We’re so grateful to Laura, of Breezy and Brazen, for partnering with us to share her family’s story.
With Christmas right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share something that’s important to me and my family– the reasons I vaccinate. I know this can be a controversial topic for many, but as a pro-vaxxer I want to make it clear that I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I, for one, am a huge proponent of vaccinating and believe it is my duty as London’s mother to ultimately make the best choice for her.
Since we will be traveling up to Michigan, spending a lot of time with extended family and friends, it is crucial that we take the necessary steps to keep our daughter protected. The day I gave birth to London, we had her receive her first round of infant immunizations (Hep B). Vaccines are not only meant to protect our daughter from deadly diseases (like tetanus, polio, and diphtheria) but to also keep other children safe by eliminating dangerous diseases that can spread from child to child. We now do our part to keep up on each round so that she can stay up to date and safe. To elaborate, I want to share some of the biggest reasons why I vaccinate.
I Vaccinate provides information & tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids.
5 Reasons I Vaccinate My Child:
1. Vaccines are safe.
Currently, the USA has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Clinical trials are conducted in order to assess the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine before it can be brought to market. If the results indicate that the vaccine is safe, additional testing in people must be done before the vaccine can be approved by the FDA.
2. Vaccine-preventable diseases still exist today.
That’s right, folks. Diseases like measles, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and more are still around. The things that children used to DIE from back in the “olden days” are still taking the lives of infants today. Vaccinations exist to protect our children from these deadly diseases.
3. Vaccinations are better today than ever before.
Although infants and children receive more vaccines to protect against more diseases now compared to 30 years ago, the number of antigens in vaccines is significantly less than they were decades ago. Vaccination technology has improved, making vaccines way more efficient.
4. We are protecting more than just our daughter.
By making the decision to get London vaccinated, we are not only protecting her, but we are protecting ourselves, our family, our friends, and our community. These vaccines affect her as much as the rest of us. When a person is vaccinated, they prevent diseases from spreading to babies who are too young to receive vaccines, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
5. Vaccines save lives.
Vaccines have reduced and eliminated many diseases that have killed or severely disabled people in generations past. Scientists widely consider immunization to be one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, and experts in medical science and research agree that timely immunization is vital to staying healthy.
We are blessed to have an amazing pediatrician as well as a community of care providers here in Nashville. London is up-to-date on all of her vaccines and always handles them like a champ. I’m pretty sure watching her get her shots is harder on Steve and I than it is on London. She typically cries for a couple minutes, but after nursing and rocking her immediately afterwards, she’s back to her smiling self in no time. She is a trooper.
So, as we prepare to make the long road trip up to Michigan for the holidays, we can now feel confident in knowing our daughter is safe from harmful diseases. This is why I vaccinate and why I feel so strongly about protecting my daughter and the safety of others.