Parental Dilemma: So Many Vaccines

I’m sure glad I don’t have to raise kids in this day and age.

I think that’s what my mother said to me back in the ’70s when my son and daughter were growing up, but really, I think parents have it even harder today. So many decisions, so much fear and so much information with which to grapple.

This thought crossed my mind for the umpteenth time as I read a recent Associated Press story about all the families in Ashland, Oregon, who have decided not to vaccinate their kids. I have visited this topic of vaccinations before, but must revisit after learning that, in this town of 20,000, 28 percent of the kindergarteners are not vaccinated.

In one “alternative school,” two out of three kids have received no vaccinations.

I thought these numbers were pretty shocking, and it makes me wonder if the situation is the result of some subdued mass hysteria; a few parents decide not to vaccinate their kids and suddenly everyone is questioning the validity of one of the chief public health reasons that kids survive childhood.

I’m not an expert on the topic, but in the last few months, I’ve read more than once that there is no proof or research that backs up claims that vaccinations cause autism and other problems. I’ve heard the arguments from the anti-vaccination contingent, but I keep thinking how measles epidemics are popping up here and there and how some of those kids who contract measles get really sick and even die.

So I tend to go with the experts—at least those not affiliated with any pharmaceutical interests - but apparently the mistrust factor among Ashland parents is high.

In conversations with befuddled representatives from the CDC—who are paying $50 per interview—parents say they mistrust government, the pharmaceutical industry and mainstream medicine. I do understand, however, why parents feel overwhelmed when they learn how many vaccinations are recommended. Between birth and 6 years old, according to the CDC, children should receive hepatitis B, rotovirus, Haemophilus influenza, pneumococcal, poliovirus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis A and meningococcal.

Infants should also receive a yearly influenza vaccine and, if you have a daughter, you’ll have to decide whether to give her an HPV vaccine when she reaches age 12.

And the cost? About $1,500 per child (not including the HPV vaccine which costs about $360 for three doses). Most vaccines are covered by insurance and also are free at public health offices, but many pediatricians say that they are losing money because reimbursement doesn’t cover the cost.

One of the town’s doctors is working with nursing students at Oregon Health & Sciences University to produce a pamphlet that promotes the benefits of immunization. I’m not sure this will help—it’s pretty difficult to change minds when opinions and beliefs are based on such emotional premises—but I admire the physician and the students for moving forward with this educational effort.

When asked, should nurses come down on the side of vaccinations or not?

Should nurses promote their personal opinions if they don’t jive with the CDC’s recommendations, or should they support CDC official line?

What do you tell parents if they ask for your opinion?

Tell us what you think.