The conversation surrounding whether or not we should vaccinate our kids has been going on for some time now and doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon. Ultimately, parents are going to do what they feel is best for the health and safety of their child. But, after her infant niece contracted an extremely rare version of the flu, one passionate woman is hoping to change a few minds about vaccinations.
"Reason #1736493983283763 to vaccinate your kids?" Alecia Rankin wrote in a Facebook post. "My 7 week old niece has HIB flu."
Haemophilus influenzae -- or HIB flu -- is a bacteria that can cause all sorts of dangerous infections in people of all ages, from the common (such as an ear infection) to the more serious (like meningitis). This illness is usually very severe -- so severe that it can even result in death.
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Luckily, as Alecia pointed out, it is rare for anyone to contract HIB flu these days due to the vaccine that has almost completely eradicated it. Alecia shared that this strain of the flu is so rare, her niece's doctor "hasn't seen it in her career."
For those who choose to vaccinate their children, infants get their first dose of the HIB vaccine at around 2 months old. Unfortunately, Alecia's niece, Aryn, was just under the specified age for the vaccination when she contracted HIB flu, which ultimately caused a bacterial infection in her bloodstream.
The family isn't certain how Aryn was exposed to HIB flu, but Alecia says those who have chosen not to vaccinate their children should also consider people who may be more vulnerable. "So before you decide not to vaccinate your children because 'it's your choice' and 'those who are vaccinated won't be affected,' remember that babies can get sick before they have the chance to get their vaccine," she wrote.
At the time of her Facebook post, Alecia and her family were waiting to hear back about the results of Aryn's meningitis spinal tap test. "Hopefully this was caught early enough for it to be negative."
Luckily, baby Aryn turned out to be one of the "lucky ones." In an update on Facebook, Alecia shared that the little girl had been able to leave the hospital and return home with her family and "thankfully is doing well."
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Alecia's post is an important reminder to all parents that having our opinions and making our own choices is perfectly fine, but it is equally important to consider those who may be negatively affected by those choices.