The Pros And Cons Of Vaccination

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Over the past seventy years, a major practical problem in medical science was dealing with infectious diseases. Many human communicable infections such as chickenpox, meningitis, tuberculosis and influenza are caused by microscopic organisms either bacteria or viruses. Infections can be treated by antibiotics or can be prevented by vaccination. Ragan & Duffy (2012, p.22) defines “vaccination stands as one of the most successful and cost-effective public tool for preventing serious disability and death”. Like any medications, vaccines have benefits and risks, and although highly effective, no vaccine is completely safe in all individuals. However, adverse effects of vaccines are significantly less than the potential risks of lasting health …show more content…
This report explores the positive aspects of vaccination such as eradication and elimination of disease, controlling the mortality, morbidity rates in children and protecting the unvaccinated population throw the herd immunity. It will then address some of the shortcomings, including Vaccine Associated Adverse Effects(VAAE’s), parental trust and accountability toward vaccination and barriers in accessing immunization. It concludes by assessing how far the benefits of vaccination exceed the risks. Benefits of vaccination In the past few decades, vaccines have eliminated or significantly reduced the incidence of many diseases in the community. The two important aspects of vaccination are protecting the unvaccinated population through disease eradication and elimination; and through controlling mortality rates and morbidity rates. Research by Bigham & Hoefer (2001, p. 175), shows the significant effectiveness and high degree of safety associated with immunization for diseases including Hib, measles and rubella all of which have been reduced by 90% or more and polio