Importance Of Vaccinations

The importance of vaccinations on children

Vaccines are essential for people of all ages, however, it is essential that children start receiving vaccines at a young age. The clearest reason why children should receive vaccines is because vaccines substantially decrease a person 's likelihood of getting that specific disease. If a child does not get vaccinated, then they are more susceptible to becoming ill from diseases that could have been prevented. It is important to start vaccinating children at a young age, as they most likely have not been exposed to certain deadly diseases. Many people believe that children being vaccinated have many risks associated due to the vaccines, however, the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks. It is also important for parents of children to realize and understand that vaccinations are not linked to autism, and if a child gets a vaccine, they will not become autistic. Another common concern, in regards to vaccinations in young children, is that they will disrupt their immune system, which is not the case. Childhood vaccinations not only can save your own child’s life but “ saves 33,000 lives in the United States alone” each year (“Why Should I Vaccinate My Child?” n.d.). Vaccinations not only protect children but also the people who are around those children.

Herd immunity

When a large majority of a community is vaccinated, the likelihood of an outbreak of disease is substantially decreased. Herd immunity protects those who are not vaccinated. These people can either be unvaccinated by choice or for medical or religious purposes. The more vaccinated people within a community, the more protection against that certain disease for the unvaccinated. Another important aspect of herd immunity “is determined by the maturity and strength of an individual’s immune system” (“Herd Immunity,”