The message is getting through! Well, to the next generation at least. While an entirely preventable breakout of measles is occurring in Washington state as we speak, prompting the governor to declare a public health emergency, the children of today’s irresponsible parents are taking matters into their own hands and figuring out how to get vaccinated without needing parental consent. (Facebook cover image: olostock)

Image credits: andrhia

Image credits: soonerprices

Image credits: andrhia

One particularly bright 15-year-old Redditor posted on the subreddit r/legaladvice, looking for solutions to his problem. Showing a considerable maturity and willingness to do his research, his question regarding the vaccines he is able to get without his mother’s blessing sparked an eye-opening discussion, bringing to light important issues that are essential reading for any unvaccinated under 18-year-olds out there.

We realize that have covered this topic extensively of late. However, measles outbreaks in 2019 America are just not acceptable and show that there is still work to be done. This kind of initiative from the younger generation gives us hope that there are more sensible, grounded adults and parents to come!

Danny spoke to Bored Panda about his efforts to get immunized. “I’ve tried to have conversations with my mom about vaccinations,” he told us. “My attempts were often conversations with me bringing a website or a scientific study to show her. Often it concluded with my mom saying that she would do some more research later. We both understand each other’s views and respect them, we are able to have good and open discussions. However, it honestly came down to just being persistent enough so that at the last doctor’s checkup I had several months ago, at the end of it I kept nagging my mom about it and asked the doctor to talk about vaccine risks and safety. We convinced my mom to let me get a tetanus and polio shot. Since then I haven’t had any other shots, and my younger siblings don’t have any vaccinations at all.”

“My mom has been anti-vaccine, and my dad does not have a strong opinion on this, as far as I know, he just supports my mom. Both my parents have been vaccinated, however, not in this country. It’s highly likely that this experience is a major factor in the decision to not vaccinate. The toughest aspect to understand, and it’s incredibly important to acknowledge it, is that their decision is made with good intention and my best health and safety in mind. My mom and dad are not doing this with malicious intent, in fact, it’s quite the opposite, they want the best for me. However, that decision, in my opinion, was not properly researched/informed. The topic then transitions to the question, “Who is responsible?” Are my parents at fault for not thoroughly researching the topic? Or is it the sensationalist websites and media that post for clicks by publishing false and controversial claims? Is the educational infrastructure in the US at fault for not teaching students how to differentiate from false information and facts, for not thoroughly teaching how to conduct research and what sources to trust? Is it the homeopathic industry that is at fault? It makes billions of dollars with extreme profit margins, it has its own lobby organizations and fights its enemies as hard as it can. The belief in homeopathy correlates with skepticism about vaccinations, and in reality, a lot of money is on the line – globally the market is expected to reach over 17 billion by 2024. The best thing to do in this case is to put stricter enforcement on vaccination, possibly going even as far as making it mandatory unless exempted by a doctor for health-related reasons. Loosening laws on the requirement for parental consent in these types of situations.”

Here’s what people had to say about Danny’s situation