So this is weird. Authorities say some parents are ordering lollipops licked by children infected with chicken pox, and then giving the candy to their own kids on the theory that the exposure will build up their immunity without the need for shots. One doctor calls the trend a form of “Middle Ages vigilante vaccination,” and health officials warn it’s dangerous and illegal to send infected materials through the mail. “Can you imagine getting a package in the mail from this complete stranger that you know from Facebook because you joined a group, and say here, drink this purported spit from some other kid?” asks federal prosecutor Jerry Martin in Tennessee. What does it say that some parents actually think this is a good idea?

So this is weird.

Authorities say some parents are ordering lollipops licked by children infected with chicken pox, and then giving the candy to their own kids on the theory that the exposure will build up their immunity without the need for shots. One doctor calls the trend a form of “Middle Ages vigilante vaccination,” and health officials warn it’s dangerous and illegal to send infected materials through the mail.

“Can you imagine getting a package in the mail from this complete stranger that you know from Facebook because you joined a group, and say here, drink this purported spit from some other kid?” asks federal prosecutor Jerry Martin in Tennessee. What does it say that some parents actually think this is a good idea?

Tags: chicken pox health kids parenting family flu lollipops vaccination flu shot wtf