preview

Mandatory Vaccines Necessary Research

Decent Essays

Modern advancements in medicine demonstrate that vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases across the globe. Vaccines protect against deadly diseases and the disabling side effects that result from illness. Since vaccines have become a widespread part of healthcare, the effects of disease are not as prominent as they once were. Because of this, many believe that the risks associated with vaccination outweigh what vaccines prevent. However, despite many myths that vaccinations are unsafe, cause developmental problems like autism, and are unnecessary, vaccines are still necessary to maintain public health for future generations. There is little scientific research to confirm the concerns of vaccine opponents and much research …show more content…

Overtime, vaccines have demonstrated to be one of the most successful and efficient ways to save lives. Liz Szabo, a journalist from USA Today, writes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “vaccines given to infants and young children over the past two decades will prevent 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes”. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has resulted in a 99 percent reduction of measles cases since 1963 and is 97 percent effective at preventing measles with two doses. Beforehand, thousands contracted the disease, were hospitalized, and developed encephalitis; 400 to 500 cases resulted in death (CDC, Measles 2016). Today, the measles vaccine prevents 74 percent of childhood deaths for those who receive the vaccine (ProCon.org Should Any...). Not only is vaccination effective, vaccines are one of the most cost-efficient ways to save lives. Over the span of two decades, vaccines will have saved $295 billion in direct costs like medical expenses and more than $1.3 trillion in societal costs. Because vaccinated children will grow up disease free, their contributions to society will help save money and promote economic growth. Another CDC study showed, “children under five with the flu are contagious for about eight days, and cost their parents an average of 11 to 73 hours of wages (about $222 to $1,456) and $300 to $4,000 in medical expenses” (qtd. ProCon.Org Should Any…). By vaccinating, parents will continue to work rather than lose time and money caring for a sick child. Overall, the economic benefits of vaccinations lead to a more productive society and a more prosperous economy all while saving lives. If people choose to go unvaccinated, they run the risk of being a statistic of those who

Get Access