Shot of Prevention

Lara Lohne grew up in an anti-vaccine household.  Although her father was fully vaccinated, the decision for Lara and her siblings not to be vaccinated rested primarily with her mother.  Several of her extended family members happened to be chiropractors, including her grandfather and two uncles, and Lara believes that they were a big influence on her mother’s position.

Lara explains that as a young child she didn’t realize that most people were, in fact, vaccinated.

 “I lived an extremely sheltered life growing up, and I was essentially taught that what my parents (or my mom) believed was the only point of view that mattered.  Any other view was considered as rebellion and betrayal.  In my house, people who were vaccinated were contaminated and less pure than those who chose not to vaccinate. I remember when I asked my dad if he was vaccinated.  He told me he was because he served in the Marine Corps and it was required for service.  It was a huge disappointment to me and I had difficulty not feeling resentful toward my dad because of it. Of course I was only eight years old at the time and only had what my parents told me as the basis to form my beliefs and opinions.”

Lara remained unvaccinated throughout her childhood and recalls a time when there was a measles outbreak in school.  She was in the ninth grade at the time and she didn’t want to be removed from class.  She asked her mom if she might be vaccinated so she wouldn’t have to miss school.

“She had told me we’re not going to let them inject us with poison. It is only a trap, trying to force us into their way of thinking. She used to say, over and over again, “We are not sheep!” She told me that the shot would cause me to get sick, make me go crazy or retarded (her word) or even kill me. She successfully talked me out of it at the age of 14.”

Despite her mother’s insistence, two years later, Lara was surprised that her parents took her to receive her first MMR shot at the age of 16.  Read more…

Last year at this time my ten-year old daughter was in and out of the doctor’s office, ER and then finally admitted to the hospital as we struggled to diagnose and treat what proved to be a dangerous health issue.

During the parade of doctors, interns, nurses and technicians that we encountered along the way, many would inquire what she wanted to be when she grew up.  I presumed they were simply making small talk or hoping to hear that she wanted to pursue a career in the field of medicine.  While that is certainly not the case for my budding fashionista, who dreams of designing her own line of clothes, I discovered that I was the one with a bit of career envy. 

The fact is, when your child is in pain and you have more questions than answers, it can be quite nerve-racking.  While I certainly felt that the medical staff had her best interest at heart, I couldn’t help but wish I had the medical training to take care of these issues myself.  I couldn’t help but wish I had become a doctor so that I wouldn’t have to rely on others for all the answers.

What was even more frustrating was that during the course of this ordeal, the various doctors and specialists often had a difference of opinion about her diagnosis.  I quickly realized that while science can often provide us with hard evidence, there are times when it is an intricate puzzle.  Fortunately for us, after a total of about three weeks and numerous tests, the puzzle came together and we had a clear understanding of the problem at hand.

However, when it came time to decide on treatment, the doctors again presented a choice of recommendations.  Ultimately, my husband and I were responsible for making the final decision, but we would have been foolish not to rely on the training, advice and experience of our daughter’s doctors.

Through this experience I realized some important things about the doctor/parent relationship. Read more…

“You never know what you’re going to get.”

I believe this famous statement from Forest Gump is so frequently recited because it speaks the truth.  We all have unknowns in our lives.  No matter how much we try to control them.

Today, as I sit at my computer, next to an enormous heart-shaped box of chocolates, I can’t help but think of this quote.  I have just discovered that my  cherished Valentine’s gift was recently ransacked by  – I suspect - my youngest daughter, (who I saw sneaking a piece of chocolate on her way to the bus stop this morning).  I notice the empty spaces where some of my favorite nut varieties would be.  And I discover a half eaten piece with mystery nougat pouring out – discards from my daughter when she realized the bitter taste of dark chocolate.

As I look upon my half eaten box, my surprise turns to gratitude.  Instead of being upset, I’m actually grateful that she has saved me from myself (the last thing I need right now is more chocolate, especially before breakfast!).  And I realize, once again, that all my children have managed to steal my heart – both literally and figuratively.  I simply could not imagine my life without them. And my biggest fear is that I may one day lose them from something I have no control over.

I guess this is why I find the vaccination conversation so intriguing.  We know that a small percentage of parents are so fearful about vaccines that they choose not to vaccinate, all while exposing their children to a greater risk of problems that can occur as a result of contracting a disease.  We also know that the overwhelming majority of parents realize that these dangerous diseases can be unpredictable and that it’s best to simply help prevent these diseases by getting them vaccinated.

But then there are those unfortunate parents whose children are too young to be vaccinated.  They intend to vaccinate, but before their child is old enough, they fall victim to vaccine preventable diseases.

Why?

Well, because when it comes to public health, we’re all like a big box of chocolates.  You never know what you’re going to get; when disease is going to spread and who it’s going to spread to.

Like it or not, one person’s decision can have a direct impact on the health of another.   Which is why vaccinating parents are concerned about the decisions of others not to vaccinate.

Emily discusses Everlee's battle with pertussis in detail on the Moms Who Vax blog.

Earlier this month, I read a touching story about a precious five-week old child named Everlee.  Her mother, Emily provided details of how Everlee contracted pertussis and suffered for weeks in the hospital.  Through an unfortunate series of events, Everlee’s nine-year old sister sat next to a child with pertussis in her school.  It’s suspected that the highly contagious bacteria likely traveled home on her clothes, where she unknowingly infected her too young to be vaccinated sister. Read more…

It’s Valentine’s Day and we would like to treat our friends to a little riddle.

What do you get when you cross The Black Eyed Peas with vaccine advocacy? 

Well, you get an entertaining way for us to say, “Thank You!”

While we can’t rap like The Black Eyed Peas, we’re pretty good at feeling the love….YOUR LOVE! 

Both our blog readership and our  Vaccinate Your Baby Facebook community has continued to grow this past year, like a healthy newborn baby.  And we thank you for your support!

Please watch the video below and then continue to share the love this Valentine’s Day by suggesting that others like our page, subscribe to our blog and follow us on Twitter.

We can’t do it without you!

Lyrics to “Sharin’ The Love”

In this world that we are givin’

people tryin’ to be healthy livin’

But diseases keep our children cryin’

And some even have those children dyin’

But vaccines stop diseases cold

Vaccines work, yeah we all know Read more…

Today we are featuring a guest post from one of our blog readers.  We hope you will appreciate her contribution as much as we do!

I’m the mother of two young children and I have a great guy to call my hubby.  I love running (training for a half marathon!) and baking, and like many moms, I do my best to balance the responsibilities of work and family.  In fact, for the past two years I’ve been working full time, second shift so that I can be at home with my kids during the day.

As a parent, I have my personal views and opinions about things, just like everyone else.  But at times, I’ve felt a bit like a contradiction.  See I’m a science-loving (nerd alert), breastfeeding, pro-vaccine, Christian mom.  I consider myself an “attached” parent since I believe in positive discipline, I co-sleep with my children, and I practice extended breastfeeding.  I always try to make natural choices for my children by mashing my own baby food and opting for locally grown produce when possible.  However, these characteristics don’t preclude me from having a great deal of respect for the medical field and the value of science.  The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.   The truth is, I am so enamored by science that I consider myself lucky to live at a time when I can protect my child from so many vaccine preventable diseases.

To be honest, because of my specific views, I’ve often found it difficult to find other moms who’ve been willing to respect all my choices as a parent.  Thankfully, through online social groups, like the Vaccinate Your Baby Facebook page, I’ve begun to make connections with other like-minded moms that I can relate to – which led me to write this post.

As I began engaging in various parenting forums, I found myself frustrated by the way in which some people adamantly argue against vaccinations.  They often spout off inaccurate information and misrepresent the science.  They claim that doctors, scientists and the government are all out to cause harm.  They sometimes even suggest a “Big Pharma” conspiracy.

But here’s the real kicker.    I work for “Big Pharma”. 

Yup, I admit it.

And you know what?  I’m pretty darn proud of it too.  Read more…

So it’s January, and even though you may not know anyone who has suffered with the flu yet, that doesn’t mean you’ve escaped the illness this year.

The flu is very unpredictable.  While flu activity historically peaks in the U.S. in January or February, sometimes seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.  And since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response, it’s best to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

While it’s recommended that everyone six months of age and older be vaccinated, it’s important to realize that there are specific groups that are at a greater risk of flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death.  Sometimes, people in these high risk groups are note even aware of the severe risks that influenza poses to them.

Take for instance pregnant women.  Due to changes in their immune system during pregnancy, as well as in their heart and lungs, pregnant women are more prone to severe illness from flu.  Not only could the flu impact a mother’s health, but influenza can also pose a serious problems for the unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.  And since children younger than 6 months are still quite fragile and at high risk for serious flu-related complications, it’s important to safeguard them from influenza as best we can.  Since these infants can’t get vaccinated or take antiviral drugs, their best protection comes from the antibodies they receive from their vaccinated mother. Read more…