Vaccines are antigenic substances that are administered to human beings to activate the immune system of an individual in order to create an adaptive immunity to certain diseases. They are capable of preventing infections from pathogens if administered at the right age. Most vaccines should be administered to individuals at a tender age because this is when they are most vulnerable to diseases. A lot of research has been carried out by many experts to verify the efficacy of vaccination. These studies have concluded that vaccination is the most effectual way of preventing diseases that are infectious.
Vaccines have been utilized for many years to shield people from diseases that are life threatening, diseases such as hepatitis, smallpox and polio. Professionals in the medical field highly support the use of vaccines as they clearly understand their importance in disease prevention. However, some individuals and communities oppose the use of vaccines citing that they have potential risks on human beings. Though there are a few risks associated with vaccination, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks and that is why vaccinations should be compulsory for all children.
Vaccination of children should be made compulsory because vaccinating children from when they are born helps prevent and eradicate certain deadly diseases. Compulsory vaccination of children has led to reduced deaths from preventable diseases. For instance, before the introduction of the polio vaccine, over fifteen thousand deaths were reported in the United States annually. This disease has completely been stamp out of the US thanks to the polio vaccine.
Compulsory vaccination helps create what is known as“herd immunity”. This means that those people that can not be vaccinated, for instance people in the third world countries where vaccines are not readily available, are still shielded because of the defense from “the herd”. Vaccination campaigns have led to the elimination of small pox all over the world. Some diseases such as polio and measles still exist in some parts of the third world countries. Immunizing as many people as possible creates the herd immunity which intern protects people who are not immunized. Children below two months can not be immunized and mostly they rely on herd immunity for protection.
Some individuals may argue that allowing the government to have total authority and forcing people to get vaccinations is a violation of their rights to make decisions in regards to their heath. Some people also argue that parents have a right to decide what is good for their children. Every individual should be given freedom of choice. However, granting individuals these rights deprives the society of their rights to be protected from preventable diseases by their government. Also even though young children can not make their own decisions, they are individuals with their own rights and parents should not be granted the right to make the decisions for them. This is because the decision on whether to get vaccinated of not carries a lot of weight and could be a matter of life or death.
In conclusion, vaccinations are important antigenic substances developed to strengthen the immune system of a human being. It helps them fight most preventable diseases hence reducing the number of deaths resulting from these diseases. Vaccination should be made compulsory because it eradicates infectious diseases and prevents them from reoccurring. It should also e made compulsory for every child because every child has a right to be protected from preventable diseases. Vaccinations also protect the lives of people in the society and they have a right to this protection. Even though people argue that they have a right to decide what is good for them and their children, the rights of the whole society are important and the government has the obligation to ensure that all individuals in the society are protected from preventable diseases.
Works Cited
Alls, Cassandra. Vaccine Information Resource Guide: A Parent's Discovery. New York: Lulu.com, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State Vaccination Requirements. 30 September 2011. 4 May 2012
Holk, Bonnie C. Minsky and Lisa. Our Children's Health: America's Kids in Nutritional Crisis and What We Can Do to Help Them. California: Vital Health Publishing, 2002.
Neustaedter, Randall. The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults. Canada: North Atlantic Books, 2002.
Romm, Aviva Jill. Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent's Guide: How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives. New York: Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 2001.
Salmon, Daniel A. "Disease Prevention and Control." Mandatory Immunization Laws and the Role ofMedical, Religious and Philosophical Exemptions (2002): 1-4.
Sears, Robert W. The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. Chicago: Little, Brown and Company, 2011.
Sherman, Jill. The Vaccination Debate. Canada: ABDO, 2012.
