Aug 23 2008
Weekend News - Vaccine Controversy
This story hit a couple of days ago but it has generated quite a controversy and a larger social discussion about the necessity of vaccinating children. Although there are various reaction articles, the specific piece that I’m responding to (the first one I read) came from MSNBC and is posted here.
The issue is whether or not parents should vaccinate their kids and the implications of higher number of parents opting out of the vaccines. Doctors are concerned that large percentages of kids who are not vaccinated will contribute to outbreaks of diseases such as measles. Outbreaks are becoming more frequent and are centered around non-vaccinated populations. In addition, they suggest that large percentages of non-vaccinated children who are susceptible to an outbreak can potentially infect already vaccinated children if their immunity to the disease has waned.
Parents who don’t want to vaccinate argue that it is their choice and that the potential dangers of the vaccines outweigh the risks of getting the disease (or getting a serious case of the disease when referring to illnesses such as measles or chicken pox).
It’s a tough issue and both sides seem to make compelling arguments. I chose to have my son vaccinated because I believed the benefits outweighed the risk. I know one parent who decided to opt out of the vaccines for her daughter because she believed they were not necessary. It seems to me that the medical arguments for vaccinating are more compelling than the minimal risks involved. That said, I also don’t believe in mandating lifestyle and health choices so I respect the decision not vaccinate as the right of the parents.
