In my latest Shot of Prevention video, I explain the difference between natural and vaccine immunity. Watch to find out which is better!
The Vaccine Mom Explains Natural vs. Vaccine Immunity: Which Is Better?
We are now seeing many establishments re-opening amid the coronavirus pandemic, which means that we need to be more proactive than ever in keeping ourselves and others safe. When it comes to keeping the spread of this novel coronavirus at bay, consider wearing a facemask in public to protect others.
You may be infected with coronavirus and may not have symptoms.
Even when you are infected with the virus, and have not developed COVID-19, you are still contagious.
When you wear your facemask, you lessen the risk of spreading this potentially deadly virus to others who may not be able to overcome it.
Although I hate wearing the mask, I do it because I feel I must keep others safe should I be infected and not know it.
When I walk out of my house head to the store (that’s about the only place I go), I have to ask myself: What’s the cost of human life? What’s the cost of risking your child’s or another child’s life by not doing all you can do it prevent the spread of disease?
It’s the same question I pose to others when they consider skipping vaccines for their children.
If you don’t already have a facemask, you can make your own! Happy DIY Home has five different types of face masks that you can make at home with step-by-step photos and easy instructions: DIY Face Mask—How to Make a Face Mask.
Think about all the fun colors and patterns you could choose! Get creative! For all of you party animals out there, bling those masks out!
Get your children involved in facemask-making and let them choose their fabric patterns so they’re more inclined to wear them!
And while making your masks with your children, don’t forget children are curious and often interested in learning more about coronavirus, COVID-19, and protecting themselves and others. There are many resources out there on how to talk to your children/teens about the virus. Here’s my favorite FREE book that you can download and print out: My Hero is You: How Kids can Fight CCOVID-19.
The Vaccine Mom Explains Cloth Face Masks During the Coronavirus Pandemic
While you may not have to wear a mask, it’s important to lessen the spread of disease.
Each state has different recommendations for wearing facemasks in public. For the recommendations in your state as of June 1, visit Which states require face masks? Breaking down the rules for everywhere in the US.
For coronavirus resources visit: Coronavirus and COVID-19 Resources
Being a mom isn’t easy, especially during this pandemic, where not only are we homeschooling, but many of us are trying to work, as well. Full-time kids can drive you crazy. But I think that’s normal, and okay to feel that way.
My daughter says I often look stressed. (I’m sure I do because I am.) My son comes back with, “you got this.”
I got this.
If I’m honest, what gets me through isn’t in thinking, “they’re only little for this long,” or “a happy home is a messy home,” or whatever that saying is. Sorry to say that it’s not those things.
It’s my passion for something beyond this home. It’s science; it’s education; it’s writing; it’s being able to relate to and help other parents make the informed decision to vaccinate their child or children.
Without passion, a hobby, or a goal, it makes this whole social distancing thing really hard mentally and physically.
As mothers, we tend to feel bad about saying no to getting down and playing. I’m not saying not to get down and play. BUT, sometimes you need to say no. Sometimes you need to let your children know that you need time for your fun, your passion, your hobby, and your goals. It’s great to show them that you’re not just their parent. You’re a whole person doing things you love.
My daughter said just a bit ago, “are you working on vaccine stuff?”
“Well, yes ma’am, I am, and it’s important to me; go play, and I’ll be there in a bit.”
Yesterday I told my son that I’m not doing the puzzle with him because I’m writing something meaningful. He turned around and did it by himself.
I don’t feel sorry about that.
Luis is a first-generation U.S. citizen and came from a family of migrant farmworkers. After a military residency, he became a board-certified medical doctor.
He is a family physician, working part-time in Fresno and the other part of the time in a rural community outside of the city. Luis sees everyone from pregnant women to the elderly and down to infants. The two locations, however similar, tend to serve different demographics.
Although he has some first and second-generation immigrants in the innercity area of Fresno, most of the patients that visit Luis are “typical Americans.” Luis says that this community tends to be more resistant to vaccinations.
In contrast, outside of the Fresno area, Luis says that 90% of his patients are rural immigrant and stationary farmworkers, most of which are below the poverty level. The vast majority are uninsured or on Medicaid, which in California, they call MediCal. He also sees many self-employed people like construction workers with no insurance.
My clinic is one of the few places that take the uninsured or MediCal patients, so if I don’t take them in, they don’t have anywhere to go.
Luis says he is still tied to his migrant culture.
“My personal perspective is just the same as theirs. Most of these farmworkers come from Mexico, El Salvidor, or Central America. In those countries, preventive medicine is huge. That’s the main type of medicine, so most of the patients don’t have an issue with
vaccines; they don’t even question it. If you order it, they’ll take it.
In Luis’s opinion, migrant workers more often than not, belive in vaccines, while natural-born Americans are more likely to question vaccines. The latter often accept the mandatory vaccines but may decline those that are not mandatory.
Some take the mandatory vaccines for school and decline flu or HPV. Two or three out of the 30 patients I see a day do not get optional vaccines. Once in a while, a parent doesn’t want shots all at once. Sometimes I’ll get someone who doesn’t want them at all, and I’ll explain the risks, my personal opinion, and my training. I respect their opinion. As long as they know the risks, then it’s on them.
The risks of vaccines are minimal, Luis explains.
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