The Pros and Cons of Immunization Shots for Babies
Discussions over immunizations for babies has become a bit of a hot topic lately. Up until recently, parents just accepted as fact the necessity of immunizations, especially those children old enough to enter nurseries, preschool, and kindergarten. The controversy focuses on the notion that not only are these immunizations not needed but they also cause serious side effects.
Should They or Shouldn't They
What are these parents, who only want the best for their children, to do? In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the legal authority of state governments to pass laws requiring citizens living in the state to use smallpox vaccines (or other vaccines) if the state considers mass use of the vaccine necessary to protect the "public health". It's law so isn't that enough? After all, 108 years is a long time to determine if vaccines are or are not good practice. Or maybe not?
There are 25 recommended shots in the first 15 months of life. These shots immunize against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, rotavirus, polio, hepatitis B, and other diseases. That is indeed a long list of diseases. Diseases that do kill.
Of course, after receiving a vaccination/vaccinations there are warnings and side effects to watch out for; redness or swelling at the injection sight, headache, body rash or hives, severe fever, crossing of eyes, joint pain, muscle weakness, and shock or collapse. Should you witness any of these reactions, make your doctor aware of it immediately. Each and every vaccine carries a risk of causing a reaction, injury, or death that can be worse for some individuals and cause no ill-effects in others.
Choices Anyone?
All 50 states have vaccine laws in place that require that children have received certain vaccines in order to attend daycare, middle school, high school, and college. What does this mean for the parent who refuses immunization because of religious beliefs? Or the parent who believes strongly and sincerely that immunization poses too great of a harm for their children?
48 states in the United States allow an exemption to vaccination for religious beliefs, which provides a legal option that parents with sincerely held religious and spiritual beliefs about vaccine use can file for their children to attend school. If a school district or state violates your rights under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which includes your right to exercise religious exemption to vaccination, you can choose to take legal action. This does not cover sending your child out the door who has very clear signs of chicken pox.
In the End
Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks of immunization. If a family has lost one child already or there are known allergic reactions prevalent in a family related to immunizations, that family should and does have the right to invoke the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The first step though is a long and informed discussion with your doctor, who should only want was is best for your child as well.