Why Vaccinations should be Compulsory

Vaccination Should be Made Compulsory for Children 1. Universal vaccinations should be made compulsory for children because they are essential for the maintenance of public health and the prevention of future epidemics. Example: The eradication of polio is a good example of a disease that harmed or killed tens of thousands of Americans within living memory (Five important reasons to vaccinate your child, 2018). Statistics: According to the U.S.

government, during the first half of the 20th century, polio represented one of the most feared diseases in the country, accounting for tens of thousands of cases of paralysis and accelerated death (Five reasons to vaccinate your child, 2018). Result: Since the introduction of vaccinations, however, there have been no reports of polio in the United States in recent years (Five important reasons to vaccinate your child, 2018).

In some other countries such as Pakistan, the picture is not so bright and the people in at least two other countries besides continue to struggle with the provision of universal vaccinations for their populations in order to meet the public health goal of global polio eradication (Khowaja and Khan, 2014). Conclusion: Universal vaccinations are essential to protect the public health and to prevent future epidemics of deadly diseases. 2. Universal vaccinations should be made compulsory for children because they protect them from common diseases that could otherwise harm or kill them.

Example: Although some diseases such as smallpox have been completely eradicated from the face of the earth, the potential for children to contract other diseases that could harm or kill them remains a significant risk without vaccinations (Five reasons to vaccinate your child, 2018). Statistics: Fully 10% of children around the world fail to receive any vaccinations at all (Global health observatory data, 2018).

Result: The World Health Organization estimates that more than 134,000 children die from the otherwise-preventable disease measles each year, a statistic that translates into 15 deaths every hour of every day (Global health observatory data, 2018). Conclusion: Although the mortality due to diseases such as measles has been reduced significantly in recent years, compulsory vaccinations could help save an additional 1.5 millions of lives each year (Global health observatory data, 2018). 3. Universal vaccinations have been shown to be safe and effective.

Example: Despite concerns over the connection between vaccinations and various outcomes such as autism, brain damage, learning disabilities and other disorders (Brown, 2011), the research to date confirms that administered according to the prescribed schedule, vaccinations are safe and effective (Five reasons to vaccinate your child, 2018). Statistics: More than 92% of American parents have their children vaccinated according to the prescribed schedule of administration (Brown, 2011). Result: Many diseases that once ravaged the public health are no longer threats (Brown, 2011).

Conclusion: Vaccinations are a safe and effective strategy for helping young people live longer and healthier lives. 1. Parents should have the final decision-making authority concerning what type of health care services and interventions their child receives. Example: Notwithstanding medical evidence to the contrary, some parents are reluctant to have their children vaccinated due to unresolved concerns over potential adverse health consequences (Brown, 2011). Statistics: Nearly 8% of American parents refuse to have their children vaccinated (Brown, 2011).

Result: The above statistics mean that approximately 58 million children in the United States are currently unvaccinated (U.S. people, 2018) with no apparent adverse effects identified to date. Conclusion: Parents are the best judges of what type of health care services their children should receive. 2. Clinicians routinely administer too many vaccinations at the same time to be regarded as safe. Example: Children routinely receive a combination of vaccinations at the same time that may have unexpected or unforeseen consequences (Recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents, 2018).

Statistics: There remains a dearth of longitudinal studies that have focused on the long-term effects of the administration of combinations of vaccinations. Result: Growing numbers of parents are concerned about the adverse health effects of vaccinations, most especially when administered in various combinations at the same time. Conclusion: There is a need for additional research to confirm or refute the long-term safety of vaccinations as currently administered. 3. Vaccinations are already compulsory for the receipt of many governmental services.

Example: States can prevent children from attending public schools if their vaccinations are not up to date (Brown, 2011). Statistics: Approximately 8% of American parents elect to make alternative educational.