Polio Vaccination Research Paper

Throughout history, epidemics have occurred nationwide, killing thousands of people yearly. When vaccinology began in the late eighteenth century a new medical industry developed. According to Richard A. Stein, an American Biology Teacher said, "Vaccines currently save 3 million children annually, but an additional 2 million children die every year from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases”. All children should be required to be vaccinated to prevent diseases. Epidemics have been occurring since the early fourteenth century with the Black Death in Europe, lasting more than four thousand years (Wilson). As history typically repeats itself, there are steps that need to be taken to prevent epidemics from reoccuring. Parents and guardians need …show more content…
For example, when the polio vaccination was first used to treat and reduce disease in patients, it was given orally. They were administered to children as drops. The drops had the ability to cause polio in one or two children every decade. The vaccine was eventually changed to be administered by injection because it did not show any risk in this form ("GP Gets Straight to"). After the onset of the vaccine, there were only a few outbreaks of polio in society. During this time, statistics had also exhibited an increase in life expectancy worldwide. In perspective, people now had to decide if the side effects from the vaccination were that much greater than contracting the disease and the consequences that would follow. Would a patient rather risk having a disease, such as the measles that can lead to death or would they rather have the vaccination that has proven to prevent disease with the side effects of a small fever or rash for a couple of days (Link 78). Also, because more people are being vaccinated, disease epidemics are not as common. "Vaccination is one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases, and one of the most significant and successful public health interventions in history" (Stein). This allows people to live a longer and healthier life because their immune systems become stronger from vaccinations …show more content…
This has resulted in many parents becoming skeptical about vaccinations; and with good reason. The polio vaccine can increase a child’s chance of developing Autism. The Hepatitis B vaccine can increase the likelihood of developing Bell’s Palsy (Alp, Tan, and Orbak). Vaccines can also cause a lot of negative side effects, from slight discomfort to major illness (Link). There is a long list of vaccines that are mandatory for children to have, prior to entering into school, but due to religious and philosophical beliefs, parents are no longer required to vaccinate their children. Although there is a strong argument against vaccinating children, the benefits will enable children to live a safer, healthier, and less worrisome