Vaccines and Children

A news story was posted today on the Yahoo News home page about parents faking religious beliefs so their children do not have to receive vaccinations such as chicken pox, mumps and measles.

First of all this is not a new topic; vaccinations (though mandatory by the government and school districts) are believed by many parents and organizations that the vaccines are to blame for causing certain illnesses. Illnesses such as autism and mental health issues are the two most concerning parents.

Quoted from the news story: Even though government-funded studies have found no link between vaccines and autism, loosely organized groups of parents and even popular cultural figures such as radio host Don Imus have voiced concerns. Most of the furor on Internet message boards and Web sites has been about a mercury-based preservative once used in vaccines that some believe contributes to neurological disorders.

You can look at this argument from both sides, the parents and the government. I've experienced both from being vaccinated since as my mother says it, "I didn't know any better and would have chosen not to vaccinate you and your sisters," to seeing close friends who were vaccinated and then becoming ill after a chicken pox vaccination which caused paralysis and long term physical disabilities.

Parents are aware of the risks they are taking by not vaccinating their children; but they are more scared of what the vaccinations can do to their children's body chemistry both mentally and physically. This will be an on going debate in the eyes of the government but to give the parents the choice to vaccinate or not to vaccinate is part of our American freedom.