Sometimes I think having a choice makes things that much more difficult.
I have written before about my hesitation and confusion about the HPV vaccine. Here we are a year later. I have no more knowledge – but the rumors continue to spread.
Some feel the vaccine should be mandatory. Some think that thought is flat out wrong.
I don’t know what I think.
I do know that since day one – the day my children were born – I didn’t think much of it. I thought, ‘yes of course give them those immunizations. The sooner the better. I want them to stay healthy.’
Now I am faced with a choice? A choice that could possibly keep my children from a devastating disease or perhaps give them another disease?
How do we make such decisions?
I am a big believer in choice – but sometimes I think we are not knowledgeable enough to make some types of decisions. And, the bulk of information we can get our hands on could possibly be rumor. How do we know? Who do we trust?
I do understand the reasoning behind the vaccine being optional, however do you think if the vaccine were just mandatory like all the other shots, we wouldn’t be thinking so much about it?
{ 8 comments }
You raise a good question about this. I have not gotten the HPV vaccine for my daughter, after being briefed on it by her pediatrition. I’m not sure why. For some reason, this one just made me take a step back and wait. If it were mandatory, I guess there would be no hesitation. But optional? Hmmm…I guess I need more medical information and understanding on it.
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I’m not sure I know how getting the vaccine could give them another disease? But I’m admittedly not up to date on the research. Help?
Missy | Literal Mom´s last [type] ..7 Reasons Being a Literal Mom Improves Your Parenting Style
Missy – there are all kinds of rumors out there about diseases such as ALS and other autoimmune disease. However, I also remember all the ‘talk’ about the H1N1 virus and now it is part of our annual flu shot.
Being that I personally know someone that had an adverse reaction when it first came out, I am very hesitant. Luckily my daughter has several years before she will have to take it and hopefully by then there will be more information available.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Three Easy Weeknight Dinners and a Pinterest Challenge
I totally agree that choices often lead to confusion. And that we definitely would just go ahead and get the vaccine if it were mandatory. I guess I’m for choices if we know we definitely have the right research and not just rumors.
Betsy at Zen Mama´s last [type] ..An Attitude Of Gratitude – 19 Inspirational Quotes
Maybe because here in Los Angeles there’s no such thing as a “mandatory” vax, so I haven’t really been debating this one any more/less than the other shots.
My son won’t be old enough to get it for a few more years. We plan to have a conversation with him about the shot before hand, explaining that this shot isn’t to prevent HIM from getting sick, but to keep him from spreading a disease to someone else.
IMHO, getting vax’d isn’t just about keeping my children safe, but keeping other children safe as well.
Cheers!
J.
Julianne´s last [type] ..Aquarium of the Pacific
It’s a good thing that vaccines are not mandatory. I truly believe that you should try to feel you body, try to contact it and then you’ll get the answer whether to do it or not.
Larissa´s last [type] ..Why to Participate in a SlutWalk
I think we should be given the freedom to chose what vaccine is needed for our kids, considering financial aspects of the family. Why not, if we have the upfront financial capabilities. My kids just got their booster shot the other week but I just chose what shots is much to be prioritized since I am on a tight budget right now.
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