Yolanda godbee

Introduction

There have been arguments on whether the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Many religious groups and non-governmental organizations have been on the front line in condemning vaccination. Most of these groups argue that vaccination does not only prevent children from contracting some diseases but also have their long-term side effects. Some of the religious groups have come out to claim that vaccination is used by some of the governments as a birth control method since it has effects on the hormones responsible for the formation of the fetus. However, the claims have not been substantiated (Sears, 2011). The groups have not rested their case there; some have access to resources, and they say they have conducted tests on some of the polio vaccines, and they found out that they affect most of the female children. They believe that the vaccine causes hormonal imbalance and therefore interfering with the normal process of conceiving and giving birth.

Vaccination prevents the children from contracting diseases as they develop. Vaccinations given to children at tender ages help then strengthen their immunity thus preventing a lot of diseases from infecting them. According to Sears (2011), the government of United States has championed for the vaccination to all children to help them grow healthy. The government champions the vaccination for children because of the enormous health benefits. Other countries like Australia, United Kingdom and Sweden are also championing for disease prevention in children and the society in general through vaccination. The spirit has been spread to other parts of the world like in Africa where last year the number of the vaccinated children increased by 37% in just two years. The move has not only seen many children being prevented from risky illnesses, but the society has also responded positively to the issue of immunization. Prevention of diseases is not the only benefit of vaccination.

Vaccination has also helped various countries to strengthen their economies in a significant way. Some diseases like Ebola, measles, polio and small pox can now be controlled through vaccination thus making people healthier and stronger to build the economy of their countries. This is evident in the 20th century when these diseases were killer diseases and governments spent lots of money in treating them hence making the economy weaker in the process. Evidently, recent research that was conducted by the Union of Doctors states that the number of people who died of polio and measles has drastically dropped and that is because vaccination has been embraced by many nations (Sears, 2011). As compared to the 20th century, the 21st century has seen most countries develop economically as more people are freed from these diseases through prevention and the resources which would be spent on treatment are now channeled to processes that develop the economy of a country. Notwithstanding these benefits, there are also some risks that come along with the vaccinations.

Allergic reactions may be caused during vaccination due to differences in people’s bodies. Different people will react differently to the vaccinations or drugs given since the drugs are not uniquely developed for individuals. It is evident through research that some people may react positively and other negatively to the drugs given during vaccination. MMRV vaccine has been on a question about its suitability in protecting children from mumps, chicken pox, rubella or measles (Offit, 2008). The truth of the matter is MMRV has side effects though not as severe as many people say, they do not reach to the extent of death. Globally, it is well known that medicines are not a hundred percent safe. Vaccines are not an exception; however, vaccines risks are minimized. The drugs are continuously tested to ensure that they reach to the required standard, and their allergic reactions are minimized. Putting into consideration that many of the drugs are administered to healthy children, they are tested to ensure that they do not compromise the health of the children.