Parents ultimately have the freedom of choice, in most
cases, to decline vaccinations for their children. Since
mass vaccination is believed to be the reason for the
steep decline in these diseases, most developed countries
experience what is referred to as “herd immunity.”
Those who are not or can not be vaccinated are offered
protection somewhat based on the fact that so many children
and adults are vaccinated. The threat of outbreak and
exposure to communicable diseases is low based on mass
vaccination. In essence, many believe the vaccinated
are protecting the unvaccinated. That reason alone is
used to encourage parents to vaccinate their children-to
help protect those who are too ill or unable to be vaccinated.
Increases in refusal to vaccinate can compromise the
“herd immunity” and lead to outbreaks of
vaccine preventable diseases.
Mass vaccinating becomes a scientific hurdle due to
the amount of children and adults who are vaccinated.
It makes it difficult to compile an even study group
to monitor due to the small percentage of unvaccinated
persons opposed to vaccinated. When fears arise, such
as attempting to find links to disorders and diseases,
once again, the study groups are difficult to monitor.
Many parents object to vaccines due to the ingredients
used to create and preserve them. Some ingredients are
not found naturally. Formaldehyde, classified as a human
carcinogen by Internal Agency for Research on Cancer
and a probable carcinogen by the U.S. EPA, is used in
many vaccines along with aluminum. Research has indicated
that the ingredients in vaccines are at low levels with
no evidence of long term ill effects. Thimersol, a mercury
based preservative is believed to be removed from all
vaccines except the flu vaccine. Some research exists
that potentially states the otherwise in terms of side
effects from vaccine ingredients.
Many parents object to vaccines because they believe
so many vaccines to an immature immune system can cause
harm. Many parents choose to stagger their child’s
vaccination schedule so that they don’t receive
too many at one time. Health agencies continue to try
and ensure wary parents that vaccines are safe, specifically
at the recommended schedule. Many parents just are not
buying it.
Some of the diseases that children are vaccinated for
are mild with almost no threat of death or permanent
injury. Research has indicated that natural immunity
is more effective then immunity acquired from a vaccine.
Research also suggests that due to each person’s
unique genetic make up, it is also not known how long
the immunity, if any, would last (from vaccines). Some
research is indicating that more vaccines, called “boosters”
may be necessary for older, previously vaccinated children
due to the decrease in effectiveness long term. It is
then argued by some, that the risks of the vaccines
outweigh the potential benefits.
Many people believe mass vaccinations come with a conspiracy.
There is big money to be made if you’re a shareholder
in a pharmaceutical company who has a license for a
vaccine that is mandated. Many people believe that lobbyists
and special interest groups along with high ranking
political figures are involved with requiring a vaccine.
With healthcare being the business that it is, if this
were true, how do you convince people that their best
interests are being maintained and not over taken by
greedy individuals?
In any regard, the vaccine debate rages on and will
continue to do so.
Many parents just plain have a fear of them. Other
parents are fearful of those who do not vaccinate.
While the creation and use of vaccines have made it
possible for most of us to never have to experience
the pain and distress of diseases, it’s important
for people to understand that vaccines do not come with
a guarantee. Just because you are fully vaccinated does
not mean you are incapable of acquiring a disease. Vaccines
help prevent-it does not mean they do.
It’s also important to remember that some children
do experience adverse reactions from vaccines, as noted
from information provided by VAERS. Those reactions
are real to the people that they affect. It’s
quite possible that more serious reactions occur then
are actually documented, as there is no way of knowing
how compliant health care providers are with reporting
events. It’s also not known how many parents report
adverse reactions. Many parents may just accept the
events as normal and assume what their child is presenting
is what should be expected.
By law, doctors are required to provide information
regarding vaccines prior to administering them so that
parents can make an informed consent. Doctor’s
can/have/will refuse to keep children as patients if
their parent refuse to vaccinate them. There is no universal
form provided to parents that describes all potential
risks and possible reactions to vaccines.
Some of the ingredients of vaccines can cause an allergic
reaction. When vaccinating a newborn, there is no way
of knowing what they are allergic to and how the vaccine
will react. “Extreme” reactions are rare,
but they do occur. When a severe reaction is estimated
at 1 in 100,000, it may seem small, but tell that the
1.
In closing, there is a myriad of information both for
and against vaccinations. It’s nearly impossible
for one person to weed through and find pure facts.
Both sides of the debate have valid points but they
also have the ability to “scare” people
into believing their side. For the most part, vaccines
are safe and the best public health measure since clean
water. Vaccines, however, are not for everyone. We all
want what’s best for our children, even if we
can’t all agree on the same methods.
The best decision is the informed one.
References
1Based on CDC’s recommended childhood
vaccine schedule
2VAERS website http://vaers.hhs.gov
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©
Rebecca Pillar 2008
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