I am writing to thank the author of the letter “It’s Time for Kids to Return to Normalcy, With or Without the Vaccine,” published in the December 2, 2021 edition of The Jewish Link. This letter touched upon the many issues parents are facing when deciding whether or not to vaccinate their children, and the corresponding pressure felt socially, communally and within the school systems.

There are so many parents who are afraid to speak out and give their opinion lest they be labeled “anti-vaxxers.” And these are the same parents who are fully vaccinated themselves! It is unfair and wrong to label them “anti-vaxxers” or “problem parents” because they are uncomfortable with vaccinating their children with a new vaccine whose long-term and short-term effects are not—and cannot yet—be known. As the author explained, the vaccine in regards to children is different for the reasons he/she outlined.

I am not a medical professional nor do I claim to be one. I am a mother who loves her children deeply and tries every day to make the best possible decisions for my family. As parents, we should be allowed to make those decisions regarding our children’s health without constant pressure, the threat of quarantines/testing and the fear of being labeled by others. As evidenced by the responses published in last week’s edition, those individuals who speak out are commonly labeled as “anti” and “dangerous.” This is the reason so many parents do not want to have these conversations with friends, family members and school personnel.

I read The Jewish Link every week and always enjoy the Letters to the Editor section. I felt compelled to write to express to the author of the original letter that there are many parents who feel the same way, and we thank you for articulating and expressing the frustration and pressure that so many of us currently feel.