Modern Medical Science & Immunizations

 Although immunizations have had a tremendous impact in reducing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases over the last two centuries a considerable number of people have contrary opinions about the benefit of vaccines. In extreme cases they hesitate to vaccinate their children or refuse such procedures.
In my personal opinion I believe that immunizations are an important measure that protects individuals from many diseases. I also believe that vaccines are an important public health measure preventing the spread of diseases and outbreaks.

I asked three individuals with no biology background whether they would vaccinate their new born child or not. They all stated yes. When I asked why they would vaccinate their child, one stated that vaccinations would allow their child to live a longer life. The second interviewee stated that if their child was to get the flu or the common cold, they would have a strong immune system against a sickness that could happen to them with a change of season. The last individual stated that vaccinations prevented premature deaths.
Although the three individuals that I interviewed about their opinion on vaccinations stated they would vaccinate their child and had a general reason to do so, there are others who do not believe in vaccinations and are not aware of how greatly modern medical science has impacted our health in more ways than one. Diseases are becoming rare because of vaccinations. Eradication of deadly diseases such as small pox is the best example in favor of the crucial role of vaccines in public health. Polio is another example of a disease that has become eliminated in the United States.

There are also people who believe that, because they are born and raised in a developed country like the United States where illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis, and human parasites are extremely rare that there is no need for vaccination. They may not be aware of the fact that millions of Americans travel from US to other parts of the world every years and are exposed to so many infectious diseases. If they catch any of such diseases unknowingly they become carriers and traveling could unintentionally bring an unwarranted disease to the United States which could then affect a non-vaccinated infant or child.

Vaccines, like any other medication, have their share of side effects. For example younger children are afraid or inject able vaccines may be painful. They can also trigger slight symptoms of the diseases they tend to prevent such as fever.  In the rare event that they may even cause serious complications such as allergic reactions or even brain damages. All these effects are rare and the benefits of vaccines heavily outweigh these risks.

 I am not sure whether vaccination should be regulated or forced by law, but the media, public policy and public health officials at all levels, health care providers, and other entities should conduct a continuous educational campaign to assure that every child or citizen get vaccinated for the age related diseases to protect themselves and the wide public. In order to eliminate any uncertainty about vaccinations, we need to educate people through announcements on the radio, via social networks, posters, and television commercials. Also, I strongly believe that children need to be exposed as early as possible about the benefits of modern medical science such as in this case the benefits of vaccinations.