Monica Membreno

Mrs. Goodrich

English ll

March 20, 2019

The Importance of Vaccines

Long ago humans had to live in fear of the unknown danger surrounding them; however, today,

modern medicine has allowed them to learn about and control that danger. Life-threatening diseases

have been around since before the 1790s when vaccinations began to make their debut. Before then,

many methods of inoculations were used starting with the Chinse inoculation in the early 1000s. Vaccines

have been around for so long and have provided many blessings for populations around the globe. In

today's world, a controversial debate has spread causing panic and uncertainty when it comes to

vaccines causing some parents to refuse to vaccinate their children. Parents need to be informed

adequately on the history of immunization, how vaccines work, and the benefits of vaccinating their

children in order to protect those around them that may not be able to.

The history of immunization by vaccines has been a long and much-supported one. The idea of a

way to prevent an uncurable disease became a priority for many researchers. As is still in today’s world, it

can still be linked to well-known epidemics to the beginning of immunizations. One of the earliest

outbreaks attempted to cure with inoculation was smallpox. A hugely spread epidemic in the 1500s in

India found that “Some 8,000 children died in Goa, India, from a smallpox epidemic most likely introduced

by the Portuguese” (“History of Vaccines”). Formerly, the epidemic was able to spread from region to

region as it still able to do today. Modern transportations have evolved from the 1500s and public outings

are common for children; it is important that they are vaccinated. Without vaccinations back in the 1950s,

people lived in panic and fear of incurable diseases. It was said that “By 1952 America hit a

record-breaking epidemic” (The Polio Story - The Vaccine That Changed the World). Polio seemed to be

taking over the lives of young children. Parents were afraid to send their children off to school, people

would say “It was like a phantom enemy, this illness”(The Polio Story - The Vaccine That Changed the
World). An enemy they didn’t understand nor did they have a way to control it. In today's world, it seems

that the same fear has taken over the lives of families in the United States. According to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention in 2018, “The U.S experienced 17 outbreaks in 2018.[..] Cases in those

states occurred primarily among unvaccinated people in Orthodox Jewish communities. These outbreaks

were associated with travelers who brought measles back from Israel, where a large outbreak is

occurring”(Measle Cases and Outbreaks). Even though in the United States measles had been

eradicated, the possibility of an outbreak still exists. All it takes is for one unvaccinated traveler to cause

panic to communities all around. Everyone has to remember that these diseases haven’t gone away, and

it's crucial for everyone to be vaccinated and protected against them.

Life is such a valuable thing and for humans to have been able to create a tool to protect it is truly

remarkable. Vaccines have protected humans from many life-threatening diseases and have allowed

scientists to learn more about them. The job of vaccines is to prepare the body to fight illness. Vaccines

contain a weakened version of the illness or a sometimes even a dead version. This then allows for the

body to know how to fight off the illness if you are exposed to it. Many people do not understand why they

were required to get vaccinated various times in their childhood. In a statement published by the National

Foundation for Infectious Diseases, recommends vaccination throughout your life to protect against many

infections. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles,

pneumococcal disease, influenza, and HPV and hepatitis B, both leading cause of cancer” (“10 Reasons

To Be Vaccinated”). There are many diseases in the world and as the human body develops defense it is

important that the body is always prepared for whichever illness. A common misconception is that

vaccines give people the illness which they are trying to prevent. While it is true that vaccines contain a

version of the disease, it is noted that “ You cannot ‘catch’ the disease from the vaccine. Some contain

‘killed’ virus, and it is impossible to get the disease from them. Others have live, but weakened, viruses

designed to ensure that you cannot catch the disease” (“10 Reason To Be Vaccinated”). There are some

people who are unable to be vaccinated because due to health issues vaccines could cause some

complications. These people require that those around them are vaccinated to ensure their bodies stay

healthy. In an article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to people who suffer

from chronic health conditions, “Adults with these conditions, and weakened immune systems, are more
likely to develop complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. These complications can

include long-term illness, hospitalization, and even death” (“Protect Yourself with Vaccination”). People

who already suffer from a health issue shouldn’t have to worry about another health issue; this is why is

life-saving to have entire communities vaccinated because fear is mankind's greatest enemy.

Fear in parents for their kids is the hardest thing to cure, especially when doctors don't always

have the answers to their problems. One medical mystery that has long caused worry for parents has

been autism. The common myth with vaccines is that they cause autism in children causing parents to

question vaccination. Over the years, the cases of autism have increased, but whether that has to do with

the increased diagnosis, change of definition, or an actual increase in autism is still unknown. The rumor

began when a researcher in 1998 named Wakefield published his research causing panic in the United

States and Britain. According to an educational site on vaccines, ”No reputable, relevant study confirmed

Wakefield's findings; instead, many well-designed studies have found no link between MMR and bowel

disease or MMR and autism” (“Do Vaccines Cause Autism?”). With today's modern technology and

knowledge of vaccines, there had not been a connection between vaccination and autism. The worst

thing for a parent to experience is seeing their sick child and feeling helpless. When a child is sick there’s

really little to a parent can do other than waiting. Vaccines remove the need for this feeling of

helplessness by providing parents a piece of mind. In a statement by the National Foundation for

Infectious Diseases, “A vaccine-preventable disease that might make you sick for a week or two could

prove deadly for your children, grandchildren, or parents if it spreads to them. When you get vaccinated,

you’re protecting yourself and your family” (“10 Reasons to be Vaccinated”). Parents always are looking

for the best interest for their families, but it's important to remember the impact of vaccines. People will

always do what's best for those around them; so when doubt is spread through misconceptions it is

always beneficial to look further and look at reliable sources, like medical professionals rather than the

internet. The internet may not always be as reliable as people think. In an article published by the Daily

News, it is said that “Many people use Google for their medical advice instead of asking their doctor.

According to a study, only 43.5% of websites provided accurate information. The rest were either

inaccurate or irrelevant.” (Dr. David Samadi). The internet is never the most reliable source for medical

questions. One of the main tools used to spread misinformation on vaccines is the internet, where
anybody can say and post whatever. So whatever doubt, concern, or question people may have on

vaccinations it important they remember to always ask their doctor before making any decisions, it's not

only their life they’ll be putting at risk.

In the few recent years, more and more parents are either refusing or delaying to vaccinate their

children causing outbreaks to develop within communities. Parents need to be informed adequately on

the history of immunization, how vaccines work, and the benefits of vaccinating their children in order to

be able to protect their communities. It is crucial that every child and every adult who can be vaccinated to

ensure the lives of thousands. Advice is always reliable and should be taken seriously; parents should

keep in mind whose lives are truly at stake and vaccinate their children.