In today’s news there are frequently articles surrounding the controversy of childhood vaccinations. While there are some children that are “at risk” and should not receive scheduled immunizations, the benefits of these shots far outweigh the risks for the majority of youths. Therefore, in order to maintain public safety and protect the preponderance of children, the recommended schedule of vaccinations should be maintained by families across our county. It is the only way to eradicate disease and keep our young safe.
Since the 1920’s the development of vaccinations have saved the lives of millions of people and is considered one of the greatest achievements of medicine. For example, the invention of a vaccine to prevent diphtheria has brought the number of cases in the 1920’s from 200,000 to only one case in 2002. (National Network for Immunization Information, Vaccine Effectiveness) Another illustration of the effectiveness of vaccines is the fact that there were no cases of polio in the United States in 2002. This is compared to more than 21,000 people being paralyzed by this disease in 1952. (National Network for Immunization Information, Vaccine Effectiveness) Clearly, receiving these dosages is saving lives. Some other diseases that are prevented by vaccines are measles, Lyme disease, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) to name a few.
Vaccines work by causing your body to develop immunity to a disease without having to actually have the disease. The young child is given a weakened form of the given germ, which causes the body to fight back with antibodies against the germ. Prior to a vaccine receiving a license, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires stringent testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug and this process can take upwards of 10 years. If there are any problems associated with the drug, including unusual side effects, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the FDA will take the appropriate action,...