Vaccines Pros And Cons

Imagine living with smallpox, rabies, polio, and other fatal diseases running rampant. Imagine the fear instilled in daily life because of those diseases and that there are no cures or prevention methods. Fortunately, we live in a time with vaccinations. Vaccines save millions of lives each year, have eradicated smallpox disease, and substantially lessened the chance of contracting other diseases. Vaccines are considered to be one of the greatest medical achievements. However, whether to vaccinate or not is a steadily growing debate, as there are no US federal laws mandating vaccination, certain vaccines are required for public school with a few exemptions, parents ultimately have the choice whether to vaccinate or not. Although, vaccinations
The CDC reports that all vaccines pose a life threatening risk of allergic reaction, anaphylaxis. Vaccines also may produce other side effects. Typical side effects are of minor nature including: a rash or swelling at site of infection, itching, a mild fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and muscle or joint pain. However, encountering any reaction is a one in one million chance. In addition, some anti-vaccine advocates believe vaccines have a direct link to debilitating illnesses. Asthma, autism, SIDS, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and more are feasible illnesses attributed to vaccine side effects. The greatest and most pressing concern for vaccines is the possible link to autism. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and colleagues published a case series in the Lancet, concerning children who had behavioral and personality changes after receiving vaccinations. The series received wide-spread publicity and caused vaccination rates to decrease. Twelve years, after publishing the article was retracted as the findings found were proved inconclusive and highly selective (Eggertson E199-E200). Numerous studies resulted in insufficient evidence to know whether vaccines are the root of health conditions (“Vaccine Myths
Due to certain health conditions, age, and other factors not everyone is able to be vaccinated. Therefore, contraction is probable but those who are immune cannot contract the disease and spread to others. An article in the Oxford Journals states, “Herd immunity only works if most people in the population are vaccinated (for example, 19 out of every 20 people need to be vaccinated against measles to protect people who are not vaccinated)” (Fine 911-916). Consequently, the more vaccinated, the fewer opportunities for spreading.
Vaccinating is a personal choice, but the issue of vaccination is of primary importance due to its direct impact on the quality and duration of the life of every citizen. When it comes to health there should be no gambling or speculation. Life is dangerous enough without risking what can be prevented. Vaccinations are for the greater good, protecting our present and