the big V debate.

I am pro-vaccine.


If you do not want to hear my opinions about this topic-- MOVE ON. Those unable to be open minded about this topic have no place here.

That being said, I have tried to see the other side of the conversation. Those who do not wish to use vaccines on themselves or their children. A close family member of mine has decided to not vaccinate her first child. I did not question her or ask why. But I do wonder why. We both work in the medical field as registered nurses. But I do not know what it is like to have my own child, or what it feels like to make decisions that will affect a life that is not my own-- a life that depends on the decisions I make for them early on.

The idea of not vaccinating my own kids never crossed my mind.
Then I hear that there is a measles outbreak that started in Disneyland.
I was in disbelief. I could not believe that vaccinations had become such a debate.

On my bus ride to work, the bus route makes its way through the University of Washington. On campus, there are new banners that read "WE>ME". We is greater than me. The community as a whole is more important than my life alone-- this is how I interpret it. For example, if there was a plane crash and the only way to survive was to take a raft and somehow find land. The problem is there are only 10 spaces on the raft but 12 people left. Who will those 2 people be? Who is willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the other 10.

What surprises me the most is that those who are anti-vaccine are the most affluent among the communities. Their counterparts of lower socioeconomic status have a higher rate of vaccinations. How does this happen? Back in 2000, measles had been eradicated from the country thanks to vaccinations. ERADICATED. But now it is back, and it seems to be back with a vengeance.

The craziest thing is if the unvaccinated become sick with whatever ails them, they will seek medical attention. Medical attention that may require hospitalization. A hospitalization that could have possibly been prevented by a vaccine? Which is the greater evil? We as a community really ought to focus more on primary prevention.

I do not think I can talk about this topic anymore. It hurts me to think that there are kids dying in other countries from a disease that should not exist (Measles is only transmitted through humans. We are the problem!!!). Parents who choose anti-vaccine due to "personal beliefs". Parents in other countries who will walk miles to ensure their child's health because they have seen how fast measles can kill because with their country still developing, what are the chances of their child surviving with the lack of appropriate healthcare?


WE>ME