The Vaccination Dilemma
The Vaccination Dilemma
Maryann Mayfield English 111-01 Professor Bonden December 03, 2007
A look into history reveals that vaccines have always been portrayed as miracle workers, saving millions of people from potentially fatal diseases. What comes to mind is the unbelievable global eradication of smallpox. The 1952 polio vaccine halted the epidemics of paralysis and death of innocent children. The rabies vaccine overturned automatic death sentences. The diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, influenza and countless other vaccines seemed to eliminate the threat of dangerous diseases. It cannot be denied that vaccination has been a seemingly successful fighter of disease. However, under close examination, a very different reality emerges and opposes this view. There is sufficient evidence to question the overall effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccines pose serious environmental and health concerns that cannot remain ignored and unconsidered. There needs to be more education and consideration before vaccines are given. The science behind the function of vaccines is simple. It is based upon the ability of a person’s immune system to respond more effectively to a virus or microorganism the second or third time it is exposed to the organism. The vaccine serum is created from a weakened form of the disease-causing organism. Once the serum is injected, the patient’s immune system responds by creating specific antibodies to fight the organisms. The antibodies attach themselves to foreign cells and destroy them. The theory is that these antibodies remain effective so that any time in the future that the patient’s body is exposed to the full-fledged disease, the antibodies created will once again fight and ward off any danger (“Vaccine,” 2007). The concept seems almost too good to be true. Vaccines seem to provide people with a means of becoming disease-proof. But is this the truth? Do vaccines actually accomplish what they are
Maryann Mayfield English 111-01 Professor Bonden December 03, 2007
A look into history reveals that vaccines have always been portrayed as miracle workers, saving millions of people from potentially fatal diseases. What comes to mind is the unbelievable global eradication of smallpox. The 1952 polio vaccine halted the epidemics of paralysis and death of innocent children. The rabies vaccine overturned automatic death sentences. The diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, influenza and countless other vaccines seemed to eliminate the threat of dangerous diseases. It cannot be denied that vaccination has been a seemingly successful fighter of disease. However, under close examination, a very different reality emerges and opposes this view. There is sufficient evidence to question the overall effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccines pose serious environmental and health concerns that cannot remain ignored and unconsidered. There needs to be more education and consideration before vaccines are given. The science behind the function of vaccines is simple. It is based upon the ability of a person’s immune system to respond more effectively to a virus or microorganism the second or third time it is exposed to the organism. The vaccine serum is created from a weakened form of the disease-causing organism. Once the serum is injected, the patient’s immune system responds by creating specific antibodies to fight the organisms. The antibodies attach themselves to foreign cells and destroy them. The theory is that these antibodies remain effective so that any time in the future that the patient’s body is exposed to the full-fledged disease, the antibodies created will once again fight and ward off any danger (“Vaccine,” 2007). The concept seems almost too good to be true. Vaccines seem to provide people with a means of becoming disease-proof. But is this the truth? Do vaccines actually accomplish what they are
References: Koplow, D. (2003) Smallpox: The Fight to Eradicate the Global Scourge. Miller, N. (2005) Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective! a Parent 's Guide to Childhood Shots Murphy, J. (1995) What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Immunizations. "Vaccine" (2007) Encyclopedia Britannica; Retrieved November 06, 2007, from Encyclopedia Britannic Premium Service. Retrieved November 06, 2007 from the World Wide Web: http:// www