To Immunize or Not to Immunize....

​August is Vaccination Awareness Month which for some is a big deal, and depending on which side of the fence you stand on vaccinations may be a good thing or a bad thing.

I took the time to do a little research on the topic and came across a very interesting article on Vaccines.PorCon.org. Now, before I begin sharing the information that I found, I want to say that I am sharing this brief bit of information while standing on both sides of the fence, in other words, regardless of my views I want appear to be as unbiased as possible….my views will not reflect in this blog post.

So, how many of you believe that children should absolutely get all of their shots in order to go to school and partake in social activities with other children??? How many of you believe that it is not necessary??? Do you believe that it is safer for the child and others if they are vaccinated or do you believe that vaccinations put your child at risk of other illnesses??? One more question…is it a law that forces us to vaccinate our children or is it personal/political dogma?

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For the sake of not making this post too long (which is a bit difficult considering the importance), I am going to make a “Pros and Cons Arguments” list, then I am going to make a “Did You Know” list. Once I’ve done that then I will end the post by asking….with the information you have now, what would you do? And remember, this information comes from Vaccines.ProCon.org so if there is anything you’d like to know outside of my post please visit their website; it’s a great site with tons of information!

Pros Arguments:    ​
​Vaccines can save children’s lives – (90-99% effective in preventing disease)  
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​Ingredients in vaccines are safe in the amount (see Vaccines.ProCon.org for more details) 

​Vaccines protect the “herd”, meaning the community of immunity, protect from those who are unable to be vaccinated

​Vaccines protect future generations (mothers protect their children)   

​Vaccines eradicated smallpox and nearly eradicated other diseases 

​Vaccine preventable diseases still exist 

Cons Arguments:
​Vaccines can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects (visit Vaccines.ProCon.org for more details)

​Vaccines contain harmful ingredients (ex. Aluminum formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and more; visit Vaccines.ProCon.org for more details)
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Vaccines include ingredients that some consider ​immoral 

​​Vaccines are unnatural, natural immunity is more  effective (visit Vaccines.ProCon.org or more details)

​Pharmaceutical companies, FDA and CDC can’t be trusted

​Diseases that vaccines target are relatively harmless

Did You Know: 
***All 50 states in the US REQUIRE vaccinations for students in order for them to enter the public schools (there are however 48 states that permit religious exemptions and 19 for philosophical reasons?

***Although all 50 states REQUIRE vaccinations, there are no mandatory federal vaccination laws?

***Center for Disease Control reported that between 1994 and 2014, 732,000 children were saved from death and 322 million illnesses were prevented due to vaccinations?
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***There are approximately 30,000 cases of adverse reactions to vaccines reported each year since 1990 and 10-15% of these cases were considered serious (permanent disability, life threatening illness, or death)?

Okay…so there you have it! A list of pros and cons that are the center of today’s argument, as well as a few facts to consider. If you are a parent trying to decide what is best for your child, please do your research. Don’t forget to visit Vaccines.ProCon.org. They share some great information. Making decisions such as this can be the foundation of your child’s health and well-being. Best wishes!

It takes a village! Enjoy today! 

Mrs. Tomaro Pilgrim, MSC, MSHS, HS-BCP