Many parents vaccinate their children to keep them safe from many diseases. However, some parents choose not to. Vaccines have been pretty controversial, and there have been many rumors about them. Parents can choose whether their kids are vaccinated or not. It is recommended that parents ask questions and talk to their healthcare provider before deciding against vaccinating their kids.
How do Vaccines work?
A vaccine's purpose is to train your immune system so it can identify and fight viruses or bacteria. In order to do this, certain molecules from the pathogen must enter the body through a vaccine. This causes the body to trigger an immune response. (publichealth.org) They remember the bacteria/virus and how to produce antibodies to combat it. Next time the virus enters the body, it will identify it and quickly attempt to fight it. The body would be a lot more prepared to fight a virus/bacteria if it had been trained before (through a vaccine).
What is herd immunity?
Vaccines not only protect the person but they protect the people around them. If enough people are vaccinated, the probability of outbreak will lower significantly. Not everyone can be immunized; some immune systems can be too weak for vaccines. If the people that can be vaccinated are vaccinated, then they will be protecting the people that can't be.
Are they safe?
Vaccines are safe. They are tested many times and are not released to the public until they are as safe as can be. The United States has the safest vaccine supply ever. If there are any side effects, they tend to be mild. Vaccines help the body stay safe from extremely dangerous (even deadly) diseases. So the mild side effects that vaccines may cause are better than the pain and potential disability from the diseases for almost all children / people. If a person develops a severe allergy from a vaccine, they would need to be protected by herd immunity. (cdc.gov)
Aren't vaccines linked to autism?
No, studies have shown that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. People have suggested that thimerosal and the MMR vaccine might cause autism. Scientist still research the vaccine and find no link between the two. (cdc.gov)
In conclusion, vaccines are safe and have a great effect on disease prevention. Every child is different, so if a parent still has questions, they should talk to their child's doctor.
For More Information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/index.html
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