One of the greatest achievements in healthcare in the last century is the administration of vaccines to people of all ages. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the 20th Century there were few effective treatment and preventive measures existed to prevent infectious diseases. Since that time, vaccines against diseases such as rabies, typhoid, cholera, plague and many others have been developed. Due to vaccinations, the U.S. has been successful in decreasing infection rates and eliminating diseases such as smallpox and polio. However the viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not protected by vaccines. In a generation where people can easily travel across the world it’s not hard to see how quickly diseases can travel also.

Immunizations save child lives

Vaccinations are especially crucial to children in their early years of life. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to keep your child safe and healthy. Vaccinations protect children from serious illness and diseases. These vaccine-preventable diseases are prone to effecting children and can result in serve hospitalization or death. The immunization schedule outlined by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has been shown to be the most effective and safest way to protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the World Health Organization, between 1990 and 2015, the number of children under 5 dying each year has declined from over 12 million to 5.9 million, due in part to increased vaccine use.

Vaccinations are safe and effective

Vaccinations have proven to decline in the number of cases of infection diseases. Vaccines undergo a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to unsure safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an extensive process in which vaccines are tested to ensure safety and effectiveness. Although everyone’s body reacts to vaccines differently, the significant benefit of immunization outweighs the risks. Science is continually advancing and new improvements in medicine will lead to developing better vaccinations. 

Immunizations protect others and future generations

Vaccine-preventable diseases haven’t gone away. If children aren’t vaccinated, they can spread disease to other children or to people with weakened immune systems such as the elderly. This could result in long-term complications and even death for these vulnerable people. Vaccines have reduced and in some cases eliminated many diseases that killed or severely harmed people just a few generations ago. If we continue vaccinating now, future generations may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.

Common Misconceptions

Financial reasons can be one reason why people avoid vaccinations. However immunization costs should not be a factor as programs such as the Vaccines For Children program and sliding fee schedules at various clinics provide for free or reduced-cost vaccines. Another big reason people refuse vaccinations is out of fear. As mentioned, the disease protection benefits are much greater than the risk of possible side effects. Not vaccinating places children at risk for dangerous and potentially fatal vaccine-preventable illnesses. One large misconception is the relation of vaccinations and autism. Multiple studies have proven this correlation irrelevant and the CDC has multiple sources that doubting parents can refer to.

 

The future of medicine

Vaccines are not only for children. Adults can further protect themselves against disease such as tetanus or shingles. Flu season usually peaks between during winter months and the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, and encourages the public to receive one as soon as the flu vaccine becomes available to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. Immunizations are also vital in pregnant women and protecting against diseases such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Vaccinations become especially important when traveling internationally. Vaccinations are a way for travelers to protect themselves and insure that infections are not crossing boarders.

In the last century life expectancy has increased and child mortality rates have declined significantly due to the advancements in vaccinations. It is our job as citizens to continue to prevent these diseases from spreading through immunization and work towards eradicating diseases for future generations. As the field of medicine continues to develop, we can be apart of creating a safer public.