October 10, 2024

Dealing with Antivaxxer parents

So, you want to get the vaccine, or any vaccine for any illness. However, your parent(s) are antivaxxers. How do you convince them to let you get vaccinated? For some teens, there is a risk of homelessness or being in danger by talking about vaccinations.

Everyone should get vaccinated if you can. Firstly, it protects you from COVID and other serious diseases. Secondly, it protects those around you. If you are vaccinated, viruses can not use you to spread itself to people you interact with. This protection is known as Herd Immunity. Herd Immunity also protects those who would be seriously threatened by getting one of these illnesses or those who can’t get vaccines. For COVID, Herd Immunity is also an important tool for getting rid of the pandemic.

However, many parents don’t believe in vaccination, or even believe they are dangerous. These claims are mostly false or faulty, but that doesn’t change the fact that many people still put their faith in them. Most of the time, you won’t be able to change their mind. In fact, arguing with them can actually make them believe in their claims more. Also, discussing these issues should be done carefully, as to prevent the risk of danger or homelessness. If, and only if, it is safe to talk about getting vaccinations, please do and keep yourself and others safe.