There are many people who say they do not believe in vaccines. I’m always a bit intrigued as to hear why. They have their reasons for why not and, as an open-minded person, I like to hear them even if I don’t agree with them.

I always hear a variety of answers every time I inquire. Religious reasons rank rather high with claims that God will protect them from sickness.

I consider myself spiritual and find no foundation in scripture that says faith in God will protect you from all the evils of this world. I know, for a fact, that Jesus said there would be trials and troubles in life. Christianity doesn’t mean you’re exempt.

However, this is not the only argument that I’ve heard against vaccines. Some parents opt out of vaccinating their children because they lack confidence in their government. Simply put, they assume that what is placed within those shots is poisonous and could cause diseases and disorders like autism. Some anti-vaccine advocates even say that there is a study that proves this.

However, according to the Huffington Post, a study published in 1998 did find a link to autism but the study was retracted and the physician-researcher who led it, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, was shown to have falsified the data and was stripped of his medical license.

I’ve also been met with hostility for being outspoken about vaccinations.

I have been told whether or not people vaccinate their children is no one else’s business. In all practicality, it is everyone’s business.

Parents who do not vaccinate jeopardize the health of others – especially those who can’t get vaccines because they are too young or suffering from other ailments.

At the end of my discussion with an anti-vaccinator, I usually insist that they perform further research especially on the side of pro-vaccination.

I want them to have a fairly-balanced opinion on the matter before writing off life-saving vaccines.

However, if people continue to choose to not vaccinate children, as they have the right to do, they should not be upset when school districts restrict their children from entering their schools. They are a health-risk to others, especially with a measles outbreak across 14 states, which could have easily been prevented with vaccinations.

Take the time to educate yourself about the importance of vaccinations.