Vaccination is one of the most significant medical advances in human history, responsible for eradicating or greatly reducing the spread of many infectious diseases.
The decision to vaccinate a child is key not only to their own health, but also to that of their loved ones and the community. Although there are arguments on both sides, the evidence overwhelmingly supports vaccination as a safe and important public health practice.
WHY VACCINATE OUR CHILDREN?
In the first place is the protection of personal health. Vaccines protect children from potentially serious and life-threatening diseases such as measles, hepatitis, tuberculosis and many others. These diseases, although rare in countries with high vaccination rates, can cause serious complications, including brain damage and death. Vaccinating children ensures that they are largely protected against these dangers, giving parents peace of mind.
Vaccinating your child also contributes to herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of the population is immune to a disease, thereby reducing its spread. This is especially important to protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to public order. reasons, such as infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals. Herd immunity thus protects the most vulnerable members of society and can prevent epidemics.
Vaccinating children also has significant benefits for the economy. It reduces health care costs by preventing illnesses that would require expensive medical treatments and hospitalizations. It also reduces the burden on parents who would otherwise be away from work to care for sick children.
Avoiding the development of epidemics through vaccination reduces the strain on the health system. We all remember how during the Covid-19 pandemic it was almost impossible to provide hospital treatment for all who needed it.
WHY ARE SOME PARENTS AGAINST VACCINATION?
Arguments against vaccination are largely based on concerns about personal freedom. Some parents believe that they should have the right to make medical decisions for their children without the intervention of health care institutions. Others distrust pharmaceutical companies or government agencies, believing that the benefits of vaccines are overstated and that the potential risks are downplayed.
DEALING WITH VACCINE HESITATION
Despite the enormous benefits, hesitancy about vaccines persists, fueled by misinformation and concerns about the safety of the preparations. Therefore, we advise you to be extremely careful with the selection of your sources of information. There are many online forums and pages that spread «anti-vax» theories that are not supported by any scientific evidence.
If you have any doubts about a certain vaccine, seek advice from a trusted pediatrician. If necessary, ask for a second or even a third opinion. Each patient is unique, sometimes there really are contraindications to vaccination, but these cases are extremely rare and such a decision should be made only with the approval of a medical specialist who is perfectly familiar with the child’s health condition.
While it is essential to respect individual choices and consider concerns with empathy, the public health consequences of not vaccinating are profound. Refusal to vaccinate not only endangers the child, but also their family and society, undermining collective immunity and potentially leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases.