My Vaccination Experience | Immunization Resources for Michigan Parents

Vaccinations can be a hot topic with many parents. I’m sharing my vaccination experience, along with immunization resources for Michigan parents. I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate

My Vaccination Experience | Immunization Resources for Michigan Parents

Since day one there has always been controversy around vaccinations. People for it. People against it. Parents shaming other parents because they didn’t vaccinate their child(ren). Then there are the other parents shaming the other parents who did have their children receive their vaccines.

Should I Vaccinate my child?

Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

I’m not here to tell you either, just my story with vaccinations. My parents did not allow myself and my siblings to receive our immunizations due to religious reasons. When I became a parent, I thought long and hard about this issue. I, along with my husband researched the pros and cons of vaccinations. I read all of the stories parents shared about their vaccination experiences (good and bad). Then, together, we made a decision we would vaccinate our boys, but we decided not to go by the general guideline.

Many parents can get lost in the shuffle about doing the research and understanding what’s the best thing for their child(ren). At the end of the day, I always recommend for parents to trust their instincts. However, always do the research and make that decision together- on what’s best for you and your family.

Vaccinations in Michigan

Here in Michigan, there are many tools available to you, the parent, on making an educated decision.  I Vaccinate provides information and tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids.

Back in 2003, many of these awesome tools were not available for easy access to parents. I had to go the old school way of going to the library, digging for information, and looking around the internet for the essential information I needed to decide on vaccinating my boys. Thankfully, with today’s modern technology, we have tools available at our fingertips.

I Vaccinate answers those questions we all have as parents:

• Is this safe for my child?
• Do vaccines protect for life?
• Are there side effects?
• If my child is sick, should he or she still get vaccines?
• Why should I follow the recommended schedule?

These are just a few of the many questions answered on I Vaccinate’s website. Having resources like this is crucial for parents to make the best decision for their child. Many times we hear so many stories about people’s personal experiences with vaccinations, but we don’t do our own research. 

Their website also has a free immunization schedule for parents to print, how to catch up on shots, and how to request your child’s immunization record. I wish I had known about a resource like this when the boys were little, but now I can use it to help me keep track of their immunization records.

Consequences of not getting vaccinations

It’s easy for one to say, “Tat, you didn’t get vaccinated, and you seem to be healthy.”

Yup, I am. But guess who got the mumps when she was a child? And guess who is terrified of getting shingles when she gets older because she had the chickenpox when she was a child as well?

Every experience is different. Every story is unique. Our boys received their vaccinations, and I’m 100% content with our decision. I do not believe in shaming parents that decide not to have their kids vaccinated, and expect those parents to respect our decision. As parents, it’s our job to do what’s best for our kids. How we parent is going to look different on how someone else’s parents their kids. I want my boys to grow up to be healthy. And since we travel quite frequently, with plans to do some international traveling, you best believe I will be looking at getting necessary shots to make sure we stay healthy while abroad. And you don’t have to go international to catch something. Just a few weeks ago, a case of Measles at the Detroit Airport was posted on I Vaccinate’s website, warning travelers about this highly contagious disease. 

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Find an immunization clinic near you

Before you rule out saying no to vaccines, or if you need information on immunizations in Michigan, go to I Vaccinate’s website to find information to help you make the best, educated decision for you and your family. You can also talk to your child’s pediatrician about their immunization schedule, your valid concerns, and additional resources.

Visit I Vaccinate for up-to-date information. Follow them on Facebook |  Twitter | Instagram