Importance of Vaccination
- Protects against dangerous diseases: Vaccines can protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as measles, polio, chickenpox, and whooping cough.
- Creates herd immunity: When the majority of a population is vaccinated against a disease, it helps to create herd immunity, which means that even those who are unable to get vaccinated (such as infants or immunocompromised individuals) are still protected.
- Prevents outbreaks: Vaccination can prevent outbreaks of diseases that were once common and deadly, such as smallpox and polio. This not only protects the vaccinated child but also the wider community.
- Safe and effective: Vaccines go through rigorous testing and evaluation before being approved for public use. They are constantly monitored for safety and effectiveness.
- Cost-effective: Vaccines are a cost-effective way to prevent diseases. It is much cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it.
- Protects future generations: Vaccinations not only protect the vaccinated child but also future generations. By eradicating diseases through vaccination, future generations will be protected from these diseases.
- Required for school and daycare: Many schools and daycare facilities require children to be up-to-date on their vaccinations before enrolling. This helps to protect the entire school community from the spread of diseases.
- Reduces the spread of disease: Vaccinated children are less likely to contract and spread diseases, which helps to control and reduce the spread of these diseases within the community.
- Protects children who cannot be vaccinated: Some children may have medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated. By vaccinating those who can be vaccinated, it helps to protect those who cannot.
- Protects against diseases that are making a comeback: Some diseases, such as measles, have started to make a comeback due to decreased vaccination rates. Vaccination protects against these diseases and prevents them from becoming widespread again.