No, vaccines are not mandatory.
This is a very interesting question because in the United States there are no federal laws that mandate vaccinations. Nevertheless, all 50 states require immunizations for children entering the public school system. And depending on the state some states mandate certain vaccines while others do not.
What are the vaccine preventable diseases?
Vaccine preventable disease are disease that are infectious in nature and can either kill, severely injure or cripple a persons quality of life. This picture below is a man bedridden with small pox. A disease that has been globally eradicated thanks to global immunizations.
And below is a list of all the vaccine preventable diseases we currently have immunizations for.
What would happen if we stopped immunizing against infections?
- There will be no protection against disease.
- Epidemics of diseases would be uncontrollable.
- Diseases that have we have not seen in decades would be a problem once again.
- More people would die from a completely preventable disease.
- Healthcare costs would rise, with all the newly sick people.
Polio
"Stopping vaccination against polio will leave people susceptible to infection with poliovirus. Polio causes acute paralysis that can lead to permanent physical disability and even death. Before polio vaccine was available, 13,000 to 20,000 cases of paralytic polio were reported each year in the United States. Annual epidemics of polio often left victims—mostly children—in braces, crutches, wheelchairs, and, in serious cases, iron lungs. Many of the children that survived experienced life-long consequences from the disease.
In 1988, the World Health Assembly unanimously agreed to eradicate polio worldwide. As a result of global polio eradication efforts, the number of cases reported globally has decreased from more than 350,000 cases in 1988 to 187 cases in 2012 (as of November 14, 2012). Only three countries remain endemic for polio in 2012: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Stopping vaccination before eradication is achieved would result in a resurgence of this preventable disease and threaten future generations of children."
This picture below is a photo of a child with polio. A disease that is not really a problem in the United states but still a problem in certain parts of the world.
Here is a very brief video that reiterates the importance of the polio vaccine. A disease that is preventable by a single drop. And thanks to the global eradication of polio the world is 99% polio free.
Recap
In this chapter 2 of Are vaccines safe? We learned about what kind of diseases are preventable with vaccinations. We also discussed what some of the implications of stopping immunizations would have on global health using polio as an example.
In the following chapters we will be looking at how costly immunization are? How can low income people have access to immunizations? And what kind of biological effects can vaccines have on people. We will also look at what would happen if we were subject to a bioterrorism attack.
In the following chapters we will be looking at how costly immunization are? How can low income people have access to immunizations? And what kind of biological effects can vaccines have on people. We will also look at what would happen if we were subject to a bioterrorism attack.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/whatifstop.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/why.htm
First image:http://www.acponline.org/clinical_information/resources/bioterrorism/smallpox_mimics.htm
Second image: http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/d/feature/i/783/c/14501/
Third image: http://www.polioeradication.org/Polioandprevention.aspxw.polioeradication.org
You did a very good job in pointing out how important vaccinations can be Karen. It was also very interesting to learn about Polio again. I knew that it was a very serious disease, but I had no idea that so many were effected and that there are still people suffering from this disease. It also amazing to see the list of vaccinations that kids have to have in order to enroll into public schools. Poor kids! (and us!) that is a lot of shots for little kids, but again as you made it clear, it is very important for us and our kids to have these shots. Without them disease would bring our world into chaos, or at least, a lot more chaotic than it already is.
ReplyDeleteYou really did a great job on pointing out the importance of vaccinations, and the devastating repercussions that could happen if vaccinations weren't taken seriously, and weren't somewhat mandated (although you made it clear that they weren't, but it is required in school) While most people think that there are more pressing global health issues instead of the eradication of Polio, why should we put off something that we are capable of ending? With more reported cases of polio, it is obviously something that can no longer be placed in the back burner.
ReplyDeleteKaren, this chapter was just as compelling as your first. The images you posted provided the reader a window into the stark realities of those diagnosed with small pox or polio; these images were quite disheartening to be honest, but I believe it is necessary for people to develop an association between the word ‘polio’ and the picture of a polio-riddled child; the potency in this juxtaposition is quite intense, and I think you've successfully conveyed your message. Also, I noticed that you've increased your font size, which made the reading experience less strenuous for people with eye problems. Your “recap” section was particularly refreshing, because I've forgotten how helpful it is to be reminded of what I've just read. This is a great technique. Keep it up, and I’m looking forward to your next one.
ReplyDeleteVaccination is a very hotly debated topic, not between scientists, but between the general public because there are so many opinions and ideas that are not based on scientific data. It is depressing to see these images, but it sends the message of what it means to fight infections without vaccination. The immune system is not fully developed until the person is exposed and removes pathogens, but some pathogens evade the immune system and, historically these infections have been recorded to caused high mortality rate in children and adults. In reality, when we don't vaccinate our children we are risking their lives. Every mother and father puts the well-being of their children much higher than many things, but when they don't vaccinate their children with the belief that they are "cautious" they are losing their child's precious life to an infection. Well done on the blog, it is concise and the summation in the end does a great job in keeping us focused on your point and topic. Keep it up!
ReplyDeletePeople now a days are still debating if vaccine is essential to our health. You did a very good job at showing how important vaccine is for our health. I really like the "recap" at the end of the blog, considering that I do not have a great memory. This blog was very useful and informative. I am looking forward for more blogs about vaccine!
ReplyDelete