One of the many arguments individuals against vaccines believe is that building immunity through vaccinations is not how immunization would happen in nature. They argue that the chemicals in vaccines are harmful and can potentially develop various other dangerous diseases or disabilities. Often, natural immunity can provide more complete protection from viruses than vaccines, and many parents feel more comfortable leaving immunization up to nature than to risk anything going askew. One common rumor leading to the increase in anti-vacciners is that vaccinations, and the chemicals contained inside, can lead to autism. Parents who wish to not vaccinate their children because of claims such as these would rather choose to opt out of vaccinations
…show more content…
The 2015 article by the New York Times states, "Three years have passed since a case of type three wild polio virus has been detected in the world, which means thats particular viral subtype has most likely disappeared forever" (McNeil). Type three wild polio is an excellent example of what could be if the vast majority of the population kept up on the recommended vaccines. Likely, this subtype of polio would not have been eradicated if people chose to continue to opt out of the prescribed vaccination. The disappearance of type three polio is proof that vaccines do work and can completely contain the spread of a virus until that virus is essentially eliminated from the world. A 2014 article by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services observes that in 1963, before the measles immunization program started in the United States, roughly three to four million people would contract the measles yearly; after widespread use of the vaccine, however, the United States has seen a reduction in measles cases greater than 99 percent (Measles History). Vaccines that have a high effectiveness rate, like the measles, can see a massive reduction in outbreaks if continued use of the vaccine is apparent. After prolonged use of vaccines, these once common viruses can become a rarity. Once a virus reaches the point of having little to no outbreaks, it becomes easier to keep that virus contained until it is virtually gone for good. Sadly, diseases can easily become relevant again when communities become lax in regards to getting vaccinated. When specific viruses look like they are on the brink of extinction, more people are likely to opt out of that vaccine because it is no longer seen as a threat as a result of the low rate at which people are infected. This is how various threatening diseases, like the measles,
The 2015 article by the New York Times states, "Three years have passed since a case of type three wild polio virus has been detected in the world, which means thats particular viral subtype has most likely disappeared forever" (McNeil). Type three wild polio is an excellent example of what could be if the vast majority of the population kept up on the recommended vaccines. Likely, this subtype of polio would not have been eradicated if people chose to continue to opt out of the prescribed vaccination. The disappearance of type three polio is proof that vaccines do work and can completely contain the spread of a virus until that virus is essentially eliminated from the world. A 2014 article by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services observes that in 1963, before the measles immunization program started in the United States, roughly three to four million people would contract the measles yearly; after widespread use of the vaccine, however, the United States has seen a reduction in measles cases greater than 99 percent (Measles History). Vaccines that have a high effectiveness rate, like the measles, can see a massive reduction in outbreaks if continued use of the vaccine is apparent. After prolonged use of vaccines, these once common viruses can become a rarity. Once a virus reaches the point of having little to no outbreaks, it becomes easier to keep that virus contained until it is virtually gone for good. Sadly, diseases can easily become relevant again when communities become lax in regards to getting vaccinated. When specific viruses look like they are on the brink of extinction, more people are likely to opt out of that vaccine because it is no longer seen as a threat as a result of the low rate at which people are infected. This is how various threatening diseases, like the measles,