Vaccines: Annotated Bibliography: Vaccines

Annotated Bibliography: Vaccines Vaccine safety is one of the most controversial topics in today’s public discourse. Everyone has heard of them, but few know why they are so encouraged. A vaccine contains a weak or dead version of a microbe. This creates a small scale invasion of the immune system, which activates cells to destroy the microbe. Once these cells have been made they are always there to provide protection. This protection is immunity, for those cells are then able to recognize any live version of the same microbe and attack it immediately. This can save lives but also be dangerous, vaccines carry many other components which can cause side effects. These could be simple adverse effects such as a small cold or, in the rare case,

2013. ¨The Benefits of Vaccination Outweigh the Risks¨ addresses the pros and cons of vaccination, weighing the possible side effects of different vaccines against the possible benefits. The article argues that the small chance of side effects is worth the protection a vaccine provides. Claiming that the prevented diseases usually result in many more serious illnesses or deaths than the vaccines do. The article uses clearly presented evidence to support claims in favor of vaccinations while also acknowledging that choosing to vaccinate is up to the individual. The article’s information is presented with the goal of informing a reader on vaccines. The evidence is statistical and unbiased, showing data on both side effects and disease prevention, providing rates of death and serious illness from both sides. This evidence is sourced from a variety of medical organizations and seems reliable, logical, and easily understood, no language that would inspire an emotional response is used. The validity of studies is not mentioned in the article, but it does encourage readers to investigate further to help make a decision. The article allows a reader to analyze the presented evidence and come to their own

2013. The article “People Should Not Be Allowed to Refuse Vaccination” focuses on the dangers people who choose not to vaccinate are opening to others. The argument stems from the ease with which disease can spread through an unvaccinated community and the threat this poses to those who cannot vaccinate. Because of this danger the author of the article believes vaccination should not be left to choice, but required for the good of public safety. The author is trying to persuade readers to his opinion that vaccinations should be required. The majority of the claims are opinion based, with factual evidence used as support. The logical argument of preventing deaths via vaccinations is used, however the article is also purposely introducing fear and guilt. The facts used could sway a reader to the author’s side by making them fear the other option. The article argues it is a citizen's responsibility to be vaccinated, and that not doing so could hurt innocent bystanders. Both these statements conduce an emotional response. The evidence use to support the article is supported by similar facts from other sources but is not well cited within the article nor is an opposing viewpoint addressing the possible consequences of vaccinating mentioned.The information is clearly presented but is meant to create an emotional reaction and does not cite many direct sources or address the opposing