Advances in preventative medicine have led to some of the greatest decreases in child mortality rates in existence. The development of immunisations has led to an increase in average life expectancy across the modern world since its inception, crushing once devastating diseases. Unfortunately however, the development of movements against vaccinations have also led to the inception of certain subcultures which are against vaccinations. Although the safety of vaccines receive far more advertising and attention than vaccine effectiveness, The World Health Organisation have shown that vaccinations are safer than traditional medicine. (Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, 2003) Studies into the effects of immunisations have shown that immunisation
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One example of this is Tetanus. Tetanus is described by Better Health Victoria (2015) as “ a serious bacterial disease that causes muscle spasms and breathing problems.” Without the vaccine, those who are afflicted by tetanus may find themselves struggling to breath and swallow with painful convulsions. However, longer term issues can include respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart attack and blood pressure issues. The cost of which to support is a huge detriment to family and tax payers. Treatment for tetanus includes, hospitalisation, life support, vaccination and introducing antitoxins into the body. These are all far more expensive than just the vaccination itself. Both in terms of family, and tax payers. In which Thousands of dollars are spent on helping people who refused to be vaccinated. However the most important thing to be considered is the value of life, the cost of not immunising someone could be their life. This is an ethical decision that must be faced.
However it can be argued that the immense cost of supporting a child effected by the adverse effects of immunisation is far more costly than the bills associated with assisting a child effected by the disease. Issues such as seizures as a side effect of immunisations that are on going and require medication are actually more expensive than dealing with diseases such as the flu and chickenpox when they come up instead of getting . Lastly though, it must be considered ethically, the risk of losing a life should be weighed against religious and subculture
One example of this is Tetanus. Tetanus is described by Better Health Victoria (2015) as “ a serious bacterial disease that causes muscle spasms and breathing problems.” Without the vaccine, those who are afflicted by tetanus may find themselves struggling to breath and swallow with painful convulsions. However, longer term issues can include respiratory failure, pneumonia, heart attack and blood pressure issues. The cost of which to support is a huge detriment to family and tax payers. Treatment for tetanus includes, hospitalisation, life support, vaccination and introducing antitoxins into the body. These are all far more expensive than just the vaccination itself. Both in terms of family, and tax payers. In which Thousands of dollars are spent on helping people who refused to be vaccinated. However the most important thing to be considered is the value of life, the cost of not immunising someone could be their life. This is an ethical decision that must be faced.
However it can be argued that the immense cost of supporting a child effected by the adverse effects of immunisation is far more costly than the bills associated with assisting a child effected by the disease. Issues such as seizures as a side effect of immunisations that are on going and require medication are actually more expensive than dealing with diseases such as the flu and chickenpox when they come up instead of getting . Lastly though, it must be considered ethically, the risk of losing a life should be weighed against religious and subculture