Immunization was one of the top medical advancements of the 20th century because it led to a dramatic decline in the incidence of serious childhood illnesses. Vaccines prevented diseases that once caused death in children, including measles and polio. However, as the threat of these diseases was forgotten, new concerns over vaccination led to a three-percent decline in vaccination rates by 2010. Parents question the practice of immunization for many reasons, including fears of possible links to autism that have proven to be false. Nevertheless, some parents are opting out of vaccination. Thousands of children nationwide are now unvaccinated, which presents new public health concerns. If your child has never been immunized, you face several important issues.
Catching Up the Schedule
Parents who wish to have their children fully immunized can do so, regardless of the factors that previously prevented full compliance with the standard vaccination schedule. Because vaccination is a major public health concern, most local health departments offer immunizations for free or at a low cost. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a catch-up schedule for children who missed some or all of the vaccines in the standard schedule.
School Exemptions
Although every state requires a series of childhood immunizations for school entrance, most states offer some form of exemption for parents who choose to opt out of the vaccination requirement. Every state offers medical exemptions for children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Many other states also offer philosophical exemptions for parents who disagree with the practice of vaccination; some states offer religious exemptions for those whose religious beliefs conflict with immunization.
Susceptibility to Illness
Immunization works on a principle called herd immunity, which means that diseases are eradicated when the majority of a population is vaccinated. Although widespread immunization does decrease the incidence of illness, children who have never been immunized are still at risk of contracting diseases. As of June 2011, many childhood diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, are returning after periods of eradication because of decreased vaccination rates.
Immune Boosting
If you are choosing not to vaccinate your child, it is important to boost your child's immune system to make it easier for them to fight any illnesses they may contract. Boost your child's immune system by limiting her consumption of sugar and fast food. Increase her intake of fresh fruits and vegetables; ensure that she gets adequate sleep.
References
- Live Science: Myths Fuel Dangerous Decisions to Not Vaccinate Children
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines: Recommendations and Schedules
- National Conference of State Legislatures: School Immunization Exemption State Laws
- USA Today: Childhood Diseases Return As Parents Refuse Vaccines
