Vaccinations are the key to disease prevention. When a child is vaccinated, it helps prevent disease from spreading to other children and makes the community healthier as a whole. Liz, who is an Ann Arbor native shares her story on why she chooses to vaccinate. She hopes to spread awareness to other parents and educate those still on the fence about vaccinating.
Read our Q-&-A with Liz and learn about her chilling realization of the importance of vaccinations.
Q: You were 35 weeks pregnant when you appeared in the I Vaccinate video, what was your experience like?
A: Our second son, Henry Robert, was born via C-Section on April 21, 2017. He was 7 lbs, 14 oz, 19.5 inches and content as could be with his new surroundings. With him being born on the tail-end of flu season, we limited visitors in the hospital and made sure everyone washed their hands before holding him. I had a Tdap and flu shot while I was pregnant with Henry, so I felt confident that some immunity had been passed from me to him. Henry received his vaccines according to his Pediatrician’s recommended schedule while in the hospital and at each well visit this past year. During the first six months while I was nursing, I nursed him immediately after each vaccine as I read that nursing helped to prevent fevers after vaccines.
We had an extreme health scare with Henry soon after he turned five months old. It was time for me to supplement my breastmilk production with formula and we began to introduce formula into his diet. One of the brands we chose to give Henry caused him to have a severe allergic reaction. After testing, it was determined he was allergic to milk, eggs, and peanuts. I instituted a vegan, peanut-free diet while I continued to nurse and we started introducing a corn-based formula. At his 11.5-month follow-up visit, the three allergies remain. We remain optimistic that with time he will outgrow these allergies, however are extremely cautious of his food intake.
In spite of the allergy challenges, Henry does not miss a meal. He burns energy at an astonishing pace, playing constantly, dancing, and practically running to keep up with whatever his big brother happens to be doing. Henry brings a smile to the face of everyone he meets and is an absolute joy to be around. I am blessed to be his mother.
Q: What precautions have you taken to keep him healthy during their first year of life?
A: We have vaccinated according to Henry’s Pediatrician’s schedule and were fortunate enough to have in-home child care over the winter season. He did become sick over the winter, to the point of vomiting on two separate occasions. Those two times required trips to urgent care accompanied by a feeling of complete helplessness and overwhelming concern. One focus in our household is frequent hand washing as I believe that is the best way to avoid the spread of germs.
Q: Infants are at an increased risk for illness because their immune systems have not yet built up the necessary defenses to fight serious infections and diseases. How important is it to you that the people around your child are vaccinated?
A: It is very important to us that we create a circle of protection around our children. We requested our immediate family members check with their doctor regarding the timing of their last Tdap vaccination and get the vaccine if it had been over 10 years.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your family, your relationship with Veronica and your stance on vaccination prior to the McNally’s experience.
A: I met my husband, Steve, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and we were both fortunate enough to find jobs in the Metro Detroit area. Since having the two boys, we appreciate our local roots even more. We have a strong support system here; our parents and three of our combined four siblings, with their growing families, live within 45 minutes of us. Veronica and I became close friends in 2011 while standing up in our mutual friend’s wedding. She was a mother of two handsome boys and pregnant with Francesca at the time of the wedding. I admired where she and Sean were at in life, as Steve and I had not yet embarked on our parenting years. Prior to the McNally’s experience I had many questions about vaccinations. I did not put much stock in the “vaccines cause autism” movement, however, there were people in my life that were strong anti-vaccination and their claims about the Big Pharma movement had started to sway me toward potentially not vaccinating my children.
Q: How did the McNally’s experience impact your life?
A: I remember the feeling of excitement I had for Sean and Veronica when I found out their new baby was a girl. I remember meeting Francesca and thinking she was one of the most precious babies I had ever seen; she truly was angelic. I remember receiving a text from our friend the day Francesca went home to heaven. I remember thinking, “Whooping Cough? How is that possible? Have we time warped back to 1930?” I remember Veronica calling and taking a deep breath before answering, not knowing how strong I could be for her in the midst of this tragedy. She asked me about forming the Franny Strong Foundation and if I could file the necessary forms by the day of Francesca’s memorial service and I remember saying absolutely and getting right to work. We have been working together on the Franny Strong Foundation ever since that day. I think about the McNally family and Francesca often. Francesca would be so proud of her mother’s work to ensure no other parents have to endure the pain that Sean and Veronica had to endure.
Q: What is something that you wish other parents knew about vaccines?
A: The protection that vaccines give your children is essential for their healthy life and the healthy living of your community.
Q: What would you say to a parent who is hesitant about vaccination?
A: I would share Francesca’s story. The risk of losing your child to a vaccine preventable disease is real. The claims you hear from a celebrity source or other articles that clearly lack scientific evidence are ludicrous. It is so important to protect your child by protecting yourself and those close to your child.
Q: As a mom, how do you talk with other moms about the importance of vaccination?
A: Via social media and casual conversation, I will discuss why vaccination is important.
Q: For those who will read your blog and are hesitant about vaccination, what is one thing you want them to know/take away?
A: Look into your child’s eyes and imagine not being able to do that ever again because a vaccine preventable disease took her or him away from you. Educate yourself. Vaccines are a community matter, not an individual matter. When we vaccinate ourselves and our children we are protecting families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.