Persuasive Essay On Vaccines

In the two centuries that vaccinations have been available, over a dozen of what used to be the most common infectious disease have practically been eliminated. Diphtheria, polio and smallpox have been completely eradicated with H. Influenza, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Tetanus and Rubella in a close second (Culp-Ressler). There has been an abundant amount of disagreement over the ethics, morality, safety and effectiveness of vaccinations, especially in children. Every parent is worried for their child’s health; however, this fear can go in numerous directions. While some parents are convinced that vaccines have been created to prevent the human-to-human transmitted disease, others are confident that it’s the vaccinations
The most obvious reason to get a child vaccinated is that it could save this child’s life. Some diseases that once wounded or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated entirely, while others are close to extinction. This is a result of safe and effective vaccines. Children are now protected against more diseases than ever before due to advances in medical science. Vaccines not only protect the vaccinated child, but also other children and loved ones around. Disease and sickness are still out in the world. In fact, resurgences of some vaccines-preventable diseases have resurfaced over the past few years (“Five Important Reasons”). With these diseases at door steps, it is important to have children vaccinated for the sole purpose of protecting many newborns and babies who are too young to be sheltered by vaccines. Vaccinated children also protect others who may not be capable of receiving certain vaccinations due to allergies, or weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia. Vaccinated children will not only protect these people, but can also help prevent the spread of diseases to family, friends, loved ones, and even future generations. When a mother is vaccinated, the risk of her passing this virus down to her fetus or newborn is drastically decreased along with birth defects that are associated with the disease. These vaccines are also very safe along with their effectiveness. “Vaccinations are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors and healthcare professionals” (“Five Important Reasons”). Some vaccines do have minimal side effects; however, this is minor compared to the pain, discomfort, and suffering that vaccine-preventable disease may