Q: I am 22 years old, and I live on my own. My parents keep nagging me about getting vaccinated for COVID-19, but I don’t think I need to. I take immunity-building supplements and I keep myself safe. Every time I visit, they bring it up and we end up getting into an argument. How can I get them to see my point?

You are an adult and have the right not to get a vaccine, the Family Project panel agreed.

“It’s your body and it’s your right to do what you think is best for you. However, you need to take precautions around your parents since they are older and at higher risk than you. You need to respect others’ decisions,” said panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo.

“You do have to be wary. Respect other people’s choice to be vaccinated. If others are uncomfortable, you should be willing to wear a face mask and observe social-distancing. You need to realize there are a lot of very scared people out there,” said panelist Pam Wallace.

“Have a conversation with your parents in which everyone listens and do your research. Look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations,” Mercado-Arroyo said.

“It is very normal at 22 for an adult child to be still butting heads with mom and dad. It sounds like your mother and father are still in parent mode. These are normal kid-parent issues on top of an already heated debate about vaccinations,” said panelist Chad Stefanyak.

“I don’t think your parents will be able to see your point of view. You need to accept you will have different opinions. You and your parents should respect that. Tell them, ‘This is my decision. I’d rather not talk about it.’ Your parents may in time come to accept your decision,” Wallace said.

“How important is it for you to win this battle? If you and your parents can’t come to some sort of center ground, you will miss out on spending time with your family,” Stafnyak said.

Mercado-Arroyo suggested that people are struggling psychologically because of the pandemic.

“People have been wearing face masks for two years. You need to let it down slowly. Make sure your parents are comfortable around you and take precautions for their sake. Wearing masks may give them a sense of security,” Mercado-Arroyo said.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor, and Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, former teacher and administrator.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc. and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.