The Australian Government states that immunisation remains the safest and most

effective way to stop the spread of the worlds most infectious diseases (Australian
Government, 2015). The National Immunisation Program has a schedule that
recommends what vaccine you should receive and when you should get them. This
includes hepatitis B, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria and
measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (Australian Government, 2015). The topic of
immunisations has recently been prevalent in the media with the government
proposing to make vaccinations compulsory.

Weakened version of the

pathogen is injected into the
persons bloodstream

Immune system detects

pathogen and fights it off

Figure 1- Effects on the immune system

Adapted from BBC Bitesize

B-cells split to make memory

cells that remember how to
fight the disease

When the body comes into contact with the

disease again, it has already encountered it
and can fight it swiftly and effectively

Vaccinations use a weakened version of the pathogen to stimulate the immune

system to produce antibodies to the disease (NHS, 2014), this is called active
immunity. Most vaccines only contain the basics needed for the immune system to
recognise it, greatly reducing the risk of contracting the disease.
When majority of the community is protected by immunisations the virus is unable to
find a host and cannot survive. An example of this occurred in 1980 when small pox
was eradicated worldwide (WHO, 2015). Since the introduction of vaccines in 1932
deaths from vaccine- preventable diseases has fallen by 99 per cent (Immunise
Australia Program, 2015), preventing 3 million deaths per year (Australian
Government, 2015).
When a critical percentage of a population are immunised those who cannot receive
vaccinations for example infants, pregnant women and those who are immune
deficient are protected, this is referred to as herd immunity (Vaccines.gov, 2015).
For herd immunity to provide its greatest benefit for most diseases 90% of the
population need to be vaccinated; however for highly infectious diseases, such as
measles, 95% is needed (The Conversation, 2015). Herd immunity should not be
relied on for 100% protection from vaccine-preventable diseases as it requires other
people to make a personal decision to vaccinate (Oxford University, 2015). Australia
has 90% of children fully immunised, this maintains community immunity and
protects those at risk (Australian Government, 2015).
Some people argue that it is better to risk contracting the disease than receiving the
immunisation. However every vaccination used in Australia has been tested for

safety and effectiveness and approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods
Administration (Better Health Channel, 2015). A common worry is that the measles,
mumps, rubella vaccine caused brain inflammation (encephalitis). However this risk
is one in a million whereas one in 2,000 children who catch measles will experience
encephalitis (Better Health Channel, 2015). The worry that the vaccination may
cause implications is a major reason why many people choose to not become
immunised even though vaccines face a tougher safety standard than most
pharmaceutical products (Nature.com, 2011).
An ethical dilemma with making vaccinations compulsory is that many religions
object to using human tissue cells to create vaccines. The Catholic Church does not
necessarily object to vaccination and recognises their importance, however still
suggests that alternatives should be explored (History of Vaccines, 2014). There are
also beliefs that the body is sacred and should not receive certain chemicals or blood
and tissue from animals. These religions rely on being healed by God or natural
means and some churches rely fully on prayer for healing (History of Vaccines,
2014).
As with many medical treatments there is always a possibility that negative side
effects will occur. Most side caused by vaccinations are mild, this includes redness
and swelling around were the vaccine was injected caused by the immune systems
response (NHS, 2014). Babies or young children may be irritable or have a slight
temperature (Better Health Channel, 2015). On rare occasions, one in a million, an
anaphylactic reaction may occur causing difficulty breathing and even death(NHS,
2014).
After receiving vaccinations it cannot be undone, some argue that by waiting longer
to receive immunisations it gives childrens immune systems a chance to create
natural immunity to diseases without exposing their children to the dangers of
vaccines. Waiting to vaccinate also gives an opportunity for more research to be
done around vaccines to support a more educated decision. The Healthy Economist
suggests that if you are unsure about vaccinations wait because they cannot be
undone (The Heathy Economist, 2015).
The idea of making vaccinations compulsory raises many contradicting opinions.
arguments. People may be against the idea of receiving vaccinations due to religious
or cultural beliefs or just because it would be compulsory. Personally I believe that
everyone should receive vaccinations but that it should not be compulsory. If
something is compulsory it implies that there are repercussions when a choice is
made to going against this. The government has proposed and put in place some
consequences already, especially for parents who choose not to vaccinate their
children, including missing out on family tax benefit payments and child care
subsidies (News.com, 2015). Some kindergartens even refuse enrolment without
proof of vaccination,
I firmly agree with this idea as not vaccinating your children doesnt just put them in
danger but others as well. However these repercussions have greater effects on the

child than the parents; effecting their schooling and home lives. After researching
and reading about the parents who have lost children to vaccine-preventable
diseases such as whooping cough, I have no doubts about receiving vaccinations to
limit the risk of catching or transmitting a disease. As well as this I would encourage
others to do the same, perhaps then such drastic measures would not have to be put

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