Unfortunately, this husband’s problematic thoughts on vaccination illustrate the kind of dangerous misinformation that has lead to a growing number of parents refusing vaccinations and, in turn, leaving vulnerable populations susceptible to outbreaks of diseases that were, at one point, almost eradicated.
“It’s alarming to see the rise in exemption rates across this country, putting communities at greater risk,” said Amy Pisani, director of the vaccine-advocacy organization Every Child By Two, recently told The Washington Post. “Parents need to understand that timely vaccines are critical to protecting children’s health and should be at the top of the family’s to-do list.”
And when it comes to concerns like those espoused by this woman’s husband, Dr. Fernando Stein, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Dr. Karen Remley, executive vice president of the AAP, said in a statement last year: “Claims that vaccines are linked to autism or are unsafe when administered according to the recommended schedule have been disproven by a robust body of medical literature. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines save lives.”
With that information under any parent’s belt, it’s hard to see why they would choose to do anything other than ensure their child has all of their immunizations. Fingers crossed this couple is able to get in sync on this tough topic, if only for the well-being of their baby girl.
