Mandatory Vaccines

“The Centers for Disease Control estimated that 732,000 American children were saved from death and 322 million cases of childhood illnesses were prevented between 1994 and 2014 due to vaccinations” (“Should Any Vaccines”). Although a number of vaccinations are required for children entering the public school system, no federal law exists for students entering school; instead, it is the individual state’s decision to require vaccines (“Should Any Vaccines”). The idea of mandatory vaccinations infuriates some people because they feel vaccines should be a personal choice, however, government involvement in the public’s health serves as a preventative for children and everyone around them. Even though risks may exist, vaccinations allow for safety to prevail in society. For the small percentage of people who can not be vaccinated due to an existing disease or an allergy to the ingredients, the vaccination of those who are able is a safe and cheap way to keep the minority healthy without causing many adverse reactions.
Many people are unable to be vaccinated. Whether it is because a child is too young to receive a vaccine or a person has an allergy to the ingredients, some people are unable to be vaccinated. In addition an existing illness can prevent a person from being able to the vaccinated. This includes those who are undergoing chemotherapy (“Should Any Vaccines”). Vaccines need to be used to prevent these people from becoming sick. Between ten and twenty babies die from with the whooping cough because they are too young to be vaccinated (“Five Important Reasons”). These deaths are preventable if everyone is vaccinated. Widespread immunization will prevent those who can’t be vaccinated. This is known as herd immunity (“Should Any Vaccines”). Vaccines ensure diseases don’t continue to spread in response to one person being