"One of those families" 

                                               (unvaccinated)

 

 

 

I had an interesting conversation with our pediatrician the other day that really made me laugh. Contrary to many opinions, we have decided to prolong vaccinations in our babies and wait till their immune systems have a chance to develop first before we bombard their new fragile bodies with foreign (and toxic) substances. I know a lot of people that take this view but try to keep it quiet because of the harsh criticism and judgement that come from families that choose vaccinations, but I am not afraid to say it because I am doing what I believe is best for my child (just as people that vax believe they are doing what is best for theirs, and I respect their choices as well).

 I was at the doctors office for Sammy's 12 month and we had a new Doctor. He was funny, helpful and overall I liked him very much! But of course we had to have the vaccine discussion, I told him my point of view and he laughed and said "oh you are one of those......So tell me, why are you so afraid of vaccines?" His comment was very interesting to me, because I have not made my decisions based off of fear, but off of research, family history of members not handling vaccines well, lack of lifelong vaccine studies, and my own instincts. I told him that I was not afraid of vaccines at all. I know that at the proper time some vaccines are extremely helpful and life saving.. Then the funniest part was he tried to "scare" me to chose vaccinations. Stating that infants die of pertussis. Which of all the illnesses to use, that was wrong example. Directly from the CDC website states "Whooping cough can even be deadly. From 2000 through 2014, there were 277 deaths from whooping cough reported in the United States. Almost all of the deaths (241 of the 277) were babies younger than 3 months of age, who are too young to be protected against whooping cough by getting the shots." Yes, sadly infants can die of pertussis. However, the vaccine does not save most of those that died. It continues that the vaccine has a short life span and wears out quickly, that is why teenagers seem to be at risk and you have to get the shot over and over again. The good news for those that choose to not vaccinate is, pertussis is very treatable with antibiotics. Thanks to modern healthcare we can diagnose and treat pertussis way faster than we could before. (yay, for treatable and curable diseases!)

 

 

 I don't have the time to go into every single infant vaccine and why we have chosen to wait or not get it at all. But I think it important to look at each one individually and weigh the risks vs the benefits for yourself. When studying common childhood illnesses, you should look at recent outbreaks (see if they are in your area), how they spread, the symptoms and the treatments available. 

 I will not live in fear of vaccines just as I don't live in the fear that my baby could die of pertussis. No parent should make a decision based out of fear, but out principle, logic, clear understanding of a matter and faith that God grants wisdom to those that seek Him. I can see how both sides are fearful. On the one side you have parents that are fearful of illness. And on the other, fearful of modern medicine and the toxins in the vaccines themselves. Both are well founded, but fear can cloud our judgement. As Christians we are commanded to "Fear Not". For someone who likes to be in control, this is one of my favorite verses for letting go. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God tells us to Fear Not 365 times in the Bible! I found this great printout with the references! What a beautiful reminder.






If we are living in wisdom, seeking advice, staying educated and trusting God with the outcome, there is no need to fear whichever path you choose. We all have a responsibility to make decisions for the well being of our children. Knowing that my mighty God is with me and my children, gives me confidence to live not in fear of man, illness, or circumstances but in the peace of the Will of my Loving Savior.
It is a hard task to seek out right and true information that is not tainted by an agenda, but I believe it is possible.

Here are a few sites with good information on pertussis and vaccines in general.


http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/six-reasons-to-say-no-to-vaccination/

http://vaxtruth.org/2015/01/pertussis/


http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/fs-parents.html    (here is the CDC website with the risks and information on the dangers of pertussis)