According to Harvard Medical School, Edward Jenner who was a country physician from England created the first vaccine in 1796. Jenner developed the small pox vaccine, which changed the course of this deadly disease. Since that time, many other researchers and physicians have developed other vaccines. Vaccines have both pros and cons when it come to the health of your child and some parents are struggling with making the decision to vaccinate.
Pro: Reducing Mortality
According to Health Guidance, utilizing vaccines can reduce the mortality rate for your child. In fact, Medical News reports that the use of vaccines prevents up to 33,000 deaths every year, as shown in a 2003 study of researchers at the Pediatric Academic Society. Harvard Medical School reports that vaccinations have helped to lower the rate of childhood deaths worldwide. Some deadly disease can even disappear from our scope all together. In fact, Healthy People reports that vaccines eradicated diseases such as smallpox.
Pro: Prevent Contagious Disease
Healthy People reports that many diseases that were once quite common are now preventable. According to the Medical News, a 2003 study by researchers at the Pediatric Academic Society showed that childhood vaccines prevent 10.5 million cases of infectious diseases. According to Harvard Medical School, early vaccination can protect your child when they are the most vulnerable to dangerous diseases. In addition, Harvard Medical School also reports that vaccinations can benefit the entire community because they can cause your child's immune system to speed up and stop your child from becoming contagious to others or even shorten the length of time your child is contagious.
Con: Side Effects
According to Family Doctor, some vaccines can cause mild or temporary side effects, which include a fever, soreness or a lump underneath the skin of the vaccination site. In fact, Medical News reports that since 1990 there have been 30,000 cases of adverse reactions to vaccines. Furthermore, Medical News reports that thirteen percent of these side effects have resulted in disability, life threatening illness, hospitalization, or even death. Side effects can worsen if your child is sick when the physician administers the vaccine. Family Doctor reports that your children can suffer from a serious reaction to vaccines and need to be watched very carefully when they are receiving their first vaccines. If you have any concerns about vaccinations that your child received, you should immediately consult your physician.
References
- Harvard Medical School: Vaccines and Your Health
- Health Guidance: The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Children
- Family Doctor: Childhood Vaccines: What they are and why Your Child Needs Them
- The Medical News: Vaccination for Children: Pros and Cons: January 23, 2010
- Healthy People: Leading Health Indicators
