The Relentless School Nurse: Grandparents for Vaccines—Because Every Child Deserves a Healthy, Vaccine-Protected Future.

I am honored to serve as the New Jersey lead for Grandparents for Vaccines. As a grandmother to my sweet Nora, almost two and fully vaccinated, this cause is deeply personal. One of my earliest childhood memories was being very sick with the mumps. I can’t imagine my granddaughter experiencing any of the childhood diseases that I endured before vaccines were available. Every day, I have the peace of mind that comes from knowing she is protected, and I am committed to ensuring all grandchildren have the same opportunity for lifelong health. 

Why Grandparents?

Grandparents hold a unique place in families and communities. We are trusted voices, keepers of memory, and witnesses to the world before vaccines were widely available. Many of us remember the fear of polio, the scars from measles, and the family tragedies caused by preventable diseases. We also remember the relief, safety, and new possibilities that vaccines brought to towns and families across America. 

As a child of the 60’s, I still remember standing in line at school waiting for my sugar cube to prevent polio! 

Did you know that the famous song, A Spoonful of Sugar, from Mary Poppins was inspired by the polio vaccine? 

At a time when vaccine hesitancy threatens decades of progress, grandparents have stepped forward. This movement harnesses our collective wisdom and credibility to remind the public that vaccines are a legacy of science and solidarity passed down to future generations. 

The Power of Storytelling

Grandparents for Vaccines is grounded not just in data, but also in personal storytelling. Our members are sharing memories of the epidemics of their youth, the gratitude for vaccines that protected their own children, and the hope that today’s grandchildren can grow up healthy and free from the preventable diseases that once devastated entire communities.

By sharing these stories, grandparents cut across political divides. Their voices invite empathy, evoke trust, and emphasize the real-life consequences of misinformation. They stand as a counterweight to the disinformation campaigns that seek to undermine confidence in vaccines.

A Moment of National Attention

In one of the most uplifting moments of our launch, Rachel Maddow featured Grandparents for Vaccines on her MSNBC show on September 8—a national spotlight that reflects just how vital our mission is right now. Maddow shared our stories, lifting up the voices of grandparents determined to confront rising vaccine hesitancy and keep the next generation safe. Her segment confirmed what we already knew: ordinary people, when united and relentless, can shape the public conversation and drive meaningful change for children everywhere.

What Comes Next

Grandparents for Vaccines plans to grow state by state, with volunteer leads engaging communities, supporting parents, and advocating for strong immunization policies. Our work is not limited to conversation—it is about action. We will testify at school board meetings, write op-eds, meet with elected officials, and hold storytelling events to bring the faces and voices of grandparents directly into the public sphere. Sign up for free. There will be updates coming, and lots of social media to follow. 

This movement belongs to every grandparent who believes in the power of science and the responsibility of love. Together, we are saying: We will not let our grandchildren’s health be endangered by falsehoods or fear.

If you are a grandparent, we invite you to join us. Your stories, your wisdom, and your love are needed now more than ever. Together, we can push back against the tide of disinformation and ensure that vaccines remain a cornerstone of health for all children.

I have always believed in the power of advocacy — but in this moment, I am particularly proud to be both a school nurse and a grandmother. Today, it is the grandparents’ turn to step forward!