Prudie advises a grandparent who wants to secretly vaccinate a grandson.
Q. Should I Secretly Vaccinate My Grandson?: My son and daughter-in-law are well-educated, responsible people. But once they had their first child (my now-18-month-old darling grandson), they did their own “research” and decided not to vaccinate him for fear of “pumping poison into his body” and “risking autism.” My DIL has particularly strong views about this, and we’ve had many vocal arguments over the issue. Finally she decided she didn’t want to fight me anymore, and the last time I brought this up she refused to bring my grandson to see me for several weeks. I know that due to herd immunity the chances of his catching a serious illness is not high, but I am still appalled he’s exposed to risks unnecessarily. I am about to look after him for five days while his parents go on a trip and I am thinking I will just take him to the doctor myself and get him immunized.
A: I marvel with distress that in 2015 we are fighting the vaccination wars. It is deeply disturbing that people who should be able to weigh discredited so-called studies instead believe garbage, and so are willing to endanger their children and others. I sincerely hope this madness burns itself out before a lot more people get hurt. You’re right that herd immunity should protect your grandson, but that is fading as large numbers of people refuse to vaccinate. The only solution seems to be for government to toughen the vaccination laws and close the loopholes that allow people to opt out for philosophical and so-called religious reasons. The laws need to make clear: no shot, no school. In the meantime, however, you cannot take your grandson to be vaccinated. For one thing, you don’t have the standing to do this. For another, if it came out that you did, that would likely effectively end your relationship with your grandson. It’s just not worth it. Let’s hope this little boy does not get whooping cough, or measles or any of the other awful childhood diseases that medical science effectively wiped out, and misinformed parents are bringing back.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
Yea. No. I think anti vaxxers are dumb, but taking the kid to get shots is worse, and criminal*, I think. Not to mention, she would never see that kid again.
*Haven't there been cases where hospital staff have been charged with assault or something similar for giving unauthorized medical care?
Why are anti vaxxers "dumb"? Are people not allowed to have their own opinions on things?
They're dumb. Stupid. Ignorant. They believe lies from fools and con artists. They're dumb ... in my humble opinion.
But, even given that, Grandma can't do it.
flan
I think the parents are definitely misguided here. But no, Grandma can't do it. I would think the doctor would require the parent's consent to immunize. At least their presence.
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No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are,
I agree - Grandma can't do this. And I can't imagine a doctor letting her - except, they are probably giving her medical authorization in case something happens while they are gone. But I'm SURE their pediatrician knows their stance.
I can't believe she, or anyone, would consider it ok to do this to someone's kid behind their back. If my mother did this, she'd never see my kid or me again. And I agree they they are dumb.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Why are anti vaxxers "dumb"? Are people not allowed to have their own opinions on things?
They're dumb. Stupid. Ignorant. They believe lies from fools and con artists. They're dumb ... in my humble opinion.
I know some smart, thoughtful people who didn't vaccinate. I don't have a problem with that. My kids are vaccinated. But, I don't think people should be forced. But, if instead of debating you want to play the "ignorant, stupid, dumb" card, then whatever.
Here is the thing, we don't know if there is a real medical reason those kids aren't vaccinated. Maybe Mom & Dad knows something Grandma doesn't. I don't think vaccinations should be forced. But, I have no problem saying no public school for people who opt out for personal reasons.
If my mom were to do this behind my back I'd never speak to her again and she would never see my kid again.
This was the beginning of giving the government control of our lives.
Yes. I vaccinate. I think it is crazy not to.
At the same time, the government should not have this authority in our lives.
It went from good idea and highly recommended to required. And that is how we slowly lose our individual rights.
One "for your own good" at a time.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
If my mom were to do this behind my back I'd never speak to her again and she would never see my kid again.
This was the beginning of giving the government control of our lives.
Yes. I vaccinate. I think it is crazy not to.
At the same time, the government should not have this authority in our lives.
It went from good idea and highly recommended to required. And that is how we slowly lose our individual rights.
One "for your own good" at a time.
I disagree that it's "for your own good". It's good for the country and its citizens. People shouldn't die because you are an idiot...
What I am saying is that is how we lose our rights. It starts as being for your own good, it going to keep this from happening or that. And then it becomes do it for the good of others then it's turns to you have to. Then they move to the next thing that takes a little more freedom.
Like a 17 year old being forced to follow a certain treatment plan instead of her choice of treatment. It's for her own good after all. And next time will it be an 18 year old or 20 year old? After all, you don't know what is best for you.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The ones who can't be vaccinated are still at risk.
I've always wondered how those who can't be vaxxed travel abroad.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Huh? If they can't be vaccinated then they can't be vaccinated. Not sure what your point is.
I'm saying that those that CAN be vaccinated SHOULD be for the protection of the ones that CAN'T be vaccinated...
Why? You don't get to control what other people do for your own benefit. Well, funny who is "helicoptering" now? LOL!
It's for the good of society as a whole. Entire populations have been wiped out. If that can be controlled (like it has been, this anti vax is a fairly new thing), then it benefits everyone...
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America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
