But my low-key attitude takes a serious hit when it comes tovaccines.
If you have kids, you know the vaccination process isnt fun for anyone.
couldnt make me smile.
The author with her sons. Courtesy of Korin Miller
If something happened to him, I rationalized, it would be all my fault.
When I worry about vaccines' safety, I have to rein myself in.
As a health reporter, I know that vaccines are crucial to keeping our kids healthy.
Eight-month-old Bodhi. Courtesy of Korin Miller
The studies also found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
For that, I’m incredibly grateful.
I know and trust these experts, and I’ve repeatedly spoken to them about the myths surrounding vaccinations.
Four-year-old Miles. Courtesy of Korin Miller
The what ifs can be pretty powerfulwhat if my child gets vaccinated and something bad happens?
What if all the scientists are wrong?
Melissa Winterhalter, M.D., a pediatric expert at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, tells SELF that she can relate.
Courtesy of Korin Miller
Its natural to be worried and protective about your children; its what makes you a great parent.
Therepercussions of not vaccinating your childrencan be terrible.
I understand the natural instinct for parents to fear for their child’s safety.
But for the sake of public health, it’s important that people overcome their vaccine-related fears.
When too many parents choose not to vaccinate their children, it puts other people’s health at risk.
Facts are not enough to change a persons deeply held beliefs.
The way to do that, research suggests, is through empathy and common values.
Science definitively shows that vaccination prevents dangerous diseases, saves lives, and does not cause autism.
If the fact that some parents reject this science makes you angry, thats understandable.
It makes me angry, too.
But I also get where theyre coming from.
As a parent, Im never going to stop worrying about my kidsand thats exactly why I vaccinate them.
