I am frustrated over some people who vaccinate and their sick children

[Lisa1970]

There are some people, who vaccinate, then come back and tell about their child's 3 or 4 shots, most of which are combo shots, and all the pain their child is in and the crying and the fevers. Then you suggest they not give that many shots at once again. But you know they will just keep going back and giving their child more. Basically, I cannot even stomach these people mindlessly repeatedly doing this to their innocent little babies. It is so sad! How do you even respond? I am not referring to just someone saying they are vaccinating. I am referring to someone who comes back, after getting every shot possible for their child, and their child is clearly having a reaction, then they run back two months later and do the same thing over again.

[guatemama1]

I'm not terribly learned on the subject but it seems that many folks have a lot of faith in vaccines. That reactions are part of it but would never challenge or question it. Lots of faith... I think it would be frustrating to watch people do something repeatedly like in your experience but I bet they believe they are doing what's right.

Pardon the comparison, but to me it's sorta like bikini waxing ~ I mean it's painful right? So why do it? Because people/women believe they 'should' and it's what is acceptable and hygienic, or something... I don't know, I'm no waxer, but to me it seems so silly!

[kathymuggle]

 I would respond with compassion for their baby being sick or in pain.

At some other point in time I might let it slip I do not vaccinate (use your judgement on this one - there are some people I would say this to and other I would not).  Sometimes them knowing other people have made the choice to non- vax will normalise the choice for them.   With any luck you might have planted a seed.

I do not know if you are the spiritual sort, but........I do not think it hurts to send a little prayer or healthy vibe out for the babies recovery.  That is something you can do.

Edited by kathymuggle - 11/1/11 at 8:54pm

[Chloebelle]

It saddens me when I see babies after vaccines and they look so miserable and sickly. That happened to me a few months ago on a playdate. The child just had his shots and he was miserable. I also cannot watch on TV a child getting shots. It just makes me angry. I respect that others don't think the way I do, and I understand that most parents are just trusting what they've been told, so I keep my mouth shut. It's not my place to say anything. 

[TabithaB]

I have a 13 month old non-vaccinated baby and a 9 year old boy that I delayed vaccinations on. 

I empathize with them and tell them that I hated to see my son like that at his first couple of appointments. 

It depends on who it is, but I have said to a few people that I was torn and decided not to vaccinate the baby and that it has been such a relief to not see the baby go through that.  Some people have no idea that you can deviate from the schedule or not vaccinate.  It doesn't even cross their mind.  You just have to sometimes tread lightly because they are already feeling bad about the situation, First and foremost empathize and don't judge.  If you judge first, they will not hear the rest of what you have to say.

[rebecca_n]

Originally Posted by TabithaB 

It depends on who it is, but I have said to a few people that I was torn and decided not to vaccinate the baby and that it has been such a relief to not see the baby go through that.  Some people have no idea that you can deviate from the schedule or not vaccinate.  It doesn't even cross their mind.  You just have to sometimes tread lightly because they are already feeling bad about the situation, First and foremost empathize and don't judge.  If you judge first, they will not hear the rest of what you have to say.

[rhiandmoi]

Well, I see it as a normal *we're in this together* type bonding conversation. I doubt their children are having any kind of severe vax reaction. Getting shots is not exactly pleasant and it makes your arm hurt for a while after. Most kids are fine if not a bit poutier than usual following it. Parents like to trade the shots stories because it is a shared parenting experience. If you're not vaxing you can just shrug and offer your own *war story* about something not vax related as that is what people are usually looking for. It is like sharing labor stories as a bonding experience.