patron-saint-of-smart-asses:

trashcanbees:

I think the main thing that gives the ridiculous anti-vaxx movement any traction is that very few people in favor of vaccination are willing to admit that we can, and do, over-vaccinate

Idk about that in particular, but I want to add: we treat all vaccines as the same in necessity. No, I am not going to get the shitty flu vaccine, nor is it necessary that I take the HPV vaccine on the off chance I get raped by someone who happens to have the viral strain to give that to me. Not all vaccines are equal, nor are they all necessary for every person.

That and downplaying the adverse effects when they DO happen. The vaccine movement needs to acknowledge these cases and advocate ways to improve them, rather than shrug and say “but its raaaaaare!”. The pro-vax movement is so lacking in empathy and it’s the main reason why I don’t reblog most of the posts on here about it.

Thank you! Especially your second paragraph, Ginnie. Because there are families that, for some reason or another, have severe reactions to getting vaccinated (and through more than one generation). Which leads them to opt-out of vaccinations and serious research.

Idk about every state, but in my state it is mandated that a baby can’t leave the hospital after it’s been born until it’s had certain vaccinations. Forcing something isn’t the best way to advocate it…especially for families who are already wary due to personal history.