Vaccination is a topic that often divides people. Some are completely against it, worried about risks and side effects. Others are strong supporters, believing it’s essential for public health and sometimes thinking those with doubts are wrong. But what about people like me who don’t fully agree with either side?
I’m somewhere in the middle.
When my kids were younger, I chose to delay their vaccines. Not because I thought vaccines were bad, but because my kids had allergies and weaker immune systems. I worried about putting extra strain on their health. They needed time to grow stronger, and we needed time to make sure their bodies were ready.
That extra time helped us a lot. We focused on building their health in other ways, like giving them good food, taking care of their allergies, and making sure they got stronger naturally. It wasn’t an easy decision, and I spent a lot of time researching and talking to doctors to make the best choice for them.
Now, my kids are stronger and healthier. Today, they are in Riga getting their vaccines. It feels like a big step for us, and I’m happy we waited until it felt right for them. Looking back, I know we made the best choice for our family. Will see how it goes…
I need to share this because we’ve faced a lot of negativity from society for delaying vaccines. It hasn’t been easy, but every family has to make decisions based on their unique circumstances. I’ve never liked the idea of one-size-fits-all approaches or the “do it like everyone else” mentality. I hate mainstream boxes and rigid procedures that don’t account for individual needs. Parenting isn’t about following a single script—it’s about finding what works for your child.
What are your thoughts on this? Don’t hold back if you have something to say—I’ve probably heard it all by now, and it won’t affect me. I’d still love to hear your experiences or opinions in the comments below.
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Your stance seems good to me. For most of my life it has not been an issue. The BCG Vaccine instilled directly into my bladder is so far proving effective in preventing a return of the cancer
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Thank you for sharing that with me! I’m glad to hear the BCG vaccine is proving effective for you. It’s a reminder that vaccines can have such different, but important, roles in people’s lives. Your experience highlights how personal and varied these decisions can be. Wishing you continued good health, Derrick!
I’m curious, how did you feel about the decision to get the BCG vaccine? Was it a tough choice, or did it feel right from the start?
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While it was going to be uncomfortable it was far the best option. The choice was mine, so I was happy
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I think that each family has to make the decision for what they think is the best for their children and themselves as adults. often in children’s vaccines, they ‘bundle’ them together to keep it easy, one visit, etc. but I preferred to spread them out throughout a few visits, to have a more gentle approach to their bodies and health. I’m pro vaccine for sure, and continue to even get my own boosters as an adult, but I understand that different people are in different situations and have to make their own choices
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We had a “bundle” vaccine today—let’s see how it goes! I’ll keep you all updated. For now, we’re discussing the importance of vaccines and how they work. Some people believe, “What needs to be done should simply be done,” but I take a different approach with my kids. I prefer to explain things to them because I’ve done my fair share of following the “just because” rules in life. I want my kids to question everything, especially the things that are often accepted without much thought…
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Because I have an immune disorder I get my vaccines, my system can’t fight off much so I need the extra help.
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Thank you for sharing that. It’s a powerful reminder of how crucial vaccines can be for those with immune disorders. They really do provide that extra layer of protection when your system needs a bit more help. Do you find it challenging to manage your health alongside keeping up with vaccines, or has it become part of your routine now?
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The vaccines are only once a year so it’s not a problem. I have had other vaccines early because of my immune disorder, like a pneumonia shot which is recommened at 65 years old. I had it several years ago. Right now I’m past due for the RSV and Hepatitis series.
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You are 100% within your rights to decide what it best for your children and I applaud you for taking the time to research, ask questions and do what you feel is right. I went ahead with my son’s vaccines when he was small, you can’t enroll them in school without them. But when he got a little older and didn’t want the flu shots I let it be. I don’t get them either. My body tends to overreact to vaccines. The last series I got was for the shingles and it laid me out for three days. But I have known people who have gotten the shingles and I sure didn’t want them. The vaccine seemed the lesser of two evils 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective! It’s reassuring to hear how you navigated those decisions with your son and your own health. Vaccines can definitely be a tricky topic with so many factors to weigh, especially when personal reactions differ. It really does come down to making informed choices and finding that balance, doesn’t it? 😊
Here in Latvia, there’s no requirement to have vaccines for kindergarten or school, so that aspect isn’t a concern for us. It’s interesting how these policies differ from place to place!
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You have to do what’s right for you and your family and follow your instincts. I did the same. I put off a couple of vaccines for my children as well. One I thought was too early for their little bodies to take in all at once especially since they would also be getting two other vaccines the same day!
I not a fan of giving so many vaccines all at once. So I would delay some, and one I waited until nearly school age before letting them get it. I’m not anti-vax, just cautious. One I refused all together for one of my children. I think I made the right call.
Speaking of vaccines. When I was pregnant with my first you know they test all the things. Well, I didn’t show as having the Rubella vaccination. I had the measles as a kid, never had the mumps, or Rubella. I consulted with my Mother and she pulled my vax records and yes I had the vaccine when I was little. It must have worn off they said so they recommended I get the MMR again after baby was born. I agreed so, before going home with Big Baby Boy I got the MMR. Fast forward 6+ years and I’m expecting number 2. They test all the things… I don’t show that I’ve ever been vaccinated for Rubella. Oh yes, I have! Twice!! I said pull my records, look again! They recommend I get the shot again. I said no. I must have a natural immunity. They scoffed. I was telling my mom about this and she says, “Oh! the same thing happened to me with the Small Pox vaccination!” To this day we think we each have a natural immunity to those diseases.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughtful approach and personal experience! It sounds like you’ve put a lot of care into making the best decisions for your family. I completely understand your caution with vaccines, especially when it comes to timing and the number given at once. It’s great that you trusted your instincts and did what felt right for your kids.
Your experience with the Rubella vaccine is fascinating! It’s amazing how our bodies can sometimes respond in ways that even science struggles to explain. Natural immunity is such an interesting topic—your story and your mom’s experience with the smallpox vaccine really make you wonder about the unique ways immunity can work. Thanks for sharing!
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It really does make you think and marvel at how amazing our bodies are. They gave my mom the Small Pox vax 3 times before they gave up because it wouldn’t show up on her tests. That one leaves a scar and really hurts when administered. I think my generation might be the last one to have had that vaccine. Let’s hope that disease never comes back!
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Fingers crossed it stays that way for good! It’s incredible to think about how far medicine has come.
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i really respect your thoughts on this Ilze. vaccination is coming to a reckoning point here in the United States and while it’s good that we are questioning its effects, i feel that we have to remember what the world was like before vaccination. We can’t afford to have collective amnesia because we don’t have to fear those diseases the way past generations had to.
like you, i have taken the middle path in my thoughts regarding vaxx protocol.
but I also know that anytime where there is money to be made, superfluous products that may or may not have undergone comprehensive testing other than “well, it doesn’t kill anyone immediately” may be packaged along with what’s necessary.
i love what you did by strengthening your children’s immune systems and getting them into the habit of eating good food. While it can’t completely protect you from any future conditions, it certainly will protect you from the most common problems caused precisely by poor health and eating habits.
Again, a great job mothering and fathering to the both of you!
Mike
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Mike! You bring up such a valid point about not forgetting what life was like before vaccines. It’s a delicate balance—acknowledging the benefits of vaccinations while also questioning and staying informed about the protocols and products being offered.
I completely agree with your thoughts about the influence of profit in the industry. It’s always wise to take a thoughtful approach, especially when it comes to decisions about health.
Focusing on strengthening our kids’ immune systems and teaching them good habits has been a priority for us, and it’s wonderful to hear that it resonates with others. While we can’t control everything, giving them a solid foundation feels like one of the best gifts we can offer.
Thank you again for your encouragement—it means a lot! 😊
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Every family must choose what is best for themselves, you made the right choice, Ilze!
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Thank you so much! It means a lot to hear that. 😊 Every family truly has its own journey, and we’re doing our best to make choices that feel right for us.
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You’re welcome, Ilze. 😊
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I have an interesting history with vaccines. My mother was an anti-vaxxer back before that was cool. At the time I thought it was pretty cool, though, as I watched my classmates head off to the nurse’s office and come back in tears after receiving their vaccines.
At that time, vaccines were strongly recommended for all public school children, but I think only one was absolutely mandatory and I did get that one, but don’t know which it was. I’m assuming it might have been the polio shot. I contracted the big 3 childhood illnesses; measles, mumps, & chicken pox, and survived them all w/o repercussions.
My mother was a very opinionated and stubborn individual who thought her ability to research (long before the internet) superior to the knowledge of doctors, whom she loathed. She blamed a flu vaccine for the death of my 70-year-old stepfather. However, he had been in ill health, with multiple organ problems for several years before he died. I also believe that mom’s stubbornness regarding healthcare stole years of life from her in the end.
As an adult, I initially eschewed flu vaccines because I’m healthy as a horse and never get the flu (or very rarely.) However when a classmate died at the age of 61 from the flu, I began rethinking things. He was a healthy, hearty guy with a rich social and sports life that included sailing, motorcycling, skiing, and ballroom dancing. But he lived alone, as do I. I suspect he became dehydrated, confused, and the flu had its way with him before anyone realized he needed help. Thus began my yearly flu shot regime. I’ve since had a litany of vaccines from tetanus to COVID. I sometimes get several at a time. I have never had a bad reaction to a vaccine. I usually forget all about them. But I realize that is not the case for everyone.
I’m distressed to learn that the world is experiencing a comeback of some of the nearly-eradicated, vaccine-preventable diseases, like polio, pertussis, measles and meningitis. I do think parents should have a say in what/when/if vaccines their kids receive. But should an unvaxxed kid contract polio, the parents would be devastated and heartbroken that a simple preventative jab could have avoided the disaster.
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Thank you for sharing your story—it’s so interesting to hear about your experiences and how your perspective on vaccines evolved over time. It sounds like you’ve been through quite a journey, from your mother’s strong opinions to making your own decisions as an adult. It’s heartbreaking to think about preventable diseases making a comeback, especially when the solutions are so accessible for many. Your thoughtful approach to getting vaccinated and your awareness of how it impacts not just you, but others, is inspiring. It’s a topic that definitely deserves careful consideration from everyone. Thank you, Linda.
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Hello from the UK
I used to think vaccines were of some use but not for the ‘flu as people fell ill anyway. Even my wife had a ‘flu vaccine in 1989 before I met her and tells me she was promptly ill for three days.
In 2020 at the age of 60 I researched properly and realised that vaccines are a deceit and none of them can be of any value.
The supposed logic is that injecting the alleged cause of the disease plus toxic adjuvants, the carrying chemicals, will ‘train’ the body to recognise the alleged disease causing agent again and provide some protection.
In reality this is not the case as injecting toxic substances can only cause harm if anything. The fact they don’t always cause obvious harm is that nobody knows what is in each vial just before injection.
There is a lot more I could say, but I have not had a vaccine since I was around 30 and I shall never willing have a vaccine again.
Vaccines are a good excuse for the pharmaceutical industry to sell something for nothing and if people get harmed it can blame the resultant disease on some new disease they invent, rebranding if you will. Such rebranding is a standard business practice.
It can then sell us another product to try to treat the harm it caused in the first place.
The best thing in life is to avoid vaccines and pharmaceuticals in general and try and ensure one eats and drinks well as much as anything. There are many pitfalls to look out for, and big pharma has its products in all sorts of places.
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Thank you for sharing your perspective. I can tell you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and doing your own research, and I respect that. While my views are different — I don’t see vaccines as a black-and-white issue — I do agree that we all need to stay informed, question things, and avoid blindly trusting systems, especially when profit is involved.
For me, it’s been about trying to find that balance — protecting my children while also being mindful of their individual health needs and the potential risks. I believe in strengthening the body naturally and being open to medical tools when they feel appropriate. I understand your concerns about what’s in the vials and the potential long-term effects — those are valid questions that many people quietly carry.
It’s a complicated topic, and I appreciate that you took the time to add your voice to the conversation. Even if we don’t agree on every detail, I think it’s important that we can have these exchanges with respect and understanding.
Wishing you continued good health and strength on your path.
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