#342

For a while now, I have been having a (mostly) internal debate regarding vaccinations. Should we continue to follow the recommended schedule? Or, should we opt out of the chemicals and possible side effects? This is me, continuing my debate- with myself. 

The girls will be three in a couple weeks. We will schedule a check up, which might include shots. And there is a part of my brain that just doesn't feel comfortable with that. So J and I are discussing opting out. 

Did you know, the average American will receive 35 vaccines in their first 6 years. My parents generation received less than a third of that. Please explain to me how children are in any more danger now than they were 40 years ago. Think about it. What has changed? Besides the dependence on major pharmaceuticals- but that is something to get in to later...

And why is it necessary to vaccinate a baby or toddler against a disease that is contracted through tattoos, sexual contact, or direct blood contact. Hepatitis B can, and often is, administered at birth. Then there are a trillion boosters. Why??

When these diseases were prevalent, the vaccines were accepted at face value. They would keep you healthy. But now, with the disease itself no longer a terror, it is natural to question the vaccine itself. 

Why are we willing to inject mercury and formaldehyde into our precious babies? Not to mention the virus itself. When I was pregnant, I was constantly being reminded to stay away from high mercury foods. Then, when my daughters were infants, a nurse injected them with the scary evil mercury. How does that make sense?

I do understand the 'herd vaccination' ideal. But. If your child is vaccinated, why does my child not being vaccinated worry you? Do you not trust the vaccine? If your child has all their shot to protect them, how is an unvaccinated child a 'threat'? 

But... What if we decide to decline the shots. And our daughters contract something that could have been prevented. As an everyday citizen, I have no problem with people developing natural immunities. I think that is great. But as a mommy that wants to protect her babies at all costs, I don't want them to suffer in any way. 

As I said, to this point our girls have stuck to the schedule. Except for the chickenpox vaccine, which they did not get. When my little girls were born, I didn't see a reason to not give them something that could save their lives. And no one ever gave me the feeling that not vaccinating was a choice. 

But in the last year, I have started to scratch the surface on this debate. Late, I know. But here I am, trying to figure out where I stand on it all. 

Thoughts?