NOT VACCINATING YOUR KIDS ENDANGERS PUBLIC HEALTH!

NOT VACCINATING YOUR KIDS ENDANGERS PUBLIC HEALTH!

Society has a right and at times an obligation to require children to be vaccinated. Vaccines are one of the most effective medical and public health interventions. They save lives and prevent suffering. The vast majority of parents in the United States fully vaccinate their children according to the recommended immunization schedule. These parents are making decisions so that the interests of their children and the interest of society are the same. There are no ethical tensions.

Society has a right and at times an obligation to require children to be vaccinated. Vaccines are one of A strong scientific basis supports the recommended immunization schedule. The benefits of recommended vaccines are much bigger than the risks. However, a very small proportion of parents are ideologically opposed to vaccines. A slightly larger minority of parents do not believe that all of the recommended vaccines are in their child’s best interests.

Forgoing vaccinations creates risk to the child of contracting diseases. It also creates risk to communities and vulnerable groups of people who cannot be vaccinated because of their age or health status.

For example, many vaccines are not able to be given to newborns, such as the measles vaccine which is recommended at 12-15 months of age, leaving young children vulnerable. Many diseases are particularly dangerous for young children. There are also some children who can’t be vaccinated, such as pediatric cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. These children are at increased risk of serious complication or death.

Pastaj ka njerëz që janë të vaksinuar, por mbeten të prekshëm ndaj sëmundjes, sepse asnjë vaksinë nuk është 100% efektive. Në rastin e fruthit, dy doza të vaksinave mbrojnë 97% të njerëzve, duke lënë 3% ende të ndjeshëm edhe pas vaksinimit të plotë. Të gjitha këto grupe njerëzish – shumë të rinj, jo të privilegjuar dhe të vaksinuar, por ende të ndjeshëm – varen pothuajse nga të gjithë të tjerët që të vaksinohen për t’u mbrojtur.

Sadly, even though measles has been largely controlled because most people get the very safe and very effective vaccine, we are now seeing dangerous new outbreaks because some parents are refusing vaccines for their children, especially in Europe. Children have died.

The public health benefits cannot be emphasized enough: Vaccines are not just about protecting your child. Vaccines protect other children and the entire community. Vaccine-preventable diseases (with the exception of tetanus) are spread from person to person. The decision of a parent to not vaccinate their child can endanger other children and vulnerable people.

All parents want to do right by their children. All parents deserve autonomy when it comes to decision-making. But when their choices confer serious risks to others, the buck should stop.