Thoughts on childhood vaccines: featured on Phoenix, CBS 5.

click here to open post Nov 01, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, parenting, Personal, Sounds of Pertussis, vaccinations | 23 comments

The childhood vaccination debate is not one that I found myself anxious to join–for a zillion very obvious reasons, then ten more just for good measure. I needed time for my head to clear, for my emotions to even out and frankly, to get my facts straight before I jumped into the ring.

Now here we are (Richie and I, together), nearly 2 years later, talking from a place of confidence, understanding and compassion. There is no hate or anger behind any of our feelings as they relate to childhood vaccinations. There is no discord or frustration, only love, empathy and a desire to help others understand a perspective that often has no voice.

PS. As you read this, I’m on a plane to Hawaii. Niener, niener.

23 comments | add comment

Jo Thomas: Well done Nortons! A big brave step that I (and so many others) are glad you had the courage and strength to do. Attitudes won't be changed overnight but you WILL make a difference; for that we love and thank you!! Being from a sleepy little town down the bottom of Australia, it shocked me just how dismissive some people were of vaccinations (in watching the footage). I was just wondering if your medical system covers the cost of the vaccinations or if parents have to pay? Here our medical system covers the cost of the vaccinations and maternal health visits - as parents we don't pay a thing (I guess through our taxes we do!). To place our children into childcare, kindergartens and schools, it is a bit of a process for parents who have not had their children vaccinated - not overly hard but the system certainly encourages vaccinations. Prior to having children (firstborns) most parents attend antenatal classes and in these the issue of vaccinations is discussed and awareness is raised. The attitude of looking after ourself before the community is sadly something becoming more prevalent in our society. In days gone by, we didn't have the luxury of being able to support ourselves so sufficiently - we NEEDED the community. We weren't made to live alone, we were made to live and function and love as part of a community. Hopefully, with education and the gentle encouragement of people such as yourselves, people will be reminded of the necessity to keep caring for each other AS A COMMUNITY. Most people have good hearts and good intentions with what they do, sometimes it's just a little misguided; the big picture is forgotten. My son who had been fully vaccinated caught whooping cough when he was four and a half, thankfully without drastic consequences but he was a sick and fatigued boy for nearly 12 months - quite a change from the healthy, very energetic boy we had been used to. My doctor explained that, in a nutshell, with a significant number of people now neglecting to vaccinate their children the strands of illnesses that survive are becoming much stronger and new vaccines must be developed; this was always going to happen but it is occurring much more rapidly than what is acceptable. One horrid, frightful night was all we had to endure; I cannot imagine what it is like for parents like yourselves. Thank you again for standing up and speaking out with such compassion and understanding for the welfare and protection of all children, thank you so much, xoxo November 2, 2011 12:19 am
Jenni Bailey: Kudos to you guys for speaking up. I don't think anyone - even the most strident non-vaxxer, can argue with where you are coming from. They are incredibly fortunate to have never been in your position. For me, there has never been a question about vaccinating my girls. I totally understand the concern about the vaccines and how quickly some of them are tested and released. But the consequences of skipping them altogether are much more potentially heartbreaking. Big hugs to you both. Enjoy Hawaii. :) November 2, 2011 2:46 am
Melanie: I'm proud of you! There are so many naysayers and it IS trendy to not vaccinate and you catch a lot of flack for standing up for vaccinations. You are the community! My son has autism and I know it did NOT come from a vaccine and I have vaccinated all my children (2 more boys and a girl) and I have gotten my Dtap booster because I want them and all babies to be safe. Again, so proud of you for standing up for your sweet baby. November 2, 2011 3:38 am
maureen: Love to you and your family, Natalie. I know it couldn't have been easy for you to come out publicly and that you never intended to become a spokesperson for childhood vaccinations. Your perspective is such an important one though and I really thank you for sharing it. It's easy for people to be dismissive when they talk about their responsibility to some nameless, faceless "community" but you can't hear sweet Gavin's story and not realize that our responsibility has to extend beyond ourselves and our own family. November 2, 2011 3:39 am
heidi nobmann: great report from news 5--you both did great, no worries--feelings of animosity were not anywhere in the report :) the pediatrician, AD Jacobson, from phoenix was my doctor from BIRTH!! crazy small world! November 2, 2011 4:24 am
Shari Hanson: GO NORTONS! Wow that must have been scary...good for you guys for standing up for what you believe is right and for being able to share such a personal and tragic part of your family with the public. I have met parents like the ones interviewed and always have a hard time with not giving them a piece of my mind! You have no idea how many times I've shared your story with people -- even strangers... Gavin's life and death have impacted me SO strongly, and your willingness to share your experience and what you've learned through the process have taught me so much. XOXO enjoy HAWAII! November 2, 2011 5:33 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault: I have such deep respect for you for placing yourself in the line of fire to stand up for what is right! I know it's not a role you would choose, but I am moved by the humility it must take to allow yourself to be a target--so you can get the word out and be an effective catalyst for changing this rising tide of misinformation, trendiness, and fear. November 2, 2011 5:41 am
Lizzie: I just wish there could be more of a compromise for those (like me) who are not necessarily anti-vaccine, but who would definitely like an alternative vaccination schedule. I just don't feel comfortable injecting my infant with massive viral cocktails every few months, I'd rather wait until they're older and then ask for single-dose vaccinations, opting out of those that are rather unnecessary. Plus, there are increasing studies showing that many vaccinations are a poor substitute for natural immunity gained through contraction of a disease. I think above all, I wish that people could talk about this issue without placing blame on one side or other. Perhaps if we all put forth an effort to demand safety and accountability from pharmaceutical companies, we could all be happy. I find it hard to believe that with all their billions of dollars they couldn't come up with some safer, cleaner vaccinations. Or, maybe we are just sending kids to school to soon?! More and more preschools are filling up with two- and three-year-olds! Like I said, I don't have the answer for the world at large, I just wish people could be more civil when addressing the issue rather than making assumptions about how either side approaches the problem. It's hurtful to be pegged as "dismissive," "uneducated," "insensitive," "trendy," "wrong," "misinformed," or "fearful." I read. A lot. I study. A lot. I think, weigh, pray, talk to experts, doctors, friends, family, and pray some more. I do this . . . a lot. I thought it extremely interesting that those communities with the largest populations of unvaccinated kids in AZ, were NOT uneducated communities. That little bit of information right there ought to be a HUGE indicator that this isn't just a "trendy" movement. Smart people are educating themselves about the risks associated with vaccinations and, in many cases, deciding that they would rather not submit their child to that risk. What about their right to parental inspiration? How could anyone else demand that they know better than that parent? And what type of a frightening world would it be if others were allowed to override and contradict our own decisions regarding our children? That type of thinking chills me to the bone. No one knows my children better than the Lord, my husband, and I. So we, naturally, make up their best decision-making panel. I suppose I'll just keep praying, studying, talking, thinking, reading, and receiving inspiration for my children and simply HOPE that others can learn to respect my decisions as being the best for my children. I am, after all, their mother - which means I'm their first line of defense and their greatest advocate in this world - unlike their doctor, their government, their community, and their television news stations, who are not infallible and often have an agenda or are misinformed themselves. I feel this responsibility and don't treat this issue lightly. To the Norton's, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort to fill your aching hearts. November 2, 2011 7:11 am
Kim: I love you. You are brave. I don't want to add a debate, but rather my two cents to the above comment, I agree you can be inspired as to what to do for your children, however, I believe that these vaccinations were also divinely inspired and it wasn't that far past that children were suffering needlessly from a lot of childhood illnesses where vast numbers were dying or left scarred for the rest of their lives. I think it goes into an even deeper level that we all know not to send our sick children to school and church, yet we do it anyway. When my daughter was a newborn she contracted a respiratory virus. When she was rushed to our children's hospital and I was sitting in the ER with her, doctors and nurses came to me very solemn throwing words like 'whooping cough' at me. My baby was 9 days old. Luckily for us she did not have Pertussis, but she did spend a week in the hospital with RSV. My point is, we all need to be a little more careful, a little more aware, and if we choose to hold our children off of vaccinations that is fine, but I am concerned about the children who never get them. They are divinely inspired and I stand by that. Love you Natalie. You and Richie are so brave and I love you deeply for your courage and strength. You teach me so much. Love love love love you! November 2, 2011 7:55 am
Jullee: Such a sad situation that not vaccinating your children has become trendy. What is this world coming to? I am absolutely pro vaccines and hope that the few will not cause irreversible harm to the masses. November 2, 2011 8:01 am
Lara Cheney: Natalie and Richie, I am sure that it was quite difficult to get into the childhood vaccine debate. I have heard about some people who haven't had their younger children vaccinated because of their older children having severe allergic reactions to the vaccines but I think too many people think it is ok not to vaccinate purely because they are afraid of whether it is more harmful than helpful. But, I remember being at Gavin's funeral and hugging my nearly 1 year old because life is so precious. Heavenly Father needed him home, not that it takes away the aches and pains but baby gavin is watching over and caring for you all. I remember wanting to come up to give you a big hug, but you were surrounded by your family and close friends and I wasn't wanting to intrude on that moment. I love you and hope that you are able to find more comfort and solace. Thank you for being a voice for those of us that think having our kids vaccinated is very important. November 2, 2011 8:11 am
Heather: I'm proud of you. I've never had super strong feelings either way but your voice absolutely needs to be heard. November 2, 2011 9:22 am
Jessi: Thank you thank you thank you for posting this. I'm so sorry for your loss. My sister and I are at odds over this subject. Friendly odds, but odds still. Fear is a horrible thing. November 2, 2011 10:32 am
Chantelle Wendt: Natalie. I have been following your blog since the day Gavin died. I have become very attached to your sweet family. I have four boys as well, and one on the way. I live in Northern California where pertusis is an epidemic, and there is one of the highest populations of unvaccinated children. I am terrified of bringing my baby home around December 3rd, knowing that there is a possibility he could get a disease that used to be non existant. It is very frusterated that when these parents who choose to not vaccinate their kids, they are taking away our choice as parents who have vaccinated to have our children exposed to the diseases we were trying to prevent. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. You are right, we are going against what is the norm right now, even some of my siblings have chosen not to vaccinate their children. I admire your families faith and commitment to making a difference as you share your tragic loss. November 2, 2011 10:58 am
Amanda Day: That was powerful. I personally know people who slow their schedule of their child's vaccinations; and I am okay with that- not with opting out. Good for you for continuing to be outspoken about it! Have fun in Hawaii. November 2, 2011 12:02 pm
Jana: Just wanted you to know that because of you and your family, I was made aware of the adult vaccination for whopping cough and my children have received the routine vaccinations, but my husband and I went and got our vaccination. Thank you for your voice and baby Gavin's voice. November 2, 2011 5:22 pm
Jane Johnson: Thank you for your contribution to this news story, Nortons. I loved your part so much. But, why did they have to interview the hippies about the non-vaccinations? You could tell they were the extremists on the matter, and that last sound byte was obviously horrible. The vaccine debate is SO hard, I wish more people could be what you are in it--kind, compassionate, empathetic--on both sides! November 2, 2011 8:18 pm
April: Thank you. Because of you, my husband, myself, and several relatives are now vaccinated. We have 4 healthy boys and a little girl in heaven. My prayers and encouragement are with you. So, you're in az? I'm in az too. welcome! i'm sure it was hard to leave the north shore. i spent some time there too. November 3, 2011 8:29 am
Kate: I think you did great! Vaccines are definitely a hot button topic, and they are worth more investigation on both sides, in my opinion. But I must tell you that we decided to get the dtap for our 4 month old son because of you. We have two older sons who are perfectly immunized, but one of them had a really negative reaction to a vaccine, so we were going to proceed cautiously with our third son. But between our 2nd and 3rd son, we had our first daughter who died. And while I can't completely relate with everything you've been through with your sweet baby, I do know the ache of loosing one. Raising children...heck, LIFE in general is just such a delicate balancing act between trying to do what's the most healthy and stay alive. I give you props for your courage and speaking out about something that is obviously difficult and emotional for you. -Kate November 4, 2011 9:21 pm
Michelle: Great job on your interview. I feel so badly about the loss of your sweet baby. So heartbreaking-I can't even imagine how that would feel. I find it really interesting that they are saying that not vaccinating children is becoming very trendy. I feel completely the opposite. I haven't vaccinated 2 of my 3 children, but it is definitely a decision that I don't take lightly. We have had so many problems with Autism with my oldest son and after doing so much research and praying, etc, etc, we didn't feel comfortable vaccinating our other two-at least not now. But, I definitely don't feel like it is a popular decision where I live in UT-to be honest, I usually try not to bring it up because of the backlash that sometimes can happen. I do wish that they would present a better vaccination schedule so that babies aren't getting so many at one time. November 5, 2011 1:53 pm
Mickisha: Natalie thanks for being willing to share your personal story! Its so important for everyone to understand the reality that these diseases are making a comeback. Thanks for being willing to speak up not only about adult boosters but also childhood vaccinations! November 5, 2011 5:14 pm
tanya smith: The video is unavailable. I'd really love to hear what you had to say. Can I view it elsewhere? January 23, 2012 7:46 pm
natalie: I'm not sure! I'll try contacting the network. January 23, 2012 9:53 pm