Question

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of both views on the use of vaccinations in children.(Answer should be at least 200 words and include any references you may use.)

Answer 1

First of all, the most fundamental reason to vaccinate a child is that this simple procedure can save the child’s life. Some parents may think that good eating habits and natural remedies are sufficient against the prevention of diseases, therefore vaccines are redundant. There is no convincing evidence to support the allegations that vaccines can cause the child to contract the illness. According to doctors, natural remedies and a strong immune system may help, but they do not provide the disease specific protection that you get from vaccinations.

Strengths:

Child immunization is important to protect them from contagious diseases and epidemics. Immunization is provided by vaccines that are specific to a particular type of infection. A schedule administration of vaccines must be strictly followed to protect children from diseases. Vaccines such as hepatitis B (Hep B), rotavirus (RV), vaccine of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumccoccal vaccine (PCV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) should be administered within one year of age.

According to research, chicken pox causes one child to die every week in the US, which could have been prevented by vaccinations. Similarly, other preventable diseases such as measles and mumps have a high mortality rate with children under the age of 1 when these children are not vaccinated. Another fundamental reason to vaccinate a child is that the procedure is extremely safe and harmless. Furthermore, the disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. It is a false myth that vaccination is pointless since most children are already vaccinated. This is because history has shown that when vaccination rates drop, disease rates rise, no matter how rare the illness may have seemed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was recommending the vaccination process to fight against 14 types of diseases by age 2.

Weaknesses:

Natural immunity can last longer because of the artificial immunity.

Through the process of vaccination toxic and harmful chemicals are being introduced into the body of children.

Some side affects like swelling, redness and vomiting are mostly observed in child vaccination.

Toxic substances like Mercury, Aluminum possess great risks and the chemical compound formaldehyde causing cancer.

Reference:

Duclos P, Bentsi-Enchill AD, Pfeifer D. "Vaccine safety and adverse events: lessons learnt," In: Kaufmann SHE and Lamert PH. The Grand Challenge for the Future, Basel, Switzerland: 2005: 209–229.

Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC). Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations.