Without getting political, and speaking as a former pharmacist and a retired military person who took his share of vaccinations, avoiding vaccinations is about the worst choice an American can make. So the following is a public service to the friends on this Forum.
Until someone proves a connection between vaccines and autism, no child should start school without an MMR shot. I know that's the current allegation from RFK, Jr., but I have not seen proof yet. Same for allegations, as discussed above, of Covid vaccine side effects.
Currently, these vaccines are all available:
COVID-19 Vaccine: Protects against the coronavirus and its variants
I can get a little political here; I don't think the mods will mind a little jab at the government (pun intended). The mandates and shutdowns were hogwash, Big Government insanity, and those negative effects on children are still being felt. Nonetheless, the efficacy of the MRNA vaccines, as a general thing. was sufficient to save people, or shorten duration, or alleviate the severity of the disease, etc. However, SURPRISE SURPRISE!!!!!!! The MRNA vaccines can be avoided. I told my doctor I would only take a Covid shot if it was like a flu shot, attenuated viruses, not related to genetics. I figured that was a good challenge. He looks me straight in the eye and he says, "We have that now". DAYUMMM!!! Foiled again. Kinda sorta. So I took the shot last year and if he says take it again this year I will.
Influenza Vaccine: Annual shot to prevent seasonal flu.
If you get the flu this year you'll never forget it. You want to risk your life? Not my problem. Play anti-vaxxer all you want. You're wrong.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Combines protection against three viral diseases.
These are childhood vaccinations. If you got them, you're probably good to go, but if your doctor recommends updates/boosters do it. You adults REALLY DO NOT want these illnesses and if you are a Baby Boomer you are too old to play games with such diseases.
Tdap Vaccine: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
While the latter two illnesses are famous for affecting children, this is not the time of your life to get them. And, in this crew, with all of the tools and such handled by shooters, and being outdoors, as well, not being protected against tetanus is beyond foolish. I'd call it stupid.
HPV Vaccine: Prevents human papillomavirus-related cancers.
It's not just for the ladies. Here's the potential list of cancers:
Female:
cervical
vaginal
vulvar
Everyone:
anal cancer
certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers
genital warts
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Protects against hepatitis B virus infection. Anyone can get it - you won't like it!
Shingrix:
For Herpes Zoster (Shingles) - - see above comments from those who got shingles. The odds are that in your childhood you were exposed to chickenpox, and that virus lingers forever so, even if you were never sick with that illness, your friends or siblings brought it home or to school. Take the doggone shot and don't be a chicken! Sorry - pun intended.
There are many more, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), polio, smallpox, dengue, yellow fever, ebola, cholera, rabies, etc. Some of those are required for travelers. Always ask your doctor.
If you choose to be an anti-vaxxer, make sure you actually have a good reason, as opposed to
I hate the government, or
Big Pharma sux, or some other idiocy fed to you by the media or politicians.
End lecture.
Have a fine Navy day!