Charles-Edward Winslow defined public health (CDC, 2012) as “the science …show more content…
Due to the increased access to immunizations over time we have seen a significant decline in vaccine preventable diseases. Consequently, this can result in a false sense of security that a particular disease is under control and has led some parents to question whether the risk of immunizing their children is necessary. The measles, mumps, and rubella are examples of vaccine preventable diseases and remain part of the immunization controversy. We continue to see many people die from the measles today due to nonadherence to recommended immunizations, which is due in part to concerns for the safety of the vaccine and education (Omer et al., 2009). …show more content…
Many diseases are passed from person to person and immunizations provide protection not only for the individual but the community as well. As the rates for vaccine preventable diseases has declined so has public awareness as to the reasons why it is important to maintain high immunization rates. By increasing evidence based education we can prepare individuals to make better informed decisions regarding immunizations.
In conclusion, vaccinology has been one of the greatest developments in medicine and in turn has decreased infant mortality rates of vaccine preventable diseases (Greydanus & Gibson, 2015). It is imperative that health care provider, health care systems, local and state governments and public health work continue to work in collaboration to push through funding barriers, develop and implement immunization policies and to thwart off anti-vaccine movements by educating the public. Immunizations will continue to be an ongoing debate between individual rights and what is in the best interest of the public.