Vaccination: Saying No Can Be Hard to Do
Although extremely rare, when the caller ID on my phone shows PNB, I get sick to my stomach. I know it is something related to hospitals or schools.
I just got a call from a public health nurse to let me know that C7 did not have any vaccinations with public health. “Did she have them with a doctor?” “No.” “Well, she did not have her pre-school boosters.” I said, “She’s in grade two.” The nurse laughed and said, “Yes, but I am following up on her file and she did not have her boosters.” I told her I am extremely anti-vaccination. I was surprised when she sympathised in her French accent and said how hard it is to know what to do. She went on about how you worry if you don’t, worry if you do. I told her I was very confident in my decision, but thanks. She said she would close C7′s file.
I am glad public health does such a poor job in following up with children. Nobody asked about B10 and L4 who have never been vaccinated either.
I can understand how parents have a hard time saying no to this stuff. It takes a lot of nerve and courage to buck the system. It is not fun.
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It seems that you had a great experience with a public health official – a rarity indeed! We must be sure always to thank such people who treat us with respect and tell them how much we appreciate their understanding when they do give it.
My oldest had his 2m, 4m, & 6m shots, but when it came time for the MMR, something made us refuse it.
The other 3 have not had any.
The last time we were accosted by a doctor, my hubby had taken my youngest in to the ER for a severe finger infection. The dr. informed him that vaccinations were ‘for the good of the herd’.
Made hubby laugh.
You’re right Barbara. I did feel defensive, but was surprised when she didn’t rhyme off the typical rhetoric.
Adeena,
The oldest had his at the health department in the county where we now live (again.) The younger ones had few, if any, and I don’t know where they would be documented. When they went to school (private) a few years ago, the school required they have their immunization records. Thankfully, our county makes it pretty easy to get a religious exemption. I just had to go in, sign a few forms, and request it. The girl there was a little confused at first, as the oldest had his on file. . . but didn’t really question it at all.
How nice that she was so okay with it. Much better than the usual comments.
We don’t vaccinate, and while I am confident in and peaceful with that decision, I do agree with that health nurse – you worry if you do, you worry if you don’t. You’re taking a risk either way, I’ve just come to the conclusion that vaxing is the bigger of the risks.