Why Our Children Should Be Vaccinated Vaccines are considered one of the greatest public health achievements in history. They date back to 1796, when Edward Jenner used material from smallpox to create immunity to smallpox. (Historyofvaccines.org 2014) Today, more than two hundred years later, they have helped significantly reduce cases of viral illnesses in children. For example, old childhood diseases such as polio, smallpox, and diphtheria have been completely eradicated or are rarely seen in the United States thanks to vaccines. However, in recent years we have seen a sharp increase in the number of parents refusing to allow their children to receive these life-saving vaccines. This is mainly due to accusations regarding various side effects and a link between vaccines and autism, which are driving this new trend known as the “anti-vaccine movement.” (Ashbrook, 2014). A major side effect of this movement is the return of old world diseases. We are seeing a specific increase in measles and whooping cough, primarily in states with the lowest vaccination rates. (Raja, Mooney 2014) Even though we have proof of their effectiveness based on scientific research and statistics, there are still parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, ultimately endangering their health and that of others who do not. are not well enough or old enough to be vaccinated. It is extremely important that we try to reach these people and explain to them why their children should be vaccinated, not only for their health but also for the overall health of our communities. One of the most notorious reasons why parents choose not to vaccinate their children. Children are the supposed link between vaccines and autism. Glamor cell...... middle of paper ...... personal position. What about children who are not old or healthy enough to be vaccinated? Or children who were vaccinated, but the vaccine didn't work for them? These children depend on the immunity of those around them to maintain their health. In health care terms, this is called “herd immunity.” A good example of the importance of herd immunity would be the case of a 3-week-old child in Transylvania County who contracted whooping cough or “whooping cough” last September and died from it. (ncdhhs.gov 2013) This child was not old enough to be vaccinated against the disease and was solely dependent on the immunity of those around her to keep her safe. When parents choose not to vaccinate their children, they break the total immunity within their communities, making those unfortunate people who cannot protect themselves more vulnerable..