Many people in the U.S. do not understand the meaning and positive effects of a child 's recommended vaccines. Vaccines are described by many as the best way parents can protect their child (ern) from many harmful diseases and viruses (Protect Every Age). Some parents may even ask, 'What is a vaccine, really? '. Family Doctor describes a vaccine as a "weakened version of a virus or versions that look like the virus so when germs enter the body, the immune system recognizes …show more content…
The proactive treatment for the flu is a flu shot or a nasal spray. This vaccine contains versions of the virus that looks like the real flu infection. Some individuals claim that they were infected with the flu because of the shot or spray but studies show that this is impossible (Family Doctor). The positive effects of these various vaccines listed above and many others are enormous. One of the obvious reasons would be the disease prevention created by vaccines. These vaccines prevent disease, disability, and death. The vaccines not only protect the child and their well-being but the community around them (Risks vs. Benefits).
The statistics show a 95% decrease of preventable diseases since vaccines have been mandated. For example, in 1951-1954, 16,316 cases of wild polio existed and in 1991, polio by wild type was eliminated from the Western hemisphere. In 1998, the Hib vaccine administered to pre-school children reduced the amount of cases by more than 99%. Another example is how rubella is now almost no threat to society while in 1965 there were approximately 20,000 cases of rubella (Risks vs.