From Gay NYC Dad Read the full article here.
We adopted our son at birth. We did everything we were told. Both of us were beyond happy and followed every instruction to the letter, especially regarding doctor visits. Appointments were never missed, and we did everything according to schedule. We were a little nervous as we were not there for the nine months of gestation. We could not be sure of the progress of fetus growth, so we were as cautious as any new parents would be to ensure that our child was perfect and getting all the care he could possibly receive! I know this because now he is 16 and I remind him every day, how my life is dedicated to his care, hoping he will appreciate it some day!
As the primary caregiver I have paid careful attention to what occurs at every doctor visit and learned to ask questions as well. We all should have an open dialogue with our physicians, for ourselves and our children. This is how you learn to be comfortable with the process, because you become part of said process. This is why I am thrilled to work with I Vaccinate on this initiative:
I Vaccinate provides information & tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids. I Vaccinate advocates locally in their home state for vaccines, as Michigan today has one of the worst childhood and overall immunization rates in the nation. However, the issue of vaccinations is on a national stage, and their ultimate goal is to reach all parents in the United States.
I started to notice that my son was being vaccinated for childhood diseases that I was not vaccinated against. I began to question the doctors at every visit. I had the disease, why cannot my child have it and grow stronger from having his body fight this as I had done? I am proud of the fact that I no longer blindly followed what was told to me, but rather became an informed parent, and a partner with our doctor. They would regularly explain that every new vaccine helps more children to stay alive, so it was an easy YES for me! And when he got older, I researched the new teenage vaccines just as carefully. I am comfortable that all decisions that I have made regarding my child’s health and vaccines, were carefully researched.
Which is why reading about the local Measles outbreak in NYC is so absurd to me. I remember very clearly asking about the difference between German measles and regular measles, and learning that the regular measles disease was far more deadly. I do not understand how anyone could leave their child vulnerable to something this serious.
Needles are not his favorite thing, but for his 16th birthday he got two more shots. And I am grateful for these last two vaccines. I attended two conferences this year, and there were speakers in attendance at both that shared their stories of losing a child to meningitis. I do not know if we are lucky, or if it is this way for everyone, but our doctor treats my son like the young adult he is and could not treat us any more warmly than he already does. Our insurance changed and we did not want to leave our last practice, but after one visit with our new primary care practitioner, we knew we were again in the hands of a great pediatrician. I recommend getting a doctor that treats you respectfully and you feel comfortable with, which makes this entire process easier for our kids and for us!
I want to thank I Vaccinate for asking me to share my story. There is much more information on their site, IVaccinate.org. While it is a Michigan based site, the information within is useful for all parents across the country. Stay informed and lets keep our kids healthy!