Vaccinate or Not?

Question

Can anyone give me any honest, real, hard core, definate reason I should have my baby vaccinated?

But none of those diseases are even problems anymore

They don't HAVE to have them in school if you fill out an exemption form. Just trying to weigh my options.

Answer 1

It's amazing that people even have to answer this question. It never even crossed my mind to NOT vaccinate my children.
These diseases aren't around anymore BECAUSE people are vaccinated. If the vaccinations stop, then so does the absence of the diseases.
PLEASE, for the health of you child...VACCINATE

Answer 2

The reason that the diseases are "not a problem anymore" is that people have been vaccinated against them. But they could arise and become problems again if enough people stopped vaccinating their children. When I was a child, polio was a real scare and we had no vaccine. Children died or were confined for life in Iron Lungs. Some recovered, but many did not.

Smallpox was almost eradicated from the planet because vaccines were provided. Otherwise it is untreatable and often fatal.

Check out what the CDC says about necessary vaccines.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov

Answer 3

A vaccination is just a weakened or possibly dead sampling of a virus or such that allows the body to "practice" defending itself against the virus which is introduced. In the body, a particular type of white blood cell is produced where each and every one has a unique antibody it produces. I forget which type of white blood cell it is (I am working on prior AP Biology knowledge :P).

Anywho, when the body encounters a virus, it takes some time for the body to find the proper white blood cell that produces the right antibody to combat the virus. When the right one is found, it fights the virus and is triggered to start replicating. Since it replicates and produces a bunch more of the same cell to fight that particular virus. This makes the body's response a lot faster the next time the virus shows up (be it natural infection or vaccination). So your child will be more able to defend himself/herself better should something bad arise.

There is a risk that the virus introduced could make the child sick, but the risk is worth it. The virus that is injected is usually weakened drastically. It is much better for your child to be "infected" by a weaker virus where the child's chances to overcome it would be dramatically greater and safer than the full blown virus...

I got mine, and if I had the opportunity to minimize my child's suffering to some viral threats, I'd certainly do so.

But I'm not a father, though I certainly would love to be one, when the time is right :)

if you don't believe me, I forgot that i could research it some more:

here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccination

Answer 4

I've read the other answers and honestly-- you don't really HAVE to have your baby vaccinated to go to school. At least not in my state. In many states you can claim religious reasons and get away with it. But all that aside, I think you should get your baby vaccinated. I don't agree with many things a lot of parents do (such as the cry it out method, feeding babies junk food, etc.) BUT vaccination honestly isn't something to play around with. Although many of the diseases aren't around anymore and therefore are not problems they will become a problem if everyone chooses not to get their children vaccinated. All it takes is one exposure to polio for your baby without the vaccination to get sick. Although polio is NOT common it DOES still happen. As does rubella, measles, etc. With your child's health I believe it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are worried about Mercury content ask your doctor for the low-Mercury vaccines. That's what I did.

Answer 5

If none of the diseases are problems anymore, then why are the vaccines still offered?

True, while it's very unlikely that your baby will get polio (unless you travel internationally a lot), measles, mumps, rubella, and most important, hepatitis B ARE VERY MUCH ALIVE and still spreading.

I would think that a good reason to vaccinate is so your baby doesn't die from a potentially fatal childhood illness.

Answer 6

Why would you even consider not vaccinating your child? It is not true that all of those diseases aren't around anymore. You don't think that people still get measles and chicken pox? The chances that your baby could have a reaction to any of the vaccine shots is very small. Most likely he or she will get a little cranky, but a small does of infant acetaminophen will ease any soreness and crankiness. Put your babies health first. Don't be foolish.

Answer 7

Why wouldn't you want to save your child? It is better to vaccinate your child now then have to worry later on that your child is dying of a disease that is preventable. Vaccinations are harmless and they boost your child's immune system so that in case your child does come into contact with one of these diseases they will be able to avoid contracting it. Give your child a chance. Both of my children were vaccinated. I completely believe in vaccinations. I don't know why someone wouldn't want to give their child that added protection. But no one can tell you what to do with your child. Just know that since vaccinations started deadly diseases don't happen anymore, we don't have plagues and we don't have to watch love ones suffer from diseases that are preventable. Just give your child a chance. The vaccines won't hurt your baby, maybe a mild fever and some discomfort but it's nothing compared to what your baby could get without the vaccines. God Bless.
I know here in Las Vegas, Nevada children have to be vaccinated to be enrolled in school. No if ands or buts. If you don't have proof of vaccinations your child will be denied enrollment. But maybe that's just here.

Answer 8

well, the honest, real, hard core, definate reason you should have your baby vaccinated is so that (s)he doesn't get some horrible disease and die. Would you want to watch your child suffer for weeks or even months from something that was preventable by a little prick of a needle, and then just die? Or even worse, make them live with being blind or deaf or both or mentally hanicapped (the list goes on and on). I guess it is your desicion, but it really is the best for your child!

Answer 9

they are not major diseases anymore because almost everyone is vaccinated, trying to prevent everyone from developing these diseases in the first place. its better to get your baby vaccinated, since they don't really remember the pain and everything when they get older. some states don't allow children to go to school until they get the proper vaccines needed. i remember in grade 9, they sent me a paper saying i needed this shot, or else i will be suspended until i get the shots. they got the records for all this. so you can't run away with it

Answer 10

How's this: To prevent major childhood illnesses that kill, maim and disable children in less advanced countries. Why is that a problem if you live in an advanced country? Go to your local health department, and ask to see epidemiology maps for diseases like Hepatitis A. You'll see that the rates of infection generally correlate to proximity to borders with less advanced nations.

You can get your baby vaccinated at low cost (or sometimes even at no cost) by visiting your local health department. Call first and make an appointment.