American Journalist and Author, Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Paranoia is just another word for ignorance.” This quote rings true in a generation that runs ramped with fake news, believing anything heard by a seemingly credible source. This ignorance is seen throughout society, especially when it comes to medicine. Vaccinations are essential to keeping this world rid of the infectious diseases that in previous generations, were some of the leading causes of death. In recent times parents who are opting out of vaccinating their children (also known as antivaxxers) believe that vaccinations are harmful, and could even cause developmental disabilities such as autism. These anti- vaccination beliefs stem from ignorance which can be dangerous because
In his book, Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All, Paul A. Offit, M.D. presents us with a thoroughly in-depth look behind the veil of the vaccine controversy. Specifically here in the United States. Offit starts us off with the history of vaccinations giving insights into not just their creation but the controversy that has surrounded them since the beginning. We learn how these questions around safety and personal rights started and who have been the major decision makers in history. We hear about the groups and people that support vaccinations and those that do not.
Anti-vaccine supporters strongly protest against vaccines primarily because they contain harmful ingredients. Indeed, this is true, but many pro-vaccine supporters urge that these ingredients are found in such minuscule quantities that they are deemed harmless. In fact, they claim that “Children are exposed to more aluminum in breast milk and infant formula than they are exposed to in vaccines.” Not to mention, the CDC and the FDA insist that vaccines are thoroughly tested and made safe. Although countless anti-vaccine protesters believe that vaccines are the origin of many autism cases, there is no definite evidence proving a link between vaccinations and autism.
However, the issue with herd immunity is that the vast majority of children need to be vaccinated so that only the few, weaker children, unable to be vaccinated can stay safe. The problem arises when parents against vaccination refuse to vaccinate their child and claim that their child can rely on herd mentality, lowering the amount of vaccinated children in their community, and, consequently, putting weaker children in their community at a greater risk of
However, the anti-vax lobbies and groups believe that the “risks of vaccine outweigh the benefits, despite what science says” Mrs Suthers said.. “They have a strong belief that the pharma industry or the government is out to get them” she added. Ms Stephanie Messenger talks of her concerns of vaccinating children in her recent book “Melanie’s Marvellous
Summary and Reflection on The Panic Virus Amid the ongoing dispute that links vaccines with autism, Seth Mnookin has published The Panic Virus in 2011. Due to what must be the success of the book, the author has re-published the book with an afterword in 2012. The book’s purpose is to provide perception of the truth using scientific facts and evidence. The author’s curiosity and interest in the issue grew after the realization of the suspicion of his friends toward the medical establishment and instead rely on journalism and media.
The vaccinating can cause brain damage and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) II. Personal belief A. Vaccines are substances
It blows my mind when parents choose to not vaccinate their children because a family member, friend, or the media has misinformed them. People are too quick to jump to conclusions because they read an article or news story. Before judging whether or not the article is valid, consider the source. When I watched a documentary produced from the anti-vaccine perspective, they used isolated cases of bad reactions and exploited them. They fail to show the millions of vaccines that were given with no bad reaction or adverse effects.
The Vaccinate All Children Act of 2015 bill was introduced as a bill of protection. The bill states that all children in elementary and middle school must be vaccinated against disease. There are currently a lot of debates over its authorization – worried parents that say no, and medical professionals that say yes. The passing of this bill will create a generation free of disease. How the Bill Came to Be Introduced on May 1st by Frederica Wilson, the Vaccinate All Children Act of 2015 is causing major controversy.
With the rise of movements such as the anti-vaccination movement, there are potential risks on an individual level of those who aren’t vaccinated and may contract diseases, and a risks on a larger scale such as a potential spread of diseases to others who are vulnerable. According to the CDC website, there are a number of reasons why some individuals may not be vaccinated or should wait to receive a particular vaccination. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/should-not-vacc.htm) Unfortunately, those of whom that are unable get immunized are a greater risk when there are more individuals who aren’t vaccinated in their community.
And it’s for this reason that everyone should get vaccinated. Anti-vaccination movements and their interpretations, by
Parents who don’t vaccinate their children put them and others at risk because it allows normally preventable disease to continue to spread. Vaccinations have been around since 1796 and have since helped
Currently, in the United States, the topic of vaccinations is widely discussed. Many parents are worried about vaccinations causing diseases, especially autism. Therefore they are choosing to file a personal belief exemption when it comes to schools requiring vaccinations. My research article “Exposure of California Kindergarten Students to Students with Personal Exemptions from Mandated School Entry Vaccinations” focuses on how disease outbreaks in the state may have something to do with the children who are not vaccinated. This article is set in California, one of twenty states that allows personal belief exemptions.
Many people may think that vaccination is a bad thing, that instead of preventing it causes illness, that is not natural. Natural or not, there are many reasons as to why we should vaccinate us and the younger generation. Most of the time children don’t like vaccination because it hurt, but is the responsibility of a parent to seek the wellbeing of his or her child. Vaccination it’s a preventive measure of various diseases. Unfortunately, things like the anti-vaccination movement, the misinformation on the Internet, and the believe that vaccination causes more damage than is worth, have led our society to think that it’s right not to vaccinate.
Most of these falsehoods originate from either obsolete evidence or fabricated lies. Some people believe vaccines are not safe (Horton, 2010). The CDC requires that all vaccines or any medication have thorough and rigorous testing, that is held to the highest standards. Products that are unsafe would not be available to the general public. People also claim that vaccines cause Autism (Horton, 2010).
Unfortunately, the anti-vaccination movement is becoming increasingly popular due to individuals’ unfounded fears and imagined consequences associated with the idea of purposely inserting a disease into one’s body. However, despite one’s beliefs, vaccines are essential not only to a person’s well-being, but to the health of those around them. Mandatory vaccinations do not cause autism; rather, they save lives while upholding values of