Important Info for Pro-lifers

Before I even begin I want to clearly point out that I have started to and will continue to vaccinate my children with every recommended vaccine. 

I couldn't believe it when a friend of ours who is in med school informed us that some of the most common vaccinations were derived from a strain of aborted fetal cell lines. Maybe I'm late in finding this out, but I'm finding that most people I talk to had no idea either. The common combination shot (Pentacel) for polio, DTaP, and HiB is one of these vaccinations. The polio component is the "offending component". The good news is that if you come to the doctor informed, there are other options. In our case, we were able to get the combination Pediarix shot plus a HiB shot. Unfortunately there are three more vaccinations in the future that Nate will need (MMR, chicken pox, and Hepatitis A) in which there are no alternative options. In this case, it is morally acceptable for us to vaccinate, and we will. It is just unfortunate that we are faced with these situations. For more detailed information, I suggest checking out these two sites: Ethical Childhood Immunization and FAQ on the Use of Vaccinations. I know just enough to ask for what I need at the doctor's office, so I suggest also referring to these more reputable sites for more detailed information. They are very reader friendly and informative.

As Catholics it is our responsibility to request one of the alternative options for Pentacel, and if there are no other options offered it is permissible to receive it. In fact, the articles I cited discuss the importance of immunizing our children and parents' "moral obligation to protect the life and health of their children and those around them". I was extremely nervous about talking to our doctor about it. I had called to speak with a nurse prior to going to our appointment, and she basically told me that Nathan had to receive Pentacel. I almost cried when she told me this. In her defense, I hadn't explained why I wanted my son to receive an alternative shot, but I still felt defeated. At our appointment, we explained to our doctor our concerns regarding Pentacel and asked if Nathan could get Pediarix instead. She was very receptive and immediately agreed. She also offered to look at the components in all the vaccinations he would be receiving that day to be sure nothing else was derived from the fetal cell line. I liked our doctor before, but now I loved her. And the nurse that administered his shots let us know that she set aside his future doses of Pediarix to ensure that they have it in stock for us at our future visits. I was expecting to be faced with resistance, but they were very understanding and did not question us for a minute.

If our friend hadn't informed us about these vaccinations, I never would have known. Most people I have told about it so far were in shock. So I hope that by sharing this we can spread the word. Maybe the more people that ask for other options, doctors will be forced to think twice about administering Pentacel. I also hope that some day soon the medical field provides us with more acceptable options for those vaccinations that have no alternatives at this time.

"Hey pharmaceutical companies!"

"Yea, you!"

"Let's get some vaccinations that are morally acceptable."

"Got it?"

"Good."