Why vaccinate your child? 

To prevent death and severe disability for your child from infectious diseases which have been largely conquered by vaccines.

Many parents who refuse vaccines are themselves protected from those diseases by the vaccines that they received as children. The irony of this situation is that despite benefiting from safe vaccines and advancements that now have improved efficacy and reduced side effects, they choose to leave their children unprotected. We as pediatricians are at a loss to understand this neglect and unnecessary risk taking.

Lastly, U.S. citizenship entails important duties essential for maintaining the country's democratic system and societal stability. These duties include obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on juries. While not mandatory, voting is a critical civic duty that enables citizens to participate in democracy and influence government decisions. Additionally, citizens may be called to defend the nation through military service, with the authority for conscription granted to Congress by law.

Receiving vaccinations, though sometimes overlooked, is also an important civic duty as it helps protect public health by curbing the spread of infectious diseases. All these responsibilities of US citizenship help uphold the rule of law and promote the common good, backed by the U.S. government's constitutional and legal framework.

Some objections to vaccinations that we routinely hear: 

When speaking with parents who refuse vaccinations, we encounter some well-intentioned motives. They express a desire for more natural child-rearing methods, viewing vaccines as unnatural and risky. Concerns about vaccine adjuvants like aluminum, mistrust of the government, pharmaceutical companies, and medicine are common. Conspiracy theories, fears of autism links, and ethical concerns about vaccine research practices, such as the use of fetal tissues, are also frequently mentioned. We will address each of these issues.

I prefer a more natural approach. Vaccine aren’t natural.

We acknowledge that vaccines are not natural. However, is exposure to the natural world what is truly best for children? Frankly, none of us live in the Garden of Eden. We live in a fallen world where there is sin, decay, natural dangers and disease. Along with beautiful skies, rivers and lakes, grass, mountains, beautiful animals and whole grains and vegetables there are also tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, lightening, poisonous snake bites, rabid dogs, motor vehicle accidents, stabbings, shootings, rape, hate crimes, murder, genocide, war and infectious diseases, which can sicken, maim, kill and destroy. 

You don’t want the natural world for your child! The natural world is far too dangerous. Children need protection from infectious diseases that are part of our natural world. Natural does not equal safe! You can eat whole grains, fruit and veggies with no chemicals added and still die of meningitis. We live in a dangerous world. This thought process of desiring natural things is noble, but naive! Children require protection from many dangers in this fallen world. Many thousands of medical pioneers have given their lives to offer a level of protection against infectious disease to our children.

Aluminum adjuvants have been added to vaccines.

Many claim that aluminum in vaccines poses a risk to children, overlook178 

ing the fact that aluminum salts are ubiquitous and are present in our food regardless of vaccination. Removing all aluminum salts from a baby's environment would leave nothing to eat.

Aluminum adjuvants are present in vaccines to enhance the immune response. They increase vaccine effectiveness by stimulating stronger immune reactions. Studies show that aluminum salts, like aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate, are effective and prompt antibody production (Petrovsky & Aguilar, 2004). Extensive research demonstrates that these adjuvants are safe, with rare and mild side effects, such as redness at the injection site (Mitkus et al., 2011). The World Health Organization and public health bodies continue to endorse vaccines with aluminum adjuvants as vital for effective immunization programs.

Mistrust of the government, pharmaceutical companies and the medical establishment.

We know of no conspiracy by the US government to harm children. Vaccines are developed by medical pioneers dedicated to saving lives. While pharmaceutical companies do seek profit, the FDA employs rigorous safety measures to ensure vaccines are necessary, effective, and safe. This includes meticulous clinical review, manufacturing standards, and facility inspections.

Vaccine recommendations for children go beyond FDA approval. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), comprising experts in various medical and public health fields, advises the CDC on vaccine usage and scheduling. This committee reviews scientific data, assesses risks and benefits, and provides guidance to address misinformation.

The ACIP includes 15 voting members appointed by the DHHS Secretary, selected for their expertise. Strict conflict-of-interest policies ensure decisions are based on scientific and public health principles. The separation of FDA approval and ACIP recommendations ensures thorough, independent evaluation of vaccines.

To build trust, we provide this handbook with factual information on vaccine benefits, risks, and history. We welcome discussions about your vaccination concerns at an office visit.

I object to using vaccines that were developed using aborted fetal tissues:

Using aborted fetal tissue in medical research is considered ethical and valuable even for those who oppose abortion. Here’s why:

1. **Utilization of Discarded Material:** The fetal tissue used in research comes from abortions that have already occurred and are not performed specifically for obtaining research materials. Otherwise, these tissues would have been discarded. This practice is similar to using unclaimed bodies for medical research, ensuring that potentially valuable resources are not wasted.
2. Ethical Guidelines and Consent: Research is conducted under strict ethical guidelines, requiring informed consent from donors, ensuring respect and transparency in the process.
3. Potential to Save Lives: The primary goal of vaccine research is to save or improve lives. Much like organ donation from brain-dead individuals, using fetal tissue can turn tragedy into benefits for others if used ethically and effectively, rather than being discarded without purpose.

I worry that vaccines might cause autism. 

Please see the preceding section on MMR vaccination for an explanation of this unfounded myth.