More communities than ever are coming out to stress the importance of vaccinating children. What was once considered a parenting preference is now a hot topic for public health concerns. One mother shared a very informative and eye-opening Twitter thread about the importance of vaccinations and herd immunity after her 8-year-old daughter who suffers from cancer was exposed to measles during a routine trip to the grocery store.
Throughout the thread, author Nicole Stellon O'Donnell discusses how a parent's choice not to vaccinate their child against measles resulted in her daughter's exposure to the rare disease. With that exposure came a whirlwind of effects that impacted Nicole, her family, and the patients at the hospital where Nicole's daughter receives treatment. It's hard to read, but it is an important reminder that our actions can impact those we don't even know. This thread will make you think twice about skipping the flu shot or any other vaccinations you or your loved ones might need to catch up on.
Nicole Stellon O'Donnell went through a tough ordeal that she was brave enough to share with her Twitter followers.
It all started with a trip to the grocery store. Nicole and her daughter had no way of knowing that during their outing, they'd be exposed to someone with measles. The exposure resulted in Nicole's daughter needing to be quarantined for a month.
Her appointments at the pediatric oncology department were met with extensive questioning about her exposure. They had to shut down a treatment room, disrupting the treatments of other children battling cancer.
The exam room had to be closed and cleaned to eliminate the possibility of exposing others, further disrupting the appointments and treatments of other children and the overall routine of their families.
Nicole's daughter was forced to wear a mask while traveling to protect both herself and other passengers.
They had to wait to find out what would happen next. The possibilities were frightening, both for Nicole's daughter and other children.
There was a chance that any child whose white blood cell count was affected would need a shot of Neulasta, a medication that stimulates white blood cell production in patients receiving cancer treatments. The side effects can be painful, especially for children.
Nicole told her story with the goal of raising awareness on the importance of making sure that families stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
For the immunodeficient members of our society, relying on herd immunity is their only chance at staying healthy.
Nicole's thread instantly went viral, with Harry Potter author JK Rowling signal boosting the important message by retweeting to her vast numbers of followers.
Other people began to chime in with stories on how the decision not to vaccinate has impacted their lives and families.
Some see getting their vaccinations as a duty to mankind.
Parents of other sick children identified with the struggle Nicole faces, and they shared in her frustration at the amount of willfully ignorant people out there.
Many from less-privileged corners of the world reminded parents in countries where vaccinations are largely available to be grateful for the luxury and take advantage.
