Remembering Ashley: An Influenza Story
On December 27, 2013, my life changed dramatically: I lost my only daughter, Ashley. She died from the flu at age twenty-three. Her death was…
If I Had Gotten the Flu Shot
In recognition of CDC’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), Voices for Vaccines is participating in a blog relay with a “Focus on the Family” theme…
Vaccines and Autism: One Doctor’s Personal Story
There has been a lot of talk since 1998 as to whether vaccines cause autism. Though I have been loath to enter this conversation, it…
Scare Away the Flu
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to use Pinterest to frighten off influenza? That’s what the forces at the National Foundation for…
Surviving Influenza: Nathan’s Story
On Friday, October 30th 2009, my son Nathan had just turned ten. The next day, October 31st, he played in an early morning football game.…
What We Didn’t Miss, Thanks to the Flu Vaccine
In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) Voices for Vaccines is participating in a blog relay as part of a countdown to the first…
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You
Vaccine-preventable diseases are making a comeback in the US, and community immunity may be at risk. Less than 20 years ago, measles was declared eliminated…
Colton’s Battle
“To each their own.” That was always my mindset regarding vaccinations. I have always vaccinated my children, but I figured it was no harm to…
Nurses Vaccinate to Protect Families and Patients
The best critical thinkers can fall victim to misinformation—even nurses like me. I was recently reminded of a time I had been misguided when I…
A Science-Based View
Today, instead of watching Jenny McCarthy make her debut on The View, I will be getting my annual influenza vaccine. As a registered nurse, I…