The Debate About Vaccinations - Why You Must Get Your Child Vaccinated

In recent times, there has been an upsurge in parents who do not want to vaccinate their child. Recent articles reveal some scepticism in going ahead with regular vaccinations. Scientists state that vaccines are important because they are a safe and effective way to protect against deadly diseases. 

Then, why is it that a certain group of people (the ‘anti-vaxxers’) are against it? 

The trend against vaccination has been seen mostly in developed countries and high-income families. The anti-vaccine movement gained momentum in the West, mainly due to some reports being published suspecting a link between vaccination and autism. However, scientists now state that vaccinations do not cause autism. 

A baby is born with immune systems that can fight germs, but there are some diseases it cannot fight on its own. The vaccine gives them the necessary protection.  Vaccines use very small amounts of antigens to help your child recognise and fight serious diseases. Getting a disease and getting vaccinated, both can give you future protection from that disease. With the disease, you get sick to get that protection.  With a vaccine, you don’t.

Vaccines provide herd immunity against deadly diseases. Measles, Chickenpox, Polio are diseases that can wreck havoc in one’s life. No one would want their offspring to be affected by such disease. When parents choose not to vaccinate, they are not only putting their own child at risk but also the community at large. 

In 2019, the U.S. reported a comeback of measles with 1000 plus cases. This is the highest the country has witnessed in the last 30 years. Experts say that the reason for resurgence lies in sceptical families not willing to vaccinate their children. Europe too is facing the same problem. 

Vaccination should be compulsory as every child has a right to be protected against deadly diseases. Statistically, the chances of your child getting such diseases might be low and your child might never need the protection the vaccine offers. However, you would still not want to risk it by not offering protection to your child. Don’t you always make your child wear a seat belt or put him in the car seat, even when you don’t expect there to be an accident? 

For people who raise concerns over the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness, remember that before a vaccine is approved, it goes through rigorous testing to ensure that it is safe and effective. 

Like any other medication, vaccines can cause minor side effects like fever or soreness. Severe long-lasting effects from vaccines are rare. 

Instead of turning a blind eye to anti-vaxxers, it is important to discuss with them to de-bunk their myths. That is the only way to ensure herd immunity.

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