A teenager is vaccinated after the 18th day B and challenges an anti-vaccine mother

Many children celebrate the freedom of being 18 years old by being pierced, tattooed or buying cigarettes. But an Ohio teenager celebrated the adulthood by getting vaccinated.

As a child, Ethan Lindenberger has never received the vaccines usually given to children: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chicken pox and polio, according to To get away magazine. Like many anti-vaxxer parents, Lindenberger's family believes that vaccinations can be harmful to children and even cause brain damage. However, Lindenberger began to question her parents' decision after conducting her own research.

"I was talking a lot about vaccines and I've been saying a lot of logic issues for a few years," Lindenberger said. 9 news in Colorado.

He turned 18 in September and decided to take charge of his medical decisions. But without the support of his family, Lindenberger did not know how to go about getting vaccinated. So, he turned to the Internet.

"I did not know where to get vaccinated, I did not know the cost," Lindenberger said. 9 news. "I thought it would be really practical to ask [on Reddit] because it seems that the community knows the answers, "he told the television channel.

His call for help was posted on the Reddit thread, NoStupidQuestions. He titled the post: "My parents are a little stupid and do not believe in vaccines. Now that I'm 18, where can I get vaccinated? Can I get vaccinated at my age?

The thread became viral, and the teenager said the answers were both helpful and negative. In the end, the post helped him propel himself to finally get the shots.

At first, Lindenberger was afraid to tell his parents.

"I'm not really trying to go against my mother. Even if I'm 18, I do not draw this card, "he said. To get away.

Not surprisingly, his mother did not take the news well.

"It was like he was spitting on me," she says To get away. "[It was like] saying, "You do not know anything, I do not trust you. You do not know what you're talking about. You made a bad decision and I will fix it. "

Lindenberger's father was more supportive and told the teenager that it was now his choice in adulthood. So, the 18-year-old has chosen to be vaccinated against the flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, according to 9 news. He will soon receive his second dose of HPV and his vaccines against polio, MMR and chicken pox.

Lindenberger's decision could not come at a better time: there were five measles outbreaks in the United States in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

The teenager's story has earned him to be invited to speak at a meeting for the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics ( PAA). He will participate in a panel on how teenagers can talk to doctors' vaccinations.

Currently, the laws on adolescents to be vaccinated without the consent of their parents are troublesome, reported New scientist. Legally, children can not make their own medical decisions and vaccination laws vary from state to state. However, in some states minors may request certain medical treatments without the consent of their parents, even though vaccines are not always included. Lindenberger's decision can help change these laws.

"It's a great opportunity to have a productive conversation," he said. 9 news.