To Vaccinate? Or Not to Vaccinate?

By Seanice Batchman

CMHS Journalism Alum

With different opinions, come different reactions. In science and health classes, the discussion of vaccination causes controversy. From religious reasons to scientific, many have their personal opinions on the subject of vaccinations.

“Because we live in a first world country, we should take advantage of the blessings we have due to medical advancements and technology,” said Jada Jones, a Crete-Monee alum.

Edward Jenner’s invention has prevented diseases from occurring for over 300 years, especially to those who reside in first and some second world countries. What started off as a simple hypothesis to stop smallpox turned into a useful invention to help avoid newly viral infections from altering health.

“If one child does not get vaccinated, many children are affected. Those who are unable to get vaccinated should not have to suffer because of someone who had a choice as to whether or not they should. Their chances of infection are high already,” said senior Raven Mitchell.

Vaccinations are denied because of religious reasons and because many think vaccines are a tool the government use to have an increase in power.

“The government does benefit off of the funding from vaccinations. Those funds go to more medical research to develop the next vaccination that is needed next flu season,” said Laryssa Rogers, a former Crete-Monee student.

Internet discussion on vaccinations are discussed daily. No matter how humorous these comments may seem, truth lies within these articles.

“Measles, smallpox, lifetime shingles after chicken pox, polio, and H1N1 will be only a few of the diseases that will reoccur if vaccinations aren’t a popular practice anymore,” Mitchell said, “vaccinating your children does not lead to any genetic modification as people are lead to believe. Vaccinations don’t lead to obesity as science has before proven. Kids need to be vaccinated.”

The process of vaccinations are simple and are quite harmless. A small sample of the virus is injected into the body. After the white blood cells attack that virus, the body cannot get that same disease again. Immunity occurs.

Those who aren’t vaccinated will be exposed to deadly viruses. Many deaths have occurred because of their personal choice of not being vaccinated. According to NBCnews, the article said, “at least three quarters of kids who died from the flu in 2010-2014 were not vaccinated.”

The internet will continue to disagree on the benefits and consequences of vaccinations. Science and statistics have shown that vaccinating children has done more good than harm for over 200 years.