Life
For me, the decision to vaccinate my kids was an easy one: I don't want them to get sick. But for a growing number of parents, the decision to arm their children against potentially deadly diseases isn't a "no-brainer." From mom group debates and reports of vaccine injuries, to falsified studies and celebrities deciding not to vaccinate, some parents wonder if they should vaccinate their kids, and, sadly, too many are choosing not to.
The number of parents deciding not to vaccinate their kids has quadrupled in the past 17 years, The Washington Post reports, leaving hundreds of thousands of kids unprotected and putting young babies and immunocompromised people who can't be vaccinated at risk. As a result, cases of preventable diseases, like the measles, are hitting record highs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 500 of the 704 people who've been diagnosed with the measles this year alone were not vaccinated.
Every major health organization has urged parents to vaccinate their children, leaders of major religious faiths have now "vigorously endorsed vaccination," according to The New York Times, and are urging people who object for religious reasons to get vaccinated, and even the president — who once questioned vaccines and vaccine schedules — is walking back his past anti-vaccination comments and urging parents to vaccinate their kids. And still, people are refusing to protect their kids from disease.
But what if we could help these parents understand the reasons to vaccinate by giving them a more personal vantage point? Like, maybe we should start speaking to parents in a way that appeals to their personality? For instance, can we customize this message for each sign of the Zodiac... or something? Because at this point I'm willing to try just about anything to get the message across.
Obviously, I think everyone should vaccinate their kids because, you know, science. But in case you need some additional persuasion, here's what the stars have to say about vaccinating your children:
Leo (July 23 — August 22)
According to Astrology.com, Leos are warm and affectionate. They also have a tendency to want everyone to be happy. So while you hate watching your kids suffer through their shots, you know that it's nothing compared to the pain of vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Also, proud Leos totally love their kids and want to protect them.
Virgo (August 23 — September 22)
Virgos are smart... but they can also be pretty skeptical. You might be overwhelmed with all of the information available about vaccines, but ultimately you will choose to vaccinate because evidence shows that vaccination works.
Also, there's the fact that like all parents you love your kids and want to protect them.
Libra (September 23 — October 22)
According to Astrology.com, people born under the sign of Libra can be indecisive. So, while you will likely weigh the pros and cons, and have a hard time making up your mind, eventually your desire to do what's right will prevail and you will vaccinate your kids for their health.
Also, you totally love your kids and want to protect them.
Scorpio (October 23 — November 21)
Astrology.com notes that Scorpio-born people like to do their own thing, and have a tendency to mistrust authority. It's important for Scorpios to learn about vaccinations from a reputable source and come to the decision to vaccinate on their own. You know, like it was their idea all along.
I wouldn't try to tell a Scorpio what to do, but I do know that they love their kids and want to protect them.
Sagittarius (November 22 — December 21)
According to Astrology.com, people born under the sign of Sagittarius live for adventure. So, of course, you want to show your kids the world! But before you pack your bags or board a plane, you will plan ahead and get your kids (and yourself) vaccinated to keep them safe from any vaccine-preventable diseases you may encounter during your travels.
Because, dear Sagittarius, you love your kids and want to protect them. (See a pattern here? Seriously, vaccinate your children.)