In recent years, vaccinations have become a controversial topic amongst parents and individuals who have discovered select horror stories of the negative side effects of immunization. But scientifically, although minimal risks from vaccinations exist, the benefits heavily outweigh the risks.
However, this misunderstanding has already caused breakouts of viral infections. Back in 2015, Disneyland reported a total of 159 cases of the measles infection. As of 2019, the Centers for Disease Control has already confirmed 101 individual cases of measles in ten states in the U.S.
This all occurs because parents refuse to have their child vaccinated in fear of the possibility that they will be subjected to a lifetime of negative effects. However, immunization undeniably protects individuals and keeps communities healthy.
In fact, the U.S. currently has the safest vaccine supply in its history. The extensive process before a vaccine is given to the public takes anywhere from 15 to 20 years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Before the FDA approves a vaccine for use by the public, highly trained FDA scientists and doctors evaluate the results of studies on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. FDA also inspects the sites where vaccines are made to make sure they follow strict manufacturing guidelines.”
The vaccines are guaranteed not to overwhelm a child’s immune system; rather, they are proven to actually strengthen immune systems.
This is explained by simple biology: the vaccines administered contain a small amount of antigens, which are toxins or other foreign substances that induce an immune response in the body. This forces the immune system to create more antibodies, a blood protein used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. As a result, the immune system can effectively defend against future intruders.
In the development of vaccines over the years, the number of antigens included are decreasing, which makes them more effective. However, children are already exposed to a larger amount of antigens in their everyday environment than the amount that is found in a vaccine.
Thus, people who choose to not get vaccinated endanger their health and the health of others. With vaccinations, the chances of diseases being spread is greatly reduced.
“Many vaccine-preventable diseases are contagious, like flu, pertussis (whooping cough), and meningitis. Getting your recommended vaccines can reduce the risk that you get sick and spread disease to others,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
According to The World Health Organization, immunization currently prevents between two to three million deaths every year. It estimated that an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if global vaccination improves.
Vaccines extremely decrease the risk of everyone suffering from deadly diseases. The fear of non-severe or often unrelated “side effects” are not worth endangering the lives of not only one child but, in turn, an entire population.
The Plaid Press 