A Letter to Parents Who Vaccinate

Dear Parents,

Like me, you would do anything for your child. Like me, you can’t imagine a world without them and you would do anything you can to keep them from harm’s way. Maybe like me, you stood in wonder next to her crib and cried with joy the week you brought her home amazed and blessed with the gift of parenthood. You may have even thought naively (before you had your second…third…fourth) that you could not love anything or anyone more than this child – your child.

What I came to realize is that parenthood has its blessings and its burdens. It is the ultimate challenge of making the best decisions you can with the knowledge, skills and resources you have at your disposal at the time. I admit I’ve made mistakes. What parent hasn’t? I just hope I leaned from them, that I show myself compassion for having made them and that my daughters forgive me for them. I hope they know I do the best I can with the information I have at the time. I hope they can appreciate my process for making my decisions and the risks I am willing or not willing to take on their behalf.

The burden of decision-making and risk taking in the world of parenthood is the ultimate ante. The stakes are high. There are no rules of engagement…you’re on 24/7. Maybe like me you know the Calvary isn’t coming, at least not today (the grandparents live several states away). The funny thing is so many decisions come from your gut. Deep inside there is a response, a feeling, a knowing that you either know the answer or you don’t. When you hesitate you look around and seek out advice or information from friends, on the web, your parents, maybe your healthcare provider, someone you trust.

You look for confirmation of what your gut is telling you. Maybe, like me, you ask questions, talk about experiences. Maybe, like me, you look to incorporate the latest research and science about a particular topic whether it is immunizations, soy formula or sleep schedules.

Choosing to vaccinate is one of those tough decisions. Made tougher still by conflicting advice, various beliefs, and the temporary discomfort of a needle poke, but rest assured you made the best decision. You can feel confident in that choice. Be confident that you made an informed decision backed by rigorous scientific methods. You made the best choice for your child’s health. Really, for ALL children’s health and I applaud you.

And you don’t stand alone. Over 80% of us parents have made that choice. It is a choice for health and well-being. Thank you parents! There are no instruction manuals, warranties, or guaranteed satisfaction when making parenting decisions but choosing vaccines is one you can feel confident and assumed was the right one.

Sincerely,

Melanie

Guest Mom Andrea: I’ve Read All the Research and I Vaccinate

This is a guest post by Andrea Clement-Johnson who lives with her husband and three children, Breanne, 12, Hayley, 9, and Caleb, 7, in Wellington, CO. She is the Health Education Supervisor at the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment in Fort Collins, CO.  The whole family loves music, hiking, sports and animals, including our two yellow labs Jackson and Archie.

When I was a child, my cousin, Nadine, died in our home while she was visiting us. She was only two. Later we found out she had died from complications of Haemophilus influenzae, type B (Hib). Years later, I learned that a vaccine had been developed for Hib and could have saved her life.

Though I did not really understand vaccination at that point, I remember being struck that my cousin’s death could have been prevented if she had received a vaccine.

After college, I happily entered the health education field.  I got married and had two beautiful daughters. We were so happy when our son, Caleb, joined us and became the icing on the cake. However, it was quickly evident that Caleb was different from my girls. I noticed that he tantrumed very early and he was always difficult to soothe. However, I dismissed the differences as unique qualities of my son.

As a toddler, the communication and behavioral differences became more pronounced. I took Caleb to his pediatrician and insisted that I needed someone to tell me what was happening. Once Caleb was fully evaluated by a team of experts, we received the official diagnosis of autism.

I immersed myself in reading everything I could about autism. One of the first websites I stumbled upon indicated that vaccines were a “likely culprit” contributing to the high rates of autism. I was initially surprised. I had remembered hearing other moms talk about a fear of poisons being injected into their children. I remember thinking at the time that this was silly, recalling my cousin’s tragic death. I had no idea how pervasive the autism and vaccine debate was or how much this would impact my life.

I started looking at more information about autism and vaccination.  I read stories that parents shared about their typically developing children who, following immunization, were diagnosed with autism. This was perplexing. I didn’t want to doubt any parent of a child with autism. I investigated thimerosal, schedules, and I even learned how immunizations worked.

I read all the research, listened to the concerns from parents who are looking for an answer. Through my research, I began to see there was no evidence to support vaccines causing autism or any other childhood developmental disorder.

I understand that because of the complexities surrounding autism, and the variety in onset and degree of severity, it’s difficult to accept unknowns. I learned that my thoughts, though based on extensive research and good intentions as a mom, are not always enough to sway those people who see things differently, but I continue to make my feelings known about vaccination. I’ve come to learn that if I don’t convince a parent to see things “my” way, so be it. At least I may encourage those parents still weighing their options to consider talking to their provider or to learn more before delaying or avoiding immunizing their children. Through my experiences as a parent of a child with autism and a health educator, I feel I can confidently say that I have looked at the issue through both lenses. I strongly support immunization as one of the best choices a parent can make for their children.

I became so impressed with immunization that I eventually took a position as a manager with the Wyoming Immunization Section. My appreciation for and belief of timely, appropriate immunization across the lifespan has continued. I’m so fortunate to continue working in immunization in my current position in Larimer County as a Health Education Supervisor.

Like most parents of a child with special needs, I often take a path that has many uncertainties, which can create fears. One thing I don’t fear is that vaccination causes autism. The fears I have related to immunization are fears that choosing a delayed schedule or choosing not to immunize could cause a child to become infected with a preventable illness, causing unnecessary suffering or death for them and other vulnerable individuals.

Although autism would not have been the path I would have chosen for Caleb, he has been my greatest lesson about truly meaning it when you say you only want for your child to happy and to have a place in the world.  My son makes regular, fabulous progress and he is a beautiful, loving, wonderful child who is still the icing on my cake!

Guest Mom JoAnn: Getting Poke’d

Welcome a lighthearted approach to vaccines from Guest Mom JoAnn Rasmussen

JoAnn Rasmussen writes at The Casual Perfectionist and is also the assistant editor at Mile High Mamas, the Denver Post’s parenting blog and online community.  JoAnn and her husband have a four-year old daughter named Claire.

JoAnn is a self-proclaimed perfectionist, but doesn’t consider herself to be the stuffy, up-tight kind. She’s more of a casual perfectionist, hence the name of her website. She tries her hardest to focus on the positive, learn from the negative, and laugh at both. In fact, she is a firm believer in the notion that if you haven’t laughed today, you weren’t really paying attention.

I’ll never forget Claire’s first trip to the doctor’s office for a shot she would actually remember.  It was October 2007, right in the midst of flu shot season, and I wasn’t sure how things would go.  At 22-months old, Claire was exponentially more mobile than she was last time.  We’d always been really lucky when it came to shots, so I was hoping this time would be no different.

When Claire was a baby, I never hesitated in getting her fully vaccinated on the schedule that our pediatrician had recommended.  As a mother, it tugged at my heart to see the momentary flash of pain in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by her beautiful smile, and I knew it was worth it.

I was so thankful to have access to these vaccines.  The thought of protecting my child from the deadly diseases that had plagued my relatives only a generation before was worth it.  Knowing that by getting my child vaccinated, she wouldn’t contract and pass along one of those preventable diseases to someone younger or unprotected was worth it.

Still, this was going to be the first time she’d actually remember getting a vaccine, and I wanted it to go well.

That morning, I set the scene.  “Guess where we get to go today! We get to go to the doctor’s office, and he’s going to give you a flu shot. He’s going to give you a shot in the arm. And, it will feel like a poke!” I said as I lightly pinched her upper arm. “Momma’s going to get a flu shot too, and she’s going to get a poke in the arm, just like Claire!”

“The doctor’s gonna poke my arm!” she said excitedly. “The doctor’s gonna poke Momma’s arm!” She didn’t understand that there could be pain involved with a poke in the arm, but I let her run with it. Any chance to go on an adventure was exciting, and I was hoping to use that excitement to my advantage.

When we got to the office, she didn’t want to wait for me to fill out the paperwork, and she headed down the hallway with one of the little chairs. “I’m gonna go see the doctor! He’s gonna poke my arm!” she yelled as she pushed the chair through the doorway.  Luckily, I was able to retrieve her before she got too far.

Claire’s excitement was nearly as contagious as the toys over on the “sick kid” side of the waiting room, and this was quite entertaining for the receptionists. They certainly didn’t see this every day.

Because this was a “Flu Shot Clinic,” there were lots of people in line with us.  “The doctor’s gonna poke my arm!” Claire told a little girl waiting in line in front of us.  Claire didn’t understand why this was so upsetting to the little girl who now had a look of shocked panic on her face. “Oh yes. We’re really excited about getting our flu shots,” I said to the little girl and her mother. What else could I do?

Then, it was our turn. The nurse called, “Next!” and Claire dragged me into the room. “Hurry, Momma! Hurry! The doctor’s gonna poke my arm!”

I got my shot first, and then it was Claire’s turn. It took three seconds, and she didn’t even flinch! She was all smiles and even thanked the nurse. The nurse gave her a big yellow smiley face sticker. As Claire was clutching her newest prized possession she said, “The doctor poke’d my arm! The doctor poke’d Momma’s arm! I got a sticker!!”

Over the years, our experience has remained the same, and I am glad that the hardest part about getting a vaccine is containing our excitement while waiting in line.

Guest Mom Dana: Why I Vaccinate My Kids

Welcome to guest mom blogger Dana Lauren Berry.

Dana is a mom to Connor (age 2 ½) and Lawson (3 months) also works as a freelance writer for several local magazines in the Denver area, and as a publicist. Previously, she worked in health care public relations for nearly five years, working closely with doctors at University of Colorado Hospital/CU-Health Sciences Center and with Centura Health. Berry’s husband, John, is a broker/owner of a boutique real estate firm, Colorado Luxury Realty. The family of four live in Centennial.

To me the question “why do I vaccinate my kids?” is a no-brainer. “Why wouldn’t I?” is the answer I really want to give. I actually don’t understand why anyone has doubts about getting their child vaccinated, or why anyone who is a mom and who wants to keep their children protected would even give it a second thought.

I remember when my oldest son was a baby, watching a very heartfelt episode of House M.D.  on TV. In this particular episode,  it involved a mom with a very sick child, who ended up having the measles. He contracted the measles because the mom did not believe in vaccines, and while on a trip to a foreign country the child came down with the virus. The child ended up dying from an illness that would have been preventable, had he simply received the MMR vaccine. The mom felt such guilt knowing that because of her decision not to vaccinate, her son had died.

This episode stuck with me, because my family loves to travel, and I realize that in many countries some diseases, which may be extremely rare in the U.S., are still quite prevalent. We have been to Mexico, Canada, Peru, London and Paris, and plan on taking our children with us on our foreign excursions in the future. We also regularly travel to the East Coast, since I am from Connecticut; and as recently as last fall, there was a mumps outbreak back-east, linked to a child from the United Kingdom.

If people don’t think illnesses like measles or mumps are a big deal, read about potential side effects, such as infertility. I’d say that is a big deal! This is just one of the many reasons why I feel it is extremely important, and not even questionable, that my children receive all of their vaccines.

Also, I realize that vaccines are not offered until they have undergone extensive, thorough and highly scientific research and testing. I know that when a vaccine is readily available, it is made available because there is scientific proof providing evidence that it is effective, and therefore, worthy of receiving. I feel that in life, you have to go to the experts for advice, and you have to accept their opinion as just that: expert. I trust the expert opinions of the CDC, NIH and the Colorado Health Department when they advise my child (or me) receive a specific vaccine.

I do not take the health of my children lightly and I am grateful when there is a new vaccine offered to further protect my children. Healthy children are something I am beyond grateful for, and any step I can take to improve their health or their life—such as a simple vaccine—I will gladly take.

SOUP! a Delicious Success

For over a decade, the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition (CCIC) has worked to increase childhood immunization and as a way of thanking its partners and supporters, the nonprofit hosted its third annual SOUP! (Shots Offer Unrivaled Protection) fundraising event April 27.

Colorado Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien accepted CCIC’s highest honor, the 2010 Big Shot of the Year award, for her dedication to creating healthy changes for Colorado’s children.

The event held at the Cable Center raised funds and treated guests to samples of soup from ten of Denver’s premier restaurants: Coral Room, Dazzle, Il Posto, Jax, Le Central, Lola, Red Tango, Root Down, Sushi Hai and Table 6. Guests voted for their favorite soups; Root Down walked away with the Best Soup award and Lola was awarded Most Creative Soup.

CCIC Executive Director Lydia McCoy was grateful for the community’s support in furthering CCIC’s mission to increase childhood immunization rates and awareness. “The strength of our Coalition lies in our members, community partners and advocates. We engage our supporters in all that we do, and their participation is invaluable to our success.”

Root Down with thier Best Soup award

The evening celebration drew 188 guests which included Colorado’s pediatricians, physicians, nurses, educators, legislators and public-health experts and raised $21,000 to fund CCIC’s programs.
Among those who enjoyed fine food and networking were Presenting Sponsors Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado’s Jo Palmer and Colorado Capital Bank’s Amanda Fein. Dr. Robert Brayden spoke about the progress of vaccines, and CCIC board member Dr. James Shira presented Lt. Gov. O’Brien with the 2010 Big Shot of the Year award. Also in attendance were past Big Shot of the Year award recipients CDPHE Medical Director Dr. Ned Calonge and Dr. James Todd.

Read the fun tweets from the event and see more photos on our Facebook Fan Page.

Fabulous blogger friends Suzanne Bastien, Russ Dale and Laura Neiman. Courtesy of Suzanne Bastien

Lt Gov Barbara O'Brien accepting her Big Shot of the Year Award. Photo by Suzanne Bastien

Special Invitation To A Tasty Evening

The Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition invites YOU — the moms, dads, doctors, health care professionals and community members who champion for childhood immunizations — to join us at our 3rd annual SOUP! (Shots Offer Unrivaled Protection) event on Tuesday, April 27.

This fun, heartwarming event will raise funds and awareness for childhood immunizations and give guests a chance to sample soup, wine, beer and desserts from some of Denver’s finest restaurants. For busy moms, dads and professionals, SOUP! is a night away from it all – the perfect opportunity to celebrate your choice to keep Colorado’s kids healthy, sample delicious food and enjoy great company!

At CCIC, we think it is incredibly important to speak up for your belief and your choice to vaccinate your children. A recent national survey shows that 88% of parents vaccinate their children and according to a statewide survey 79% of Colorado parents vaccinate their children. The majority of parents do give their children the gift of immunization. That is certainly something to celebrate!

In today’s world of social media and online forums, it can be intimidating and hard to speak up for your choice. CCIC is fortunate to be part of a community of moms who support and believe in the benefits of vaccination. Our favorite mommy bloggers share their daily joys, challenges and even their personal decisions with readers and followers from across the globe. They inspire readers through their honest, humorous parenting stories, and assure other parents that immunization is the best choice for kids’ health. You can read about their personal experiences with childhood vaccination, including the tears, concerns and triumphs here:

• Casual Perfectionist – “There is No Vaccine for Fear, and it’s Contagious“
• Lalagirl – “Vaccines Prevent Diseases”
• Loose Grip – “The Necessary Evils of Vaccines (And when I say evil, I mean THANK YOU)”
• Paren(t)hesis – “Sick Baby (and Why You Should Vaccinate)“

Thanks to our community of immunization supporters, we are nurturing healthy, happy children who will not have to experience the horrible, disfiguring, and sometimes fatal diseases of generations past. Join CCIC in celebrating our efforts and accomplishments, and reward yourself for making the healthiest choice for Colorado’s children.

For more information about SOUP! or to purchase tickets, visit www.childrensimmunization.org/soup

Getting the Chickenpoxs is Not Cool, Trendy or Fun

My six-year-old daughter was invited to a friend’s birthday party recently. It was an ambitious party plan of going to a performance at our local children’s theater. I think the mom probably deserves a medal for herding 10 bubbling kindergarteners.

A week before the party the hosting mom called to ask if my daughter had been vaccinated for chickenpox. I said “yes” and asked why. She told me that another child’s mother called and said that her son had been exposed to the chickenpox and wanted other children who plan to attend the party to know this.

What scared me about this was that the boy’s mom wasn’t calling to see if it was okay if he still go to the party, but instead she was calling only to inform others that her son would possibly be infectious.

In retelling this story to my husband he pointed out that the mom was being responsible by calling to let people know about the situation. The more I thought about it, if I were the hosting mom, would have taken a different path.

If this had happened to me, I would have gently told the mom that her son should not attend the party because he had the potential of infecting other children. I would gently and kindly remind her that we were going to a theater with the potential of interacting with 400 other children and adults that he could infect. I’d set-up a play date for a few weeks in the future (past the infectious period) and have my child celebrate with him at a separate time. It would be a hard conversation, but something I know is the right thing to do.

Sometimes parents don’t fully understand the potential of the diseases we protect against. Some parents don’t see the bigger picture. They often don’t see that their actions have bigger implications of spreading disease to healthy kids or even vulnerable populations like pregnant moms.

I think parents are too complacent about chickenpox. Lots of parents think it’s a minor disease and even a “rite of passage” for kids to be sick for a week. For most children who get the disease it is mild but for about 1 in 10 unvaccinated children who get the disease will have a complication from chickenpox serious enough to visit a health-care provider. Chickenpox is highly contagious and dangerous for kids and pregnant women. We cannot predict who will have a mild case of the disease, who may end up hospitalized or who could end up with a deadly case.

We know the vaccine is effective. Did you see the January 2010 Kaiser Permanente study about the risks of skipping the chickenpox vaccine? Children who are not vaccinated against chickenpox are NINE times more likely to get the disease. By not vaccinating you are placing your child at a greater risk for disease.

It scares me but chickenpox parties are back. Chickenpox parties are when an infected child’s family invites their friends over to be exposed to the disease. This was a very common practice before we had the very safe and effective chickenpox vaccine. Today, some parents still want their children to be naturally exposed to the disease. Some mothers think they are doing a favor by exposing my child. I say “No thank you!”

The idea of a pox party freaks me out. It seems very strange that you would intentionally infect your child with a disease. It’s like “Hey I have mono! Wanna make out? Or here’s my used Kleenex in case you wanted my sinus infection!” Sharing a hug or toys on a playground is one thing…intentionally sharing your infectious disease is quite another. It is irresponsible.

What about you? What’s your RSVP status on pox parties? Is your kiddo going to the party?