The Truth about Vaccines:A quick refutation

[John V]

We thought the risks outweighed the benefit.

What risks and benefits did you consider?

Does it matter? Don't the scientists making the recommendations know better than me?

[FatAndFaithless]

What risks and benefits did you consider?

Does it matter? Don't the scientists making the recommendations know better then me?

Well yes, it does.  Which is why the sources of your information matter.  If you made you decision based on wacky nutty anti-vaxx naturopath websites, then yeah, I'd say you're anti-vax.  If you based your decision on information from the people that are actually familiar with and working on the vaccines, and simply said something like "The vanishingly small odds of a side-effect or bad reaction is too much to give my child a lifetime immunity from cervical cancer," I'd say you made the absolute wrong decision but aren't really anti-vax in prinicple.

[GrandizerII]

What risks and benefits did you consider?

Does it matter? Don't the scientists making the recommendations know better than me?

Recommendations that are (1) based on peer-reviewed work published in credible scientific journals and (2) stated in credible medical media?

[Catholic_Lady]

When I was in my early 20's I declined the HPV vaccine myself because I was already dating my now husband and knew we'd be each other's only partner. I don't think this is anti vax. I think this is just realizing that for my particular case, getting the vaccine was not necessary.

[FatAndFaithless]

When I was in my early 20's I declined the HPV vaccine myself because I was already dating my now husband and knew we'd be each other's only partner. I don't think this is anti vax. I think this is just realizing that for my particular case, getting the vaccine was not necessary.

Right, which is why Alpha Male's reasons matter. I wouldn't call your decision 'anti-vax' either. You made a decision for yourself based on personal reasons that did not include denying scientific evidence or fearmongering.

[John V]

When I was in my early 20's I declined the HPV vaccine myself because I was already dating my now husband and knew we'd be each other's only partner. I don't think this is anti vax. I think this is just realizing that for my particular case, getting the vaccine was not necessary.

Right, which is why Alpha Male's reasons matter.  I wouldn't call your decision 'anti-vax' either.  You made a decision for yourself based on personal reasons that did not include denying scientific evidence or fearmongering.

IIRC our reasons involved: the vaccine felt like a money grab, i.e. general mistrust of profit-motivated big pharma; lack of a track record as with other vaccines; and the fact that infection can be avoided by behavior, and they could choose to get it as adults if they wanted.

But, since human sexuality frequently goes in unexpected directions and one can never fully trust a partner, I'd say we, and CL, are "denying scientific evidence" regarding safety of the vaccine.

---

So, your (F&F) position seems to be that a person isn't an anti-vaxxer if they forego a vaccine because they think the risk of exposure is low.

[FatAndFaithless]

Ugh, C_L's decision had nothing to do with 'denying scientific evidence.' You're so quick to grab onto anyone else who might've had made the same decision for themselves. The fact that you view the HPV vaccine as a 'money grab' wavers kinda close to the wack anti-vax stuff, but I still wouldn't call you an "anti-vaxxer" because you've had and have had for your children other vaccines.

Not sure what your fascination is with the label though. I personally think you and C_L made the wrong decision in not getting vaccinated, but neither of you seems to be dealing in the crazy ignorance and distrust for the scientific method that has come to characterize the anti-vaccination movement (and is what most people mean when they use the term 'anti-vaxxer'). Though, the whole 'preventing the disease with your behavior' strays close to some antiquated religious and social ideas that I find rather stupid. You don't stop wearing a seatbelt just because you really, really trust the driver.

[Catholic_Lady]

We can't fully trust our spouse?

[John V]

We can't fully trust our spouse?

Of course not. We can't fully trust ourselves either. We're fallible human beings.

[FatAndFaithless]

So, your (F&F) position seems to be that a person isn't an anti-vaxxer if they forego a vaccine because they think the risk of exposure is low.

You don't seem to be getting this.  I think we should just discard that label since it appears to be hindering your ability to take part in this conversation.