Image Analysis

     This image shows a small child that has acquired measles.  His parents choose not to vaccinate him because they believed that the disease no longer existed and the vaccine potentially caused autism.  I will state that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics all concluded that scientific evidence proved that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine does not cause Autism.  This is a common misconception that many parents have regarding many of the vaccines out there.  However, it is because so many parents are choosing to not vaccinate that these diseases such as measles, mumps and pertussis have become much more common. 
      In the image, this poor little boy is covered in these large, painful spots.  Not only does he have many complications of the disease (i.e. fever, dry cough, rash); he also has to deal with the physical outcomes.  This child will likely take some time to recover from such a severe rash, as well as likely have scarring.  This would not be so upsetting if the scarring was anywhere else on his body, but his is on his face.  He will have to live with it for the rest of his life.  It's sad to think of this poor child dealing with all these terrible issues simply because his parents choose not to vaccinate him.
      You also consider who this child could of infected as well.  Measles is said to be contagious up to 4 days before the first signs of the disease appear; which means this child was probably at school, day care and playgrounds infecting all sorts of children.  Now lets assume that all the other parents of children this little boy came in contact with chose to vaccinate their children as soon as possible; what about those children that could not yet have the opportunity.  A small infant, for example, may acquired the virus from this child and could now become deathly ill simply because it went to the same day care as this boy.  Parents that choose to not vaccinate their children have that right; however, they also need to realize that their child should then not be allowed to play openly with other children because they could infect others.  By choosing not to vaccinate, you are not just making that choice for your child, but for every child yours comes in contact with. 

Research Question

Is there any evidence to support the claim that vaccinations cause developmental problems in children and if so, do the benefits of inoculations out-way the risks?

    Based on my gut feelings and experiences thus far, I would have to say that there isn't any valid proof thus far against vaccination.  It may be partly because enough research hasn't been done or that there are so many aspects that could potentially affect the outcome.  Also, with the recent outbreaks of diseases that were thought to be pretty much extinct such as pertussis or whooping cough as it is known to most, it seems highly unlikely to me that the risks could possibly out way the benefits.  In my opinion, the reemergence of this old virus may be in large part because of the number of parents choosing to not vaccinate their children.  I challenge a parent that thinks this vaccine is not necessary to see a child with whooping cough and the affects it has on them.   If any parent saw a child coughing so hard that they broke ribs, I’m sure they would reconsider their choice to not vaccinate.   

     I’m sure that those that disagree with vaccinations would have a lot to say to dispute me on the topic.  I’m sure one of their man objections would be that even one child that has developmental problems due to vaccinations is enough of a reason to not inoculate.  To them I say, show me the absolute proof that the vaccine was the direct cause of the developmental problem and I will reconsider my opinion, but until then I’ll continue to be pro-vaccine.   Another argument an anti-vaccine supporter might give is that we don’t actually know what exactly is in most vaccines, until the contents are completely exposed to us, why should we inject our bodies with them.  To this I simply respond that we don’t know all of the ingredients of thousands of foods we put into our bodies either; until you are willing to put that much effort forward to find out what is in the food, then you shouldn't be so judgmental of the vaccines.

     My main goal in writing about this topic is finding legitimate evidence that proves my pro-vaccine stance.   I also want to be able to provide accurate information to those that are asking the questions about vaccinating themselves and their families.  I hope to come out of this experience as an informed, intelligent representative of my cause.

Introduction

      The topic of vaccinations has become more and more controversial in recent years.  Many conditions and issues are being blamed on the ingredients and outcomes of vaccines.  I would like to use this blog to discuss the validity of new information on the topic.  As a health care worker, I believe in vaccines.  I have seen first hand many of the diseases these vaccines prevent and know the severity to which they can affect a patient.  On the other hand, I'm also at the age when I have begun thinking about having a family myself, so I want to know the facts to support my pro vaccination argument.
     Working in the hospital setting, I hear a large amount of information from reliable sources like doctors and nurses who are pro vaccination.  The information that they share makes me wonder why anyone would question vaccines; however, many do.  With the popularity of social media sites, issues that we ourselves may have never thought of, become literally placed in front of our faces.  I want to explore if the information I have seen on the social media sites, discounting the need for vaccines is actually valid.  Through my research, I hope to get answers for myself as well as others; making me completely confident in any decision I make for my future family.