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agonyaunt2015-09-15 11:21 am
madripoor_rose) wrote in agonyaunt2015-09-15 11:21 am
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Ask Amy: Is it appropriate to not invite Anti Vaxxers into my home
Cut for length. And the flames on the sides of my face.
Dear Amy: I have four young children. The oldest (twins) just started school. We know some people who cannot vaccinate their children for health reasons. But we also know of others who choose not to vaccinate their children.
We are all about being inclusive and we love to entertain other children, but I don't want parents to bring their kids to our house if they have chosen not to vaccinate. Children who can't be vaccinated for health reasons are welcome.
As a registered nurse who works with young babies I feel very strongly about this. I have seen the tragic results of children contracting preventable diseases.
To be honest, I don't know if I want my kids to associate with the children of parents who "think they know better." I thought about putting a note to parents on invitations asking children who have not been vaccinated by choice to please not attend, but I don't know if that is appropriate and can't figure out the wording.
Is it OK to post this warning on invitations? — Pro-Vax RN
Dear Pro-Vax: You categorize children into three groups: vaccinated, unvaccinated due to presumed underlying health issues or because of age, and unvaccinated by parents' choice, (so-called "anti-vaxxers").
As an RN, you are very aware of the potential health issues for unvaccinated children, by catching and/or spreading disease. You frame this as an intention to protect these children, but isn't this their parents' job? Shouldn't they be the ones inquiring into the vaccination status of others?
You are being disingenuous to present this as a health issue when actually you simply don't want to welcome children whose parents are either ignorant and/or disagree with you on this important topic.
It is your right to deny children access to your home, but don't send invitations to children and then tell them on the invitation that they might not be welcome. Deal with parents privately. But be aware that when you place your family in a bubble — only admitting others who already think and act as you do — you are not the inclusive person you claim to be.
Even though I am staunchly Team Vax and strongly urge all parents to vaccinate their children, if you asked me about my child's immunization status as a test to determine what kind of person I am, I would respond that it was none of your business — unless you demonstrated a legitimate health-related need to know.
Dear Amy: I have four young children. The oldest (twins) just started school. We know some people who cannot vaccinate their children for health reasons. But we also know of others who choose not to vaccinate their children.
We are all about being inclusive and we love to entertain other children, but I don't want parents to bring their kids to our house if they have chosen not to vaccinate. Children who can't be vaccinated for health reasons are welcome.
As a registered nurse who works with young babies I feel very strongly about this. I have seen the tragic results of children contracting preventable diseases.
To be honest, I don't know if I want my kids to associate with the children of parents who "think they know better." I thought about putting a note to parents on invitations asking children who have not been vaccinated by choice to please not attend, but I don't know if that is appropriate and can't figure out the wording.
Is it OK to post this warning on invitations? — Pro-Vax RN
Dear Pro-Vax: You categorize children into three groups: vaccinated, unvaccinated due to presumed underlying health issues or because of age, and unvaccinated by parents' choice, (so-called "anti-vaxxers").
As an RN, you are very aware of the potential health issues for unvaccinated children, by catching and/or spreading disease. You frame this as an intention to protect these children, but isn't this their parents' job? Shouldn't they be the ones inquiring into the vaccination status of others?
You are being disingenuous to present this as a health issue when actually you simply don't want to welcome children whose parents are either ignorant and/or disagree with you on this important topic.
It is your right to deny children access to your home, but don't send invitations to children and then tell them on the invitation that they might not be welcome. Deal with parents privately. But be aware that when you place your family in a bubble — only admitting others who already think and act as you do — you are not the inclusive person you claim to be.
Even though I am staunchly Team Vax and strongly urge all parents to vaccinate their children, if you asked me about my child's immunization status as a test to determine what kind of person I am, I would respond that it was none of your business — unless you demonstrated a legitimate health-related need to know.