Immunizing ourselves and our children has recently become a much-debated topic. However, the science is clear: immunizations are safe and benefit both the individual and society.
The following are just a few of the reasons every parent should strongly consider vaccinating their child.
Infant Antibodies Disappear
When a baby is born, he/she is given antibodies which are transmitted to the child through the mother’s milk. As the child grows, however, these antibodies disappear and leave the child vulnerable to many infections.
Children’s Immune Systems Are Weaker than Adults’
Once the antibodies of infancy are gone, children’s immune systems may not be developed enough to fight off germs to which they are exposed. Children haven’t had the advantage of time like adults, which means that they have been exposed to far fewer types of germs than their parents. Adults have been able to build antibodies naturally from their exposure to the environment. Children, however, are largely unexposed to these elements and have no protection unless they are vaccinated.
Vaccinations Have Reduced the Frequency of Many Deadly Diseases
The history of vaccines is a positive one. Many infectious diseases, which have in the past wiped out large sections of civilization, are now contained with the use of vaccines. Diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and rubella have all been subdued in developed countries by vaccinating children against them, therefore preventing the occurrence and spread of the diseases.
The Cessation of Vaccination Has Historically Had Negative Consequences
Ceasing vaccinations to our children or greatly decreasing the number of households that vaccinate is detrimental to society and allows once controllable diseases to reemerge in full force.
In the 1970s, the majority of Japan was actively vaccinating their children against whooping cough. As a result, the disease became a rarity across Japan. Doctors were satisfied with the amount of containment they had achieved, and parents began to believe that the disease had been successfully eradicated. At around the same time, rumors began to spread that vaccines were harmful. A sharp decline in vaccinations followed. Consequently, the number of whooping cough cases increased, and it again became an issue in households across Japan.
Hopefully science will advance enough that vaccines will be made unnecessary, but today is not that day. As long as some people carry contagious diseases, we should vaccinate. This protects ourselves, our children, people who cannot be vaccinated, and infants too young for certain vaccines.
To confirm your child is receiving the right vaccines at the right time, take a minute to review our Childhood Immunization Schedule.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
