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Today with many infectious diseases forming around us, it is only expected that individuals get the proper vaccinations to keep themselves and the people in their communities from being exposed to the infectious diseases. However, with so many potential side effects to vaccinations, that could easily deter one from getting the vaccine. When looking at the potential side effects to these vaccinations it is important to remember the reason for the vaccination in the first place. What are the benefits to getting a vaccination and how do those benefits outweigh the side effects? Also, how will their use effect the future populations? It is important to keep these questions in mind when given the option to get or to turn down a certain vaccination. While some believe that the side effects are just as bad as the disease itself it is important to know the benefits to certain vaccinations and how those vaccinations today can prevent other diseases in the future.

Infectious disease prevention is vital to public health and safety. Each year, it is estimated that vaccines prevent nearly 6 million deaths worldwide (Ehreth 2003, 599). Research estimates that roughly 50,000 adults in the United States die each year from one of ten vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) (Mastrodomenico 2010, 1). As more individuals and communities become vaccinated, it becomes more difficult for diseases to spread and continue to have greater effects populations. As a result, many deadly diseases are becoming eradicated and rare. Additionally, through vaccination, VPDs have “societal and economic costs” which effect morbidity and mortality rates, and can “prevent illness and secondary infections that may cause diseases, preventing hospitalizations, reducing the ...

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...has contributed to economic gain. These benefits have help to demonstrate the overall effectiveness of diseases.

Vaccinations are most effective when used preventatively rather than curatively. Vaccines help to reduce contraction and spread of infectious diseases and lead to healthy populations. With continued use and research, we have and will continue to gain and understanding about how vaccines work and how they can benefit our society, both now and in the future. Although there are minor concerns to consider when choosing whether to become vaccinated, the benefits greatly outweigh the risk involved. Providing vaccines and immunization is a worthy practice that has proven itself over time. With continued administration, we can have safer communities, and help to reduce disease today while working toward the elimination and eradication of diseases in the future.