We are not having constructive Debates about the Reasons to Vaccinate
There is undoubtedly an enormous amount of false information about any topic on the internet, but there is also a large amount of scientific and factual information too.
This ranges from the debates about vaccinations causing autism to how much they help protect humans from disease.
While there is very strong scientific evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, there are still many doctors that will not vaccinate their children.
There are many Reasons to Vaccinate, and just as many to reconsider.
The wrong question is being asked about vaccinations
It should not be about the potential harm from vaccines as there is always some percentage of personal risk.
There are a number of potential side effects like headaches, injection site redness, or even fatigue.
There is a very specific reason your doctor requires you to wait 20 minutes after your vaccine.
This is because if you are going to have an adverse reaction, it will probably happen during that time.
One serious potential reaction is anaphylaxis.
This is very similar to eating peanuts or a bee sting from highly allergic individuals.
This is why many people that have severe allergies carry an EpiPen (epinephrine) with them at all times, just in case.
It is highly unlikely to be fatal if the person is still at the doctor’s office, so do yourself a favor and relax for 20 mins.
This scenario happens about 2 times out of a million.
The risks of taking a vaccination are slim but as long as you follow the instructions and hang out at your doctor’s office, and read a dated magazine, the risks are even lower.
Mainly the risks of taking a vaccination will always be personal.
There are plenty of risks you will take in your life.
But if one of those risks is to prevent a large number of diseases, you may want to consider.
The US and Europe are having a breakout of the measles recently.
The Herd Immunity keeps bad diseases from breaking out when “a significant portion of a population provides a measure of protection for individuals who have not developed immunity.”
This means if enough people get the vaccinations, the disease can not spread very easily.
People going through cancer treatments would be less likely to come across a carrier of the disease.
Medical Professionals regularly point out that the benefits of the population being vaccinated.
Not many of the conversations are about the main reasons to Vaccinate.
In 2012, the (WHO) World Health Organization estimated that vaccination prevents 2.5 million deaths each year.
This indicates that vaccinations can prevent mass exterminations.
Unfortunately, there is not a large incentive to persuade skeptical parents that they should immunize their children.
Even though there are many case studies that show non-vaccinated children developing autism or brain damage.
Many are still sticking to their beliefs.
While the CDC recommends getting 9 vaccines for kids under 6, there are no US federal laws that mandate this.
Also, Most states offer medical, religious and philosophical exemptions.
Vaccinations are one of the greatest health developments of the 20th century.
In this article, I try my best to be on both sides.
With that being said, here are some of the top Pros and Cons related to Vaccinations.
Top Pros and Cons to help you decide if Vaccinations are the right choice.
Pro 1.
Vaccines have proven to save children’s lives
Most Childhood vaccines are between 90-99% effective in preventing disease. (American Academy of Pediatrics.)
2.5 million children a year are saved from preventable disease, that’s roughly 285 per hour.
Also, childhood deaths caused by measles have decreased by 74%.
Pro 2.
In Extremely rare occasions there are adverse reactions to vaccines
The Chief Medical Correspondent states “you are 100 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine that protects you against measles.”
The most common side effect is anaphylaxis, which occurs once out of several hundred thousand cases.
Pro 3.
Vaccines help protect the population
When a large portion of a population has received the vaccine the likeliness of an outbreak is significantly reduced.
Pro 4.
Vaccines save time and money
While a vaccine is very affordable, an infectious disease is not.
2012 study by the CDC the flu cost parents in 11-72 hours of wages. (about $222 – $1456)
Con 1.
Vaccines can cause serious side effects
All vaccines carry a risk from anaphylaxis to brain damage.
Also, Pneumonia can be caused by the chickenpox vaccine.
Con 2.
Vaccines contain potentially harmful ingredients
Aluminum is known to be used in some vaccines which can cause neurological harm.
Yeast proteins are also found in certain vaccines that can cause migraines, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or even ADD.
Con 3.
Vaccines are unnatural
Natural infections almost ways result in better immunity.
Pro vaccination organizations state that natual vaccinations cause better immunity.
Con 4.
Most Diseases that vaccines treat have almost disappeared
No reason to vaccinate against diseases that don’t occur in the US.
No cases of deaths from diphtheria between 2003-2011.
Less than 10 deaths per year from tetanus between 1994-2011.
Polio has been eliminated from the US since 1979.
We should change the discussion around the Benefits to Vaccinations
There will always be personal risks in getting vaccinated as well as in many aspects of life.
There are not enough supporters of vaccination that address these over magnified fears.
Mainly, the information moves straight to why the population should vaccinate to protect a larger spread of disease.
While this is very true and relevant, it doesn’t really address the main topics mostly debated.
If we change the debate and conversation in a more constructive way, we could all look at the issue with the best interest in mind.
This interest would be the search for the wellbeing mankind and have a positive outlook on what can be accomplished together.
The side for vaccinations can begin by acknowledging the personal risks of vaccines.
While the side against can agree that there are also many risks of not getting vaccinated.
In conclusion,
there are many benefits of getting a vaccine as well as the unfortunate personal risks.
There is much scientific evidence that shows the number of lives that have been saved from vaccinations.
In life you make choices and these choices also have consequences.
Some consequences you may be able to live with and some you may not have the option to.
Gathering information on both sides, and from multiple sources, help you to formulate a better decision for yourself.
If you are trying to decide whether receiving a vaccination on not, this article covers many topics from multiple reputable sources.
I have covered most of the facts from both sides of the spectrum with the interest of both viewpoints.
I sincerely hope this helps better educate you, especially with all the strong opinions out there.
If you are considering getting a vaccination while you are sick, you may want to tend to your illness first.
Check out these great natural remedies for the cold and flu symptoms.
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