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Why are vaccinations required |
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If one looks at history, apart from wars, the highest rate of death has been due to disease and infection. There have been regular epidemics and even endemics that have taken their toll on human life. Disease and death was an accepted part of everyday life. From children to adults, everyone considered it a natural occurrence and one that was inevitable. Influenza could lead to death as easily as tuberculosis or whooping cough could. And then in the 17th century, Edward Jenner introduced the world to the first vaccination. He used a cowpox virus and immunized humans against smallpox. His methods were probably considered crude and unhygienic according to health standards today. But what he did do was show scientists of his generation and future generations how it was possible to fight disease and infection. He showed a way to vaccinate large numbers of people together in an effective way. From then until now, vaccinations have come a long way. Society in the 17th century wasn't very open to accepting vaccinations. However, over the years, especially since the eradication of small pox in 1977, vaccinations have been welcomed with open arms and everyday new vaccines for old diseases are being
developed. Today we accept vaccinations as a regular feature of our lives. A baby gets more shots in the first 2 yrs of its life than it probably will in the remainder of its life. One of the first things new parents do for their baby is get all the core vaccines given. Often parents also wonder why vaccinations are required. After all, sticking several needles into an infant can be deemed as not very nice. Then there is also the side effect of vaccinations that include a slight fever, a rash, soreness, increased irritability and crankiness and increased crying. The baby is in definite distress. However, there is a very good reason why vaccinations are required. Very simply, vaccinations protect your child from diseases. They provide your child's immune system with the ability to fight infection in the future - something that will probably save his life. Vaccinations such as for Diphtheria and Rubella have saved thousands and millions of lives. Vaccinations may have temporary localised side effects but their long term benefits are far superior. A disease like smallpox that was endemic was eradicated through vaccinations. Polio, which is extremely contagious and can paralyse if not lead in death, has almost been wiped out thanks to vaccinations. Parents can sleep easy knowing that their child is safe from polio, meningitis C, Hib, TB, Measles, Mumps etc all thanks to the vaccinations that have been given. Thus, why vaccinations are required is a very simple question to answer. Precaution is always better than cure. Childhood Vaccination
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