Free Essay: The Vaccine Debate

Vaccines administered against life-threatening pathogens have created a remarkable historical achievement. However, taking a close examination of the 2016 United States presidential elections, mandatory child vaccination was marred with multiple controversial perceptions (Vandersloot 60). Therefore, the paper aims to analyze the controversy surrounding vaccination and whether unvaccinated children should be allowed to participate in school and community-based activities.

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Notably, vaccination has increased over the recent years; however, its genesis is much more than its recent application. Ever since vaccination was scientifically applied and documented, it has shaped not only the healthcare landscape but also the entire field of medicine (Vandersloot 64). The benefits of vaccination have been witnessed across the globe ranging from polio and smallpox prevention to the prevention of cervix and liver cancer. Not to mention, vaccines have significantly influenced the public health sector due to its multiple success, including pathogen prevention, preparing the body against infection, and protecting the entire population. However, not every person is convinced and supports these optimistic benefits of vaccines. Vaccination has not escaped critics as various anti-vaxxers exist. They include parents, religious leaders, and politicians (Day 52). This group of opposers criticizes child vaccination by making such arguments that vaccine is dangerous, ineffective, and unnecessary. However, what remains a concern is whether their perception 'holds water' (Day 52). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has revealed that, while the anti-vaxxers' perceptions are compelling, a more accurate version of vaccination has proved to be significant (Day 58). Every state has put in place regulations, making it necessary for children to be vaccinated before they can go to school. However, parents may opt otherwise due to medical and personal reasons. Vaccine exemption laws vary from state to state. With relaxed vaccine exemption regulations, children can easily get sick faster and may lead to death and infect other children, for instance, the 2019 measles cases that caused many deaths (Day 58).

In conclusion, vaccines have proved to solve multiple public health concerns and hence should be enrolled and implemented for all affected groups of children. Moreover, unvaccinated children should be allowed to participate in school and community activities while encouraging their parents on the importance of getting the vaccination.

Works Cited

Day, M. J. "Vaccine Side Effects: Fact and Fiction." Veterinary Microbiology 117.1 (2006): vol. 6, pp. 51-58. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16701964

Vandersloot, Samantha. "Exploring the Meaning of Pro-Vaccine Activism Across Two Countries." Social Science & Medicine 222 (2019): vol. 2, pp. 59-66. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7659-3