Vaccines

The measles outbreak is complete insanity. There is absolutely no religious reason preventing anyone from receiving these life-saving immunizations. Anyone stating that they don't vaccinate because of religious restrictions is confused and mistaken.

The Orthodox Union has stated: "There are halachic (Jewish law) obligations to care for one’s own health as well as to take measures to prevent harm and illness to others, and Jewish law defers to the consensus of medical experts in determining and prescribing appropriate medical responses to illness and prevention."

I'm usually fairly polite and diplomatic when my opinion differs from others. When it comes to matters like this there is no gray area and it infuriates me that people still believe the bogus claims against vaccinations. It's black and white: everyone who can should be vaccinated. There's no buts. There's no maybe. If your child is healthy and old enough, they should be getting the shots on time. If you're concerned about potential risks, seek therapy to get you through your anxiety but vaccinate your child in the meantime.

There are too many immuno-compromised, ill, too young, and old people who are not protected. If you don't vaccinate, you're putting everyone else at risk. If you don't believe in vaccinations, I can't deal with your type of crazy and I make sure to stay far away.

People have become too open-minded and it's taken a toll on the most vulnerable in our community. Enough is enough! If you've been blessed with children you should do everything you can to protect them against harm and part of your responsibility to protect them against preventable diseases.