vaccines in NJ

This is one of those hot button topics that gets people going & can turn people off. For some, making different choices in health care, but especially vaccines, conjures up an image of parents who are reckless or who are totally against all vaccines. On the contrary, the friends I know who choose to partially vaccinate, adopt a slower schedule, or even those who opt out entirely for their children (not mine or yours) are among the most thoughtful people I know. And I also know plenty of families who care just as much and feel the research is in favor of full vaccination on schedule. I understand the argument for herd immunity, but do think that free and open discussion and choice are important. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle.

Regarding vaccinations in NJ, it may surprise you to learn:
We mandate more shots than any other state in the US and any other place in the world...
We are the first place in the world to mandate the flu shot for children. There are insufficient supplies of mercury-free shots, so many children are forced to be vaccinated with 25 mcg of mercury. When added with the multi-dose meningococcal vaccine and Sanofi Pasteur’s tetanus shot , the total contains 25,000 times more mercury than the EPA will allow in our drinking water.

In case it's of interest to you:
a rally in Trenton concerning mandatory vaccines in NJ.
(excellent photo borrowed from here)

Thursday, October 16, 2008
Noon – 2:00 pm
Outside Governor Jon Corzine’s office
New Jersey State House
125 West State Street, Trenton