My 17-year-old had her annual checkup last week. I asked the nurse if she was due for any vaccines. She said, “Just the meningococcal vaccine, but it’s not required.” I said, “Okay. I’d like her to get it.” She mentioned that it’s recommended for teens, especially with college coming up, so I figured we’d take care of it. Except the nurse never came back. We finished the appointment, talked to the doctor, and left without realizing the shot had never been given. A couple of days later, I called the office because I thought maybe I had misunderstood what happened. The nurse called me back. I asked about the vaccine. Her first response was, “Well, she doesn’t need it. It’s not required.” I said, “I understand that. I’m still requesting that she get it.” She started looking for an appointment time. But during that conversation, she repeated several more times that my daughter didn’t need it because it wasn’t required. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but the repetition really bothered me. I didn't ask whether the vaccine was mandatory. I asked for my daughter to receive a vaccine that was recommended. If I make a decision with her doctor about her healthcare, I don't want someone repeatedly trying to talk me out of it simply because the shot isn't required. I'm going to bring it up with her doctor because I'd rather understand exactly what happened than assume the worst. But as a parent, I shouldn't have to wonder whether someone was discouraging me from making an informed choice for my child.