But I'm deviating from my comfort zone and talk about one of my pet peeves. This movement of anti-vaccines. No one has really said anything harsh (yet) to my face. I have had a few questions from parents during my pediatric training years when I talked about vaccines during well child appointments. Vaccines and link to autism which by the way is not proven and there are publications.
I have had some comments on my IG feed when I posted Sebastian crying after his shots. I don't like giving my children shots per se, but I know the end result is good for them.
See, I've seen the complications of of infectious diseases. These could have been prevented if vaccines were accessible in the Philippines like how it is in this first world country.
Polio.
Chicken pox.
Mumps.
Tetanus.
Hepatitis.
Measles.
This recent outbreak of measles is what spurred this post. It makes me anxious for my less than 1 year old who is not immunized yet for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). Though vaccines are not 100% effective in causing immunity, herd immunity is important. if people around you are vaccinated, then risk of transmission is low. hence it's advised for parents with newborns to get vaccinated with the annual flu shot or the pertussis vaccine. That recommendation is mainly to keep the newborn safe -- not the parents.
I'm lucky that I haven't seen any case of haemophilus influenzae b meningitis. My program director mentioned that during his training years he saw the worst cases of Hib meningitis. That was only 20some years ago. Haemophilus influenzae b has the risk of mortality! Thanks to vaccines, I did not see it during my training.
Will these new breed of doctors see infectious diseases on the rise because of these anti-vaccine movements? Will the American children die of preventable diseases as if they live in third world countries.... I hope not.
I'd like to hear your thoughts and concerns. Whether you're pro or against vaccines, feel free to comment. But please be respectful... No name calling or anything.
No worries. After this post, I'll be back to my outfits of the day and other uninteresting menu planning. You know... The boring things.

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