The anti-vaccine movement claims to be saving the world from hidden dangers associated with vaccines. They argue that by exposing these dangers, they are protecting hundreds, if not millions of infants from the alleged risks of vaccinations. However, in reality, their campaign puts their children and other kids at risk of developing illnesses that could potentially be fatal.
Alex Dempsey picked up her son Killy, who was just four months old, from daycare one day. Despite noticing that he had a fever, she did not think much of it and assumed that it was just a stomach bug. However, when Killy developed a rash, Dempsey grew more concerned. When Tylenol failed to bring down his temperature, she rushed him to the hospital.
Doctors quickly diagnosed Killy with meningitis, a serious illness that could have been prevented with a cheap and readily available vaccination. The doctors also pointed out that this illness did not occur out of the blue. Another individual in the daycare had the same virus, but this person was not vaccinated.
Meningitis is a severe infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease can take several forms and can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, muscle pain, and a severe rash. These symptoms can take anywhere from one to four days to develop, and an early diagnosis is crucial for a patient’s survival.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children receive a meningitis vaccination between the ages of 11 and 12, followed by a booster shot at age 16. In Killy’s case, an unvaccinated adult was likely carrying the bacterial illness in their sinuses or throat without displaying any symptoms. Unfortunately, Killy’s immune system was not developed enough to fend off the disease, and less than 24 hours after his first hospital admission, he passed away.
Dempsey told WTVR, “When they said meningitis, I knew there was a very high chance we were going to lose him. His immune system wasn’t developed enough to fight it off.” After her son’s death, Dempsey shared what the doctors had informed her. “From what the health authorities have told us, they think a person who wasn’t vaccinated was carrying it around, and my child just happened to be the one who came into contact with it,” she said.
Dempsey’s message is clear: vaccinations can prevent incidents like these from occurring. Killy had very little chance of surviving because he was so young and his immune system was not yet fully developed. In other words, vaccinations are not only essential for protecting individuals from diseases, but they also protect entire communities by preventing the spread of illness.
Despite the availability of vaccines and the abundance of evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness, the anti-vaccine movement persists. They continue to spread misinformation, thereby putting children and others at risk of developing preventable illnesses. The consequences of their actions are dire, and they can lead to devastating outcomes like Killy’s death.
In conclusion, vaccines save lives, and every individual has a responsibility to protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated. The risks associated with vaccines are minimal, and the benefits far outweigh any potential adverse effects. Therefore, we must all work together to combat misinformation and ensure that everyone has access to lifesaving vaccinations.
