Today, the number of infectious diseases is growing due to the emergence of new and the mutation of old pathogens. The resistance of microorganisms to modern antiviral medicines increases as well. Children are particularly susceptible to infections, which are facilitated by incompletely formed immunity. The main danger of infectious diseases among children is the risk of serious complications, which can significantly affect the further development of the body and cause changes that remain until the end of life (Petrelli et al., 2018). Vaccination is one of the most debatable topics since many arguments for and against immunization confuse young parents who want to take the right decision. Despite many debates, immunization is the most reliable way to protect people against infectious diseases, and any vaccination is much safer than illness.
Some people believe that vaccines have outlived their purpose, and nowadays there are fewer infections. This is due to an increase in herd immunity and the development of adequate treatment methods. However, humanity has defeated only smallpox, which has been completely eradicated (Petrelli et al., 2018). The pathogens of other infectious diseases have not disappeared and people still contact them in large quantities, therefore the lack of acquired immunity can be dangerous. Although vaccine-preventable diseases have become rare in many countries, pathogens still exist, so in today’s globalized world, they can infect anyone who is not protected. Thus, measles outbreaks were noted among the unvaccinated population in Western Europe, as well as in the United States (Petrelli et al., 2018). The absence of the disease or its milder form is a more favorable outcome than the development of a serious form of illness, even if the correct antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
Besides eliminating smallpox, mass immunization has made a huge contribution to reducing the incidence of other infectious diseases, such as poliomyelitis, tuberculous meningitis, tetanus, and measles. The frequency of mumps, rubella, whooping cough, diphtheria, and their complications has sharply decreased (Jolley & Douglas, 2017). The diseases that are vaccinated in the first year of a child’s life are especially dangerous, so it is important to protect children as early as possible, preventing the development of serious illness (Jolley & Douglas, 2017). The vaccination of children, especially with hematologic diseases, helps to avoid many fatal outcomes. Modern vaccines can significantly reduce the incidence of acute infectious diseases with a minimum of adverse reactions.
Opponents often think that vaccines do not help to fight infections, or the effect is minimal and does not justify the risk of complications. They also say that vaccines contain salts of heavy metals that inhibit child development (Petrelli et al., 2018). Although these components are included in some vaccines in minimal quantities, they can in no way affect the child’s health. Serious complications are rare and are usually associated with incorrect vaccine preparation or a decrease in immunity. To prevent these problems, a temporary medical exemption is introduced and children are vaccinated only when they are healthy. Mild adverse effects in the form of dizziness, nausea, a slight increase in body temperature quickly pass and do not pose a health hazard.
Immunization is safe since all licensed vaccines are thoroughly tested. Once they are marketed, they are regularly subject to repeated screening. Scientists constantly monitor various sources for data on possible adverse effects after vaccination. In most cases, reactions, such as pain in the arm or a slightly elevated temperature, are usually minor and quickly disappear. Children are more likely to be seriously affected by disease than the vaccine itself. For example, polio can lead to paralysis, Haemophilus infinfluenzan result in cognitive impairment, and rubella can cause birth defects (Jolley & Douglas, 2017). The benefits of vaccination are more visible than the risks, and without proper immunization, there would be more cases of various infectious diseases.
Some people appeal to bioethics and the individual’s rights, believing that the adult person must decide whether he or she wants to be vaccinated or not. However, since the main period of vaccination takes place in childhood when the responsibility for the child’s health lies on parents, this creates problems for immunization (Petrelli et al., 2018). Vaccination in adulthood significantly increases the risk of diseases since children are most likely to get infections. Antibodies produced for the vaccine are identical to the antibodies formed on the disease causative agent. Due to the introduction of attenuated strains of pathogens or immunoglobulins, the child either does not get ill or experience mild symptoms (Petrelli et al., 2018). Vaccines cause an immune response, but without the development of illness or the risk of complications. On the contrary, the cost of acquiring immunity through a real infection may be too high.
Parents have the primary responsibility for medical decisions like immunization. They have the right to decide whether to do it or not, while the children are under their care. However, they should know that after the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, the number of diseases, previously spread around the planet, has significantly decreased. Vaccination is a powerful means of preventing dangerous infectious diseaseFreedomdom of choice is an integral part of modern society, but human lives should not be endangered, and mass immunization can avoid irreversible epidemics. The success of vaccination programs depends on the willingness of everyone to contribute to universal well-being.
References
Jolley, D., & Douglas, K. M. (2017). Prevention is better than cure: Addressing anti‐vaccine conspiracy theories. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 47(8), 459-469.
Petrelli, F., Contratti, C. M., Tanzi, E., & Grappasonni, I. (2018). Vaccine hesitancy, a public health problem. Annali di igiene: Medicina preventiva e di comunità, 30(2), 86-103.