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In simple terms, a vaccine is a harmless version of a disease-causing bacteria or viruses that are injected into humans or animals. They cause the body to produce antibodies, which are defense proteins, against diseases. The medical definition of a vaccine is a preparation of killed microorganisms, living unattenuated organisms, or living fully virulent organisms that are administered to produce or artificially increase immunity to a particular disease. Vaccines have become a highly controversial topic in today’s society.
In the next few pages, I will be discussing the main pros and cons. The main pros of my topic include: the ingredients used are safe in the amounts used, 90-99% effective in preventing diseases, and adverse reactions are extremely rare. The main cons of vaccines that will be discussed include: the government should not control personal medical choices; infringing upon constitutional rights and religious freedom, natural immunity lasts longer; vaccines are unnatural, and sometimes serious or fatal side effects can occur.
In 1796, an English physician named Edward Jenner, also known as the “Father of Immunology,” created a design to protect against the disease of smallpox. A method called “arm-to-arm inoculation” involved taking components from a blister of an individual who was infected with cowpox and injecting it into another human body. An eight-year-old boy was Jenner’s first subject. He injected him with the cowpox infection taken from the hand of an English milkmaid. Jenner continued to expose the boy to smallpox; however, he never became infected with the disease. This “challenge” was a manifestation of smallpox immunization.
Vaccines that were protected against, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus were matured in the 20th century. All of them were combined to be received as the DTP vaccine. One of the first successful polio vaccines was developed by an American medical researcher and virologist, Jonas Salk. It was first made available in the United States in 1955, but since 1979, the United States has been polio-free. However, in some countries, it remains a threat. Four doses of the polio vaccine are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years. A measles vaccine was later developed in 1963, along with mumps in 1967, and rubella in 1969. In 1971, all three vaccinations were combined into MMR. Because of the destruction of smallpox, the vaccine was no longer needed nor required for an individual to receive it after 1972. From 2011- present day, meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (2014), HPV, and influenza vaccine are all recommended. In 2016, intranasal influenza vaccine was discontinued.
Just like any other medical intervention, vaccines have their importance to public health and also factors that can necessitate risk. In the 1850s, immunization for school entry was made by certain states and subdivisions. Not only do state-enforced vaccinations apply to public school children, but those receiving a private education and young children who attend daycare. The state allows medical and non-medical exemptions from certain vaccinations due to allergies and religious or philosophical views. However, in 2015, West Virginia, Mississippi, and California prohibited exemptions from vaccinations. A bill that was passed did not permit students of those states to enter into daycare facilities or any primary and secondary schools. Debate broke out on whether or not this was against the right of autonomy.
Parents of children do not think it is plausible to get their children vaccinated or have a private affair. They choose for their child not to be vaccinated in fear of them developing autism. Other parents believe that vaccines do not produce a significant effect or cause deficit hyperactivity disorder, ear infections, or allergies. These reasons are based on fake social media posts and flawed data. In addition, vaccines can cause serious or sometimes fatal side effects to occur. Side effects occurring from vaccines are moderate, including soreness, swelling, or redness where the injection is. Others include fever, rash, and achiness. The fatal side effects are extremely rare, but can still potentially occur. These include seizures or life-threatening allergic reactions. However, if an individual chooses not to get themselves or their children vaccinated, they are at high risk of contracting a deadly disease. Like any other medication, vaccines may cause side effects.
Although vaccines have their cons, many pros come along with this topic as well. First, the ingredients used in vaccines are used in safe amounts and they are 90%-99% effective. Vaccine ingredients protect against specific diseases and keep the vaccines safe and long-lasting. Antigens in vaccines help your immune system to more effectively fight off infections. An example of this is the flu virus. Preservatives and stabilizers protect ingredients from outside bacteria or fungus and help to keep the vaccine working while the vaccine is being made, stored, and moved.
From personal experience, I am undecided on vaccines. 2 years ago, I was pro-vaccine because my immune system is very weak and has a hard time fighting off sickness. After receiving my influenza vaccine in my sophomore and junior years, I contracted the stomach flu. However, when I have children of my own, I think it is extremely important that I get them vaccinated because everyone's body is different, and not everyone's body reacts the same way. Due to the research that I have conducted on vaccines, I simply do not agree that vaccines cause autism, but I also don’t agree that they are effective enough.
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