Should Vaccination Of Children

Should Vaccination Of Chil

Nowadays vaccines can be termed as the most essential modern medical prevention procedure that tends to save hundreds of millions of lives around the globe. They have also led to the complete eradication of viral diseases. In various underdeveloped countries, due to improper distribution of vaccinations, a large number of children lose their lives. Research by Bill and Melinda Gates reveals that "one child dies every 20 seconds from vaccine-preventable diseases." Therefore, vaccines should be mandatory because they are safe, cost-effective, and generally do not cause side effects for healthy individuals, though they may cause reactions in people with certain health conditions.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines in many countries, some parents refuse to vaccinate their children. In the UK, up to 5% of parents reject vaccines like MMR, and in the US, approximately 9% refuse vaccination. In populations with high vaccination rates—around 90% since 2000—most disease cases occur among unvaccinated individuals. Even vaccinated individuals have occasionally contracted diseases during outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of widespread vaccination. For example, the 2014 measles outbreak in the US and the death of a toddler from measles in Europe in 2015 highlight this issue. These events underscore the necessity for mandatory vaccination to reduce viral diseases.

Sub-arguments Supporting Mandatory Vaccination

1. Vaccines are Safe and Should Be Mandatory

The United States has established a comprehensive vaccine safety system ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines through the approval process overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vaccines are rigorously tested by scientists and healthcare professionals before approval, making them some of the safest medical interventions. Continuous monitoring and surveillance help identify and address any adverse effects promptly, maintaining public confidence in vaccines.

2. Vaccines Are Cost-Effective

Vaccination programs save significant healthcare costs by preventing illnesses rather than treating them. It is economically more sensible to invest in prevention, which reduces the burden on healthcare systems. For instance, government-funded immunization initiatives in the US save approximately 29.9 million dollars annually that would otherwise be spent diagnosing and treating vaccine-preventable diseases.

3. Vaccinations Have Significantly Reduced Disease Incidence

The widespread use of vaccines has led to a dramatic decline in the prevalence of many viral infections such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and pertussis. These diseases, once common and often deadly, are now rare in vaccinated populations. However, international travel and unvaccinated children remain sources of occasional outbreaks, demonstrating the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to sustain disease control.

Counterargument and Rebuttal

It is acknowledged that vaccines can cause side effects. While most adverse reactions are mild—such as soreness, swelling, or low-grade fever—rare severe side effects have been recorded, including allergic reactions or, in extremely rare cases, death. For instance, studies from Missouri have reported deaths linked to vaccine side effects. Nonetheless, these risks are exceedingly low compared to the dangers posed by vaccine-preventable diseases. The benefits of immunity often outweigh the risks associated with vaccination.

Rebutting concerns about side effects, it is essential to recognize that vaccine reactions depend on individual health conditions. Children with delicate immune systems or underlying health issues may have a higher risk of adverse effects. However, failing to vaccinate increases vulnerability to severe disease outbreaks. Historically, before vaccines, many people suffered or died from diseases like smallpox, which was eradicated through vaccination. Therefore, the preventive advantage is undeniable. Parents' fears of rare side effects should not override the significant benefits of disease prevention.

Historical Background and Broader Context

The concept of vaccination dates back to 1796 when Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, which was both effective and safe. His innovative approach involved using cowpox material to confer immunity, a technique that proved cost-effective and saved countless lives. The success of Jenner’s experiment established the foundation for vaccination programs worldwide, leading to the eventual eradication of smallpox and substantial reductions in other infectious diseases.

Consequences of Not Implementing Vaccination Policies

If vaccination is not made mandatory, the risk of disease outbreaks increases significantly. Parents who choose not to vaccinate contribute to the spread of illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella, which can affect vulnerable groups such as immunocompromised individuals or infants too young to be vaccinated. This collective immunity, or herd immunity, is crucial in protecting these populations. When vaccination rates drop below thresholds necessary for herd immunity, outbreaks become more frequent, putting everyone at risk. Therefore, making vaccination compulsory helps to protect not just individual children but entire communities.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly supports that vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial for public health. Mandatory vaccination policies are justified to prevent disease outbreaks, reduce healthcare costs, and save lives. While acknowledging the rare occurrence of side effects, the overall public health benefits far outweigh these risks. Such policies are vital in ensuring widespread immunization coverage and safeguarding global health. The history and current scientific understanding affirm that vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions ever developed, and making it mandatory is a responsibility society must uphold to protect future generations.

References

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