Downfalls of Immunizations

When the word “vaccine” is brought up, most automatically think of indefinite immunity with no consequence. Unfortunately, most are thinking wrong. Our society is undereducated regarding the efficacy of immunizations. Schools, jobs, and other programs have developed standard requirements for fulfilling immunizations guidelines and everyone abides be these rules too often without question or concern. Can you blame them though? Of course not, because vaccinations hold up a reputation as the magic shots that prevent scary diseases. In reality, this reputation is not entirely appropriate. Although immunizations can prevent certain disease, they can also create adverse effects and conditions. According to an article written by Dr. Sarah Myhill, “immunizations can erode the immune system, cause cancers, are related to development of autism in children, and cause flares of chronic fatigue syndrome” (Myhill). Vaccines cause immune suppression and can permanently damage the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to viruses and possibly lymphatic cancers (ProCon.org). Other conditions associated with vaccines such as MMR, DPT, Hepatitis B, and HPV are autism, ADD/ADHD, developmental problems, brain inflammation, breathing problems, multiple sclerosis, and allergic reactions (ProCon.org). Not only do requirements of immunizations create a possibility of health complications, they also violate individual rights. Certain religious practices do not allow for vaccinations. Making vaccinations required for children in schools violate these individuals’ first amendment rights. Also, the decreased occurrence of some of the diseases we vaccinate for such as small pox, measles, and scarlet fever, has falsely been attributed to the use of vaccinations. Many of these vaccinations are unnecessary. Decreased occurrence of diseases can simply be attributed to better living conditions, improved hygiene and nutrition, water purification, and effective sewage disposal (ProCon.org). In addition, health care decisions should be between a patient and their physician and it is the patient’s choice whether or not they want themselves or their children to receive certain treatments or take medications, this should go for vaccinations as well. Our society has developed into believing there is a magic medicine for everything. Although there are incredible preventative and curative treatments in the medical field now, not all are necessary or the most beneficial. It is not a mystery that no matter what, nature beats anything. No vaccination can produce the same amount of immunity as getting the real infection. Instead, they can cripple healthy immune reactions in the body. Bottom line, just like all medications and medical treatments, vaccinations are proven to have positive effects as well as negative effects. It must be a physician and patient decision on what medications, treatments, and vaccinations they choose. Considering that vaccinations can cause hazardous conditions, they should never be required by the government or organizations. It is an individual’s choice to decide whether they believe their health benefits outweigh the risks.