)
I respect her right to do what she thinks is best for her children.
I do not at all think they should be required, it should be up to parents. For me, there was no question about it, my son will get immunized. I feel like I have a lot more to worry about with him when it comes to his health, he is more susceptible to getting sick and being sicker. I think parents have the right to choose, of course I would hope that they would choose to get the immunizations, but I don't think that it needs to be forced.
I just want to ask if you have researched these vaccines and EVERY ingredient in them? Not all parents who do not vaccinate are uneducated. Some of us have the same education and profession as you. We just take time to research, instead of believing everything the medical community does is good.
Why anyone would willingly inject their children with formaldehyde is beyond me. DNA changes, Cancer, etc... no thanks. We'll take our chances with the (not deadly to normal, healthy children) diseases these vaccines are supposed to prevent. Children do have reactions & die from these vaccines. Not to mention, none of them have had long term studies done. I need to pick my daughter up from school, but I'll be back to talk about this.
With so many people not getting immunized, I am so thankful that I am immunized - it will help protect me against outbreaks of any disease. (I dont get the flu shot - because I have never gotten the flu and have a decent immune system) I dont think new parents of today have any idea how devistating the childhood diseases of our grandparents and great-grandparents really were. Many of them are not around to talk to these people about what it was really like. I believe 100% in immunization. I hope this is just a phase America is going through.
Although, I must also say that I think part of the reason some children aren't getting the shots they need is lack of healthcare. Too many people dont have it - for whatever reason (not available, no money, whatever). That is really scary to me because I think that these children will be hit the hardest if/when the diseases return to the US. (Because I do think they will return...)
I know that this sounds harsh, and I dont mean it to be that way. I do feel very strongly about this, though. The next generation is the ones who will really have to pay for our decisions - I cant imagine having to explain to a child that is paralyzed from polio that there is a vaccine to prevent it but too many people decided not to use it.
@der_lila_Stern@xanga - When was the last time you were vaccinated? Even adults are supposed to get their "booster" shots because the vaccines wear off (and many do not actually work to begin with).
@Amyld@xanga - I have in the last 5 years received several boosters - I would have to go look at my records because I dont know which off of the top of my head.
You say that the vaccines do not work to begin with? Which vaccines are you talking about? Can you support that claim?
Wow....you are making a lot of assumptions in this post as well as a lot of unresearched medical claims by yourself. First to assume that parents that choose not to vaccinate get their information from unreliable internet resources is wrong. All the information I have gathered about Vaccines comes from books written by practicing Medical Doctors such as What your Child's Doctor May Not Tell you about Children's Vaccination By Stephanie Cave, MD.
An excellent resource loaded with Medical data about each vaccination and the practice of vaccinating dangers such as giving children up to 7 vaccinations at a time, giving booster shots when unessesary (when the child could be tested to see if the antibodies still in their system), giving every child the identical dose regardless of weight (we don't even do that with TYLENOL!). The idea of vaccinating chldren from Chicken Pox and giving them flase immunity increasing their risk of shingles in adulthood, when the contraction of Chicken Pox will give them permamntent immunity.
And as far as "civic duty" isn't it the Civic duty of the CDC to conduct unbaised reaserach concerning these vaccinations? Many of them come out on the market not having been thouroughly tested. Of course the links between autism and (especially but not only) the MMR vaccination are cloudy and parents are misinformed, because the CDC has yet to take parental claims seriously and conduct research on the area (yes there has been research but it has been skewed in many areas) It is the Civic Duty of those pushing vaccinations to make sure what we are injecting our children with is both necessary and safe.
The concern from these socalled "free-riders" are purely for their children. Those with children understand their parental right and DUTY to protect their child from any unnecessary harm, the fear that their child could be harmed by receiving these vaccinations is the driving force behind not receiving vaccinations. Perhaps if the CDC conducted some conlusive research they would win over the hearts and minds of those wary parents. It's irresponsible to assume the information gained by these "free-riding" parents is without Medical backing.
All that being said there are alternatives. We choose to vaccinate in a different way. We vaccinate at a slower rate and choose wisely when the child will actually need the vaccination. My newborn does not need to be protected from Hep B until she is closer to school age since she will be at home with me. We don't need to be giving 7 vaccinations at one sitting, yes that means my child receives more shots and yes we have to visit the doctor more often but for the peace of mind it gives me from both harm that could occur from vaccinations and harm from choosing not to, it's worth it.
@der_lila_Stern@xanga - Although, I must also say that I think part
of the reason some children aren't getting the shots they need is lack
of healthcare.
Vaccinations can be obtained free for those without resources to pay, so this information is incorrect.
@Tavia_n_Jones@xanga - Contracting chicken pox naturally does not give you permanent immunity. I had the chicken pox as a child but when I was tested for the antibodies when pregnant, I had none.
I really appreciated what Jenny McCarthy said on Oprah the other day.... she said that what she is fighting for is SAFER vaccines. Also to be considered.... not all children can handle pennicillin ( I am one of those), so why do we just assume all kids can handle all of the vaccines as they are? why do we assume that all childrens' immune systems are healthy enough to handle the vaccines?
i would never refuse an immunization. the benefits are greater than a small risk. to see my daughter cry in pain, that's only 1 minute, but to see my daughter suffer from a disease, that's a long time!
i was immunized and i think it's required for all babies and indiviulas
I hope for parents who chose not to immunize your children, your children also choose not to travel (or you are not traveling with them as children). The United States has sufficient "herd" immunity that small groups of unimmunized children are not yet impacting the public health status, but I do not know how long this will continue to be the case. This is certainly NOT the situation in many 3rd world countries where immunizations are not part of routine care.
Last year when I went to Cambodia and Vietnam I was immunized against Hep A and received my boosters for diptheria, tetanus, polio, and typhoid. I would be needing similar immunizations for my upcoming trip to Ecuador. While certainly immunizations can be obtained as an adult, it is much easier to ensure protection during routine well-child care since children more regularly have office visits than adults do. If nothing else it becomes less of a hassle into adulthood. Traveling is a life enriching experience and taking the proper precautions can help make it safe. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entrance.
Also,I would challenge those who are so opposed to immunizations to take a trip to 3rd world country and try a bout of Hep. A and let me know how it goes. You will probably be thankful for the public health initiatives we have in the States.
@Amyld@xanga - You are certainly NOT in the same profession as me or you would be immunized against Hep B as any reasonable person would do in the face of how many accidental needle sticks and body fluid splashes take place. It is not worth my life to not be immunized.
Unfortunately at many of the clinics I have worked at it has not been access that has prevented proper immunization of children, but parental diligence. So often reminder phone calls have been made and parents do not bring their children in (and these are parents who ARE choosing to have immunizations). It is frustrating because this lack of follow-up is a huge barrier to seeing that kids get proper protection.
@Amyld@xanga -
I agree with you. And also the poster who pointed out there is NO weight/age determination taken into account when it comes to doseage. Blows my mind!
@NurseJenna -
Unless you have off site information, no where did she say she hadn't had a Hep B vax. There are vaccinations that are a good idea to have when you work in specific fields.
What Amy said was that she did not vaccinate her children at infancy and that there is more information that parents use other than "sketchy" internet sites.
@Tavia_n_Jones@xanga - Regarding your earlier comment about the number of vaccinations given at a time and the vaccine concentration--please see this link which has very reliable information.
http://www.immunizationinfo.org/immunization_issues_detail.cfv?id=140
I think immunizations should be mandatory by law. If some non-immunized person got a disease that could mutate and spread to me (who is immunized), or others, or kill the elderly, young, or animals, it would be disgusting. It would become an epidemic. I would rather not take the risk and get a f*cking shot than have this happen, or have old diseases come back full throttle.
Vaccinations harm the body more than they help it. The body is made to fight disease. Our parents did not get vaccinated. Pharm. companies use fear to make the public think that if they do not get the shots they will have major complications or could die. With good nutrition and hygiene, vaccinations are not needed and do more harm than good. Especially to a new baby with a weak immune system that cannot handle the toxins of multiple shots. Protect our children. They have no voice.
@Miroch@xanga - Please see my link above. Your information is incorrect.
@NurseJenna - For some reason your link isn't working.
Nurse Jenna, have your children had multiple ear infections, fevers, colds. I strongly believe that children get More sick when they have been vaccinated. I have done my own research. Your link would not open. I am an RN as well in a childrens hospital and I see everyday children with chronic diseases which I believe are from our over vaccinations. I agree to disagree on this topic.
The reason there is little research against the vaccinations is because the Pharm. co. are the ones with all the money to do the research For the vaccinations
@enmy_sephius@xanga - you are one of a small percentage just like me who never showed outwards signs of chicken pox, never had any record of having them as a child but when I was tested during pregnancy I HAD the antibodies, we are both of a very small percentage.
No, I don't think it should be required by law. At least until there are safer vaccines.
I'm still doing my research on vaccines and for now have put a halt on any further shots until I'm satisfied that they are in the best interest of my children. I may or may not continue, I just don't know at this point. I think all parents should do research, just be informed about what they are putting in their children's bodies. It's sad to think that many people, myself included when my oldest was a baby, do not know a thing about vaccines, only that it's "something you should do."
Thanks for the link.
@Miroch@xanga - The countries that do not routinely vaccinate serve as the "control" in any "study" you want to do for and against vaccinations. Of course if you work in a hospital the kids there are sick! I don't know how you go from "A" to "B" that therefore vaccinations cause illness. By that logic if we stop vaccinations there will be no more sick children?? That makes no sense. Similarly, since pharm. companies are involved does that mean that no medications can ever do any good? Just because someone is profiting off of something does not make their product worthless. Yes, they have an interest, as the makers of all medicines have an interest, that does not mean they do not do good. People have to stop thinking that all of life is a giant conspiracy and think critically. There are scams, but there are things that have genuinely benefited society. Immunizations have been one of the greatest public health benefits ever along with sewer systems! Why will no one see this? !
@johnandchels@xanga - I also agree, I loved what was said on Oprah. I think it is uneducated and frankly, rude, to assume that parents who choose not to vaccinate, or to create their own vaccination schedule are not educated and fearful. In fact, in my personal experience, I have found JUST the opposite. Parents who go in for the routine vaccinations can't really tell you much at all about vaccines except for what the doctor has told them, and they are fearful that if they don't get them their child will get polio or something.
On the other hand, most parents who do make the choice not to vaccinate come from a highly educated platform, after much much research into the topic, and with the understanding that the choice they make affects their child either way.
The post speaks of diseases that are no longer around, when if you go back and study the past you will see many of these diseases were already on the decline when the vaccines were introduced - not to mention the old ones that have cropped up recently, such as the outbreak of whooping cough a couple years ago. Statistics taken proved that of ALL the cases of whooping cough (which was so widely spread in our area due to school attendance, etc), only 10% of the children were unvaccinated children and that 10% was in fact among the LAST to contract the disease.
So who is harming who? Besides the fact that its obvious vaccines don't always work, this notion that unvaccinated children are relying on the vaccinations of others is ridiculous, or that they are harming others. If the vaccines work so well, then having an invaccinated child should not interfere with that. It doesn't even make sense to make that argument if you truly believe in the vaccinations in the first place. And when another child goes and gets a shot that contains a small amount of the very disease its meant to protect against (plus lots of other stuff), then its whatever is within their own system that affects them, not some other random child who isn't walking around with that disease in them.
The fact is, you can find links and information for both sides of the issue, and parents need to figure out what sources they are going to believe. Myself, I don't want to go with any source that profits from the shots, obviously their information will be biased. My children are in school. They are not immunized. I am VERY educated on the topic as a parent who made the choice not to vaccinate, I cannot afford to be lazy and ill-informed about the topic - actually had a confrontation with a pharmacist who was trying to push us into flu shots and I actually knew more facts than he. He finally admitted to the fact that a vaccine itself is not trustworthy... there are too many factors. The person's own body and how they might receive it (i.e. allergies or reactions), body temperature, which has small ranges from person to person, transport and possible temp changes during that, and so many more. He admitted to me that its a shot in the dark, "the best they can do" given the fact that they can't always control all these factors. And in the end, its up to us to decide if "the best they can do" is good enough for our own children.
I urge parents to be educated. Vaccines or not. Know what you are talking about - not just what someone with a medical background might say. Nurse Jenna, I think it is completely unfair and incorrect of you to put this out there like fact when you are omitting so much.