Vaccinations should be Mandatory
Vaccination has come a long way since 1796 when Edward Jenner conducted the first vaccination. Its effectiveness has led many countries to adopt it and make it mandatory. For instance, immunization has been compulsory in all US states for children who are beyond five years. These children are required to be vaccinated before enrolling in public school, daycare facilities as well as private schools. However, there are exemptions based on medical conditions, religious stance, and philosophical beliefs. Lately, vaccination exemptions rates have increased, and research indicates that these exemptions clusters geographically, which has contributed to outbreaks of diseases in some communities. Also, it has been shown that some children receive vaccinations late, which may render them vulnerable to infections. Some people believe that immunizations should not be condoned, citing that vaccines put more risks to individuals and are not worth it. They base their arguments on the infamous study that associated Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism. However, vaccines are effective and have saved many lives and thus should be made mandatory.
One of the reasons vaccines should be made mandatory is that they save lives (Leifer). Vaccines can protect children who are more vulnerable to diseases compared to adults against diseases more than ever. Some menace diseases in history like polio that killed many children have entirely been eliminated through immunization. In America, polio was disastrous and was one of the most feared diseases as it caused paralysis and death. Also, smallpox was a threat. However, with the introduction and adoption of vaccinations in the United States, these diseases have almost gone extinct.
Another reason is that immunization also can protect other people from diseases (Walkinshaw 1830). In the US, children are vaccinated against preventable diseases. This has played a vital role in preventing others against resurgent diseases like pertussis and measles that have reemerged for the past few years. The United States has reported 10000- 50000 pertussis cases every year and 10-20 deaths of children who are very young to receive vaccines. While babies who are too young may not be immunized, other people with severe allergies or whose immune system is weak, such as those with leukemia, may also not be i. These populations are thus vulnerable and thus should be protected by vaccinating who are compatible with the vaccines. This helps in preventing the spread of the disease to the loved ones.
Lastly, unlike what some believe, vaccination is very effective and safe. It is only after children are examined and well-reviewed by healthcare professionals that they can be vaccinated. Sometimes, it is normal to have some discomfort, pain, and redness at the injection site. However, compared to the pain caused by diseases that these vaccines are meant for, these side effects are minimal. Therefore, the benefits of using vaccines to prevent diseases outweigh the possible side effects.
In conclusion, opponents believe that vaccination puts people into risks of contradicting diseases while others are exempted based on their philosophical beliefs; it is clear that vaccination is essential. Through immunizations, most of the feared diseases such as polio and smallpox that resulted in many deaths and left many disabled are now extinct. Besides, vaccination is safe and helps in protecting vulnerable populations whose immunity is weak and cannot be vaccinated. Therefore, the government should step up and make vaccination mandatory to protect the entire community.
Work Cited
Leifer, Cynthia. Mandatory vaccination will protect all citizens. 02 April 2015. 04 April 2020. <https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/opinion/comment/mandatory-vaccination-will-protect-all-citizens/20068190.article?firstPass=false>.
Walkinshaw, Erin. “Mandatory vaccinations: No middle ground.” (2011): 1830-1831. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3216432/