Vaccinations: A Modern Necessity

When you think of Disneyland, the first thought that comes to your mind would usually not be a devastating outbreak. Unfortunately, Disneyland in Anaheim, California became a center of transmission of the measles virus, with tourists coming in from around the world without vaccinations.  As a result, Americans dealt with one of the largest measles outbreaks in years.

Measles seems like a disease of the past, so many just dismiss it; but its complications can be devastating.  Ear infections and gastrointestinal problems are the most common symptoms of measles.  However, a small percentage of cases in children lead to pneumonia or encephalitis, both of which have the potential to be fatal. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two may die.

The illness spread quite rapidly, and has the potential to be fatal, but vaccination rates were alarmingly low. Certain groups maintained that vaccinations are unnecessary; with a general decrease in disease, they think that an improvement in hygiene and nutrition reduces the risk. As a result, vaccinations are deemed unnecessary. Additionally, some pointed out that a certain number of vaccinated people still can contract the virus.

Although these claims hold some ground, the fact of the matter is that vaccinations for measles are a necessity, especially when the disease can spread so rapidly.  The first claim that hygiene and nutrition have reduced the risk of contracting disease is unfeasible; these two practices alone cannot prevent infection. Likewise, the claim that vaccinated individuals still contract the virus does hold some truth: a small percentage of people with updated vaccinations will contract the virus. However, the risk associated with not getting a vaccination is much greater than the other way around.

Vaccines will only become more important in a rapidly growing world population.