As parents, we recognize the importance of reading labels. I’m just as guilty as the next person: Follow me around the grocery store during my weekly shopping trip, and you’ll see that I’m definitely one of those people who stands in the aisles reading labels of every packaged food I buy, and I quickly reject anything that has a laundry list of ingredients with a lot of unfamiliar, unpronounceable items.
It is true that some vaccine ingredients could be toxic…at much higher doses. But any substance — even water or the sun — can be toxic given a large enough dose. And at a very low dose, even a highly toxic substance can be safe. Just look at Botox — one of the most toxic substances known to humanity — which is injected in small quantities into a person’s face to reduce wrinkles.
Preventable Childhood Diseases are NOT a Right of Childhood
Lisa Dettling, who was instrumental in starting the Washoe County Coalition for Childhood Immunizations, which has since evolved into Immunize Nevada, shares why she made the decision to immunize her daughters on time and on schedule.
When it comes to their kids, parents are always planning. One plan that's easy to make could have a tremendous benefit, even saving a life: planning to have preteens vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts but can also cause cervical cancer, as well as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancers. About 17,600 women and 9,300 men are affected by HPV-related cancers each year and nearly all sexually-active people will come in contact with HPV in their lifetime.
We’re quite sure we don’t have to remind you, but Spring Break is right around the corner. And we’re also guessing you already have everything planned out and buttoned up: airfare, hotel, vaccinations, activities, tours...
Nope, this isn’t a game of “Which one isn’t like the others?” We meant vaccinations. So what do vaccines have to do with Spring Break? If you are traveling internationally or anywhere with large groups of people (which, during Spring Break, probably translates directly to “anywhere”), vaccinations should be the top item on your to-do list.
Without a doubt, most parents make decisions they believe are in the best interest of their children. Sometimes they listen to friends, family, doctors and teachers. Sometimes they do their research. Sometimes they don't.
And sometimes, life just throws curve balls, even if we've done all of the above.
When I was recently asked to give a TEDx talk about preventing cancer through HPV vaccination, I didn’t want my HPV story to be part of it. I didn’t want it broadcast to the world. I definitely didn’t want to talk about sex.
Immunize Nevada needs your help. Post a picture of you, your family, your friends to our Facebook page, tag it #IAmTheWhy, and join us in spreading the word about the very personal reasons you choose to vaccinate.
