A parent's decision to vaccinate their children continues to be a strong point of contention as we head into flu season.
Medical experts make arguments in favor of vaccination in order to reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children.
According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccination reduced the risk of illness by about 40% and 60% among the overall population.
A small minority of parents, however, refuse to vaccinate their kids due to unsubstantiated concerns about the exorbitant cost of immunization, the lack of research, and the fear that a flu shot can lead to autism, according to Medium.
But one nurse came forward in a Facebook post and injected some harsh reality into the polarizing debate.
She told parents they can reject immunization as long as they are aware of one caveat.
"I think that people who don't want to vaccinate should have the freedom to do so," said Meggy Doodle, a nurse Monterey, California.
"If they think that 'Big pharma' is just trying to turn a profit or poison us all... they should be allowed to believe that," she said, referring to the vocal minority who think pharmaceuticals are overcharging for flu shots.
"But the caveat to that is this: Then they should NOT go to the doctor or the hospital when they get sick, looking for treatment."
"That's right. And here's why: Big pharma makes those antibiotics we are going to pump you full of when you are about to die from sepsis."
"The steroids and epi we might give you to save your life from your anaphylaxis? Yep, big pharma is behind that too."
"That inhaler you need to treat your kids asthma? Better pass on that as well, because... you guessed it... brought to you by Big P."
She continued to list other treatments for ailments that do not come cheap, like TPA for strokes and chemotherapy for stage 4 cancer.
"Having a heart attack? Better break out your essential oils and get your affairs in order, because the only thing we have to offer you is medicine and procedures brought to you by the very same people who are responsible for those vaccines you insist are evil."
"Having a massive stroke? Can't talk or move half your body? Well no TPA for you. Even though it could potentially reverse every symptom of your stroke in minutes...Because big pharma is making a killing on that stuff.. I think it's like $25k a pop."
"And when you get diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, don't even think about chemo...."
"I think you get the picture," said Doodle. "Stop being so naive."
She noted that although medicine is not perfect, she advocates for vaccination because it is a proven method for controlling and preventing the spread of potentially fatal illnesses that could have been prevented.
"I personally take offense to anyone who implies that medical professionals, like myself, would ever administer anything to anyone, especially a child, that would intentionally harm them."
"People always fire back with something like, 'well if you are vaccinated, why do you care that I'm not? If you are so sure your vaccines work, It's not like you can catch it.'"
She added:
"You are 100% right. I will probably be just fine. It's my newborn baby who is too young to be vaccinated that I'm worried about, it's my friend who is going through chemo, it's a neighbor that is immune compromised, it's my cousin who is allergic and can't receive the vaccine."
"Yes, we tell you to get vaccinated to protect yourself, but it's so much bigger than that."
To sum things up, she encouraged everyone to vaccinate "because it's not just about YOU."
There was a resounding "Yes!" to her Facebook post.
Of course, Doodle's post struck a nerve with some people, but she was ready for it.
Doodle's post went viral, culminating in over fourteen thousand likes on Facebook and over thirteen thousand shares.
