By routinely immunizing populations around the world, health professionals have completely eradicated diseases such as smallpox, and have achieved the near-disappearance of illnesses such as polio, yet many adults refuse to vaccinate themselves and their children.
By routinely immunizing populations around the world, health professionals have completely eradicated diseases such as smallpox, and have achieved the near-disappearance of illnesses such as polio, yet many adults refuse to vaccinate themselves and their children.
Vaccines are an essential agent in maintaining the general welfare of a community. They save millions of lives each year by preventing widespread epidemics and protecting the public from a multitude of harmful diseases and the often-fatal complications that are linked to them.
It is our responsibility to remain up-to-date on our vaccinations in order to diminish the risk of contracting preventable illnesses. Living in a community requires adhering by a social contract, and being vaccinated for the most serious and common illnesses promotes a healthier environment where fewer people are sick, reducing the probability that contagious diseases spread.
Having the foresight to become immunized against diseases does not just spare one the unpleasantness of being sick — it reduces the chances individuals are burdened with medical expenses or overcome by the stress of having someone close to them gravely ill.
Some individuals cannot be vaccinated due to allergies to some vaccine components, or individuals often may have a medical condition, such as cancer, weakening their immune systems and making vaccination dangerous. It is understandable for such individuals to remain un-vaccinated, however the majority of the population should still maintain a current vaccination regimen.
There are risks to becoming vaccinated for healthy individuals, but the consequences of contracting preventable diseases and illnesses are far worse than most of the vaccines’ side effects. It is less likely to experience an adverse reaction to a vaccine than it is to contract a preventable illness.
Neglecting to get vaccinated can cause a resurgence of diseases contracted during childhood, which can be especially dangerous and potentially fatal for the elderly. The resurgence of easily-preventable diseases such as pertussis — or whooping cough — is also an issue, with the CDC having recorded more than 48 thousand reported cases in 2012.
The Catholic Church teaches that the well-being of a society depends on the welfare of its inhabitants, and by maintaining individual health through staying up-to-date on vaccinations, this societal obligation ensuring the community remains healthy is fulfilled.
A larger awareness of the importance of getting all medically-recommended vaccinations needs to be promoted throughout the general public. As a community, it is our responsibility to make sure we are up-to-date on all vaccinations in order to foster a healthy and vibrant atmosphere for everybody.
