One teen’s story of breaking with his anti-vaxxer parents went viral. Now he wants to be a voice for the importance of vaccines
By Anna Almendrala | The Guardian
Last November, Ohio teen Ethan Lindenberger entered a subcommunity on Reddit called “No Stupid Questions” and wrote:
“Now that I’m 18, where do I go to get vaccinated?”
Related: State Rep. Kelly Townsend says mandatory vaccinations are ‘Communist’
While a teen getting routine shots is an unremarkable event for most families, Lindenberger was raised to believe that vaccines cause brain damage, autism and other developmental issues. But nearing the end of high school, he had come to think differently. And he needed advice:
“As the title explains, my parents think vaccines are some kind of government scheme. It’s stupid and I’ve had countless arguments over the topic. But, because of their beliefs I’ve never been vaccinated for anything, god knows how I’m still alive. But, i’m a senior in high school now with a car, a license, and money of my own I’d assume that I can get them on my own but I’ve just never had a conversation with anyone about the subject”.