Why Vaccinate?

Why Vaccinate?
The motivation behind vaccinating our children is to prevent the transmission of infectious disease and in turn save lives. Vaccination is the reason that many diseases once common in this country are no longer a problem. Polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, rubella, mumps, and tetanus are now well controlled in the United States. Certain individuals such as the young, elderly, and immunocompromised are particularly susceptible to many vaccine-preventable diseases. Because they may not be able to fight off infection, these groups of people especially benefit from the protection vaccination provides. Epidemic outbreaks of many diseases are unlikely because of the high number of vaccinated individuals in this country. The continuation of immunization is essential to protecting our future. If we stopped vaccinating many diseases that are now rare would make their comeback. Thanks to vaccinations many people are spared death and debilitation every year.

Why Question Vaccination?
As with any medical intervention, there are risks involved with vaccination. Minor side effects are common in some people. The most common are redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, chills, muscle aches, and temporary nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Many people are starting to question whether or not there are long term effects of vaccination. There is ongoing debate of the link between childhood vaccinations and diseases like autism, attention-deficit disorder, allergies, asthma, diabetes, learning disabilities, mitochondrial disease, and some chronic neuroimmune diseases. Ultimately it is up to the parents whether or not to vaccinate. Being informed about the risks involved is the most important factor that should weigh in their decision.