Vaccination in the 21st century essay sample

Immunization becomes a highly controversial issue due to the reported evidence of ASD developing in children who have been vaccinated. Though the evidence is rather vague and scientists still cannot define which component of routine vaccines may cause such a reaction, parents are already scared to inject their healthy children with a portion of repressed germs and preservatives. Indeed, a vaccine like any other medicine, has its side effects, counterindications, and cannot be inserted to allergic kids. But immunizing a child is the safest way to create an immunity to dangerous but preventable diseases. Which is more important, immunization is the only way to create “herd immunity” that protects children who are allergic to vaccines or too young to inject them.

In the 21st century, vaccines are one of the greatest public-health achievements. They are available in many countries as governments insist on children being vaccinated timely. But the efforts of pediatricians are not always appreciated. More and more parents refuse from recommended vaccines to keep their children safe. But ignoring immunization has its cost. Recent outbreaks of measles, mumps, and whooping cough caused complications in some children despite these diseases were almost unheard of.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention together with the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that children get 14 vaccines by 2 years of life. The figure certainly looks threatening to parents, and they still have a chance to decide whether vaccinate their kids or not. It is important to remember that the breakdown of “hurdle immunity” will expose the most vulnerable kids and adults to disease. After all, a perfectly healthy child may any time catch a virus that will give them a hard time.