...Vaccination Controversy Julie S. Bertram Excelsior College Author's note This paper was written for MLS 500: Graduate Research and Writing taught by Dr. Kyla Hammond Most healthcare professionals and leaders attribute vaccination as the single-most important reason for increasing the health of the human population during the past one hundred years. As a result, required immunizations are common in the U. S. and other developed countries. However, there is a segment of society who argue against vaccination due to worries that immunizing negatively impacts future health. More and more information is becoming available that presents allopathic vaccination in an ugly light. (Sharma, 2003) For the past century, vaccines for diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and now more recently, hepatitis B and varicella have programmed our immune systems to be powerful protectors of our health. Compulsory state immunization laws have increased the U.S. immunization rate to 77%, the highest ever. (Largent, 2012) Despite high immunization rates, there is an underlying progression of a movement of parents questioning whether the vaccines are contributing to health conditions such as autism. Contributing to the uncertainty are occasional anecdotal accounts of parents with children who experience adverse reactions. Fear causes many parents to entirely forego vaccines for their children. Regardless of mandatory school vaccine laws for school children, physicians can...
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...Anti-Vaccination: An Opposition Melanie Say Kaplan University Professor Chad Walls CM220 March 13, 2015 Opposition: Anti-vaccination Despite extended benefits demonstrated through immunization programs, parents and vocal groups alike are challenging the administration of inoculations. A history of fraudulent studies introduced the concept of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, adding fuel to the controversial fire of adverse reactions associated with immunizations. Furthermore, organizations in Maine defend philosophical exemptions in schools as their "personal freedom and parental right", disregarding the "imminent danger to others who can't take the vaccine" (Boston Globe, 2015, para. 4). Within the past two decades, opposition...
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...doses of 9 vaccines, plus a yearly flu shot after six months old, for kids aged 0 to six. No United States federal laws mandate vaccination, but all 50 states require certain vaccinations for children entering public schools. Most states offer medical and religious exemptions; and some states allow philosophical exemptions. Proponents say that vaccinations are...
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...Bridget Caskey English 1301 T-TH 12:30 29 April 2008 Child Vaccinations Child vaccinations are a big parental controversy in the United States if not around the world. There are risks to consider in any medical procedure including routine vaccinations. Many parents around the nation are concerned about the mental and physical health of children. Vaccines have proved to diminish the spread of many diseases. Routine immunizations have been a way of life in our nation for more than forty years. The medical industry has made it easier for people to be given these periodical shots. Research and developments have lessened the amount of shots a child is given at one time. The risks of childhood vaccinations are common for almost all medications. A reported reaction to an immunization shot is very rare. However, in many of the cases that have been reported, the reaction was as minor as swelling and redness near the injection site. Although the risks are low every parent should be well-informed before making the decision to have their child receive vaccinations. The rewards of getting your child vaccinated out way the risks substantially. Many of the shots children take are combined immunities in one shot. The reason for this is so the children have fewer shots to take in their lifetime. The DTP shot consists of three different vaccinations. The DTP shot is combined of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. Diphtheria is a deadly respiratory infection. Diphtheria was a major epidemic in...
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...Thesis question: "Do parents have a right to withhold vaccines from their children for philosophical reasons, or should parents be forced to have their children immunized for the good of society?" Thesis statement: “Since vaccines have been invented, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the belief whether parents should immunize their children for the benefit of the society or withhold vaccines for personal reasons”. Introduction: It is inevitable that media, especially tabloids and articles play a big role in shaping the beliefs, practices and norms of the society. Immunization, which is also known as vaccination is one of the most controversial debates that evokes different opinions among the general public. Since vaccines have been invented, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the belief whether parents should immunize their children for the benefit of the society or withhold vaccines for personal reasons. During the last couple of months, the Disneyland Measles outbreak has been one of the hottest and most controversial news in the nation. According to writer and news announcer Rath of National Public Relations (2015), it was reported that since December 2014, roughly 80 people in the Unites States have been confirmed to have measles. Seventy percent of the affected individuals were allegedly the ones who visited the Disneyland theme park. It was discovered that at least 28 of these victims had not received the measles vaccine. Because of this...
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...epilepsy, diabetes, and violent behaviour. As in the 1800s, people feel that these notions are true and are refusing vaccinations. This essay will explore each stage in the history of the vaccination from it’s initial formation to rapid World War II development to recent controversies. It will specifically look to answer the question, “How significant are vaccinations and their historical development in regards to its impact on North American society?” Initial Creation: Edward Jenner, Cowpox, And Smallpox Vaccination Prior to delving into the history of the vaccination itself, it is essential to first understand the difference between variolation and vaccination. Although variolation and vaccination were both created with the sole purpose of providing the patient with immunity from the objective disease, they are different practises which are often used interchangeably, noticeable in non medical parlance. Variolation involves the transfer infectious material from smallpox¹ sores of an infected person to the body of an uninfected person², introducing the disease in a controlled amount. People established this process due to observations that those who were infected with smallpox and survived never contracted the disease again. However, variolation sometimes proved lethal as in many instances the disease sample developed into a serious case of smallpox. Vaccination, on the other hand, is a process in which an antigen (a foreign substance or a toxin) is introduced into the body...
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... now have the ability to interact. Despite the advances in technology, global health is still lacking in vaccinations and prevention of communicable diseases. Many diseases are preventable through vaccination. Vaccines, by definition, is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular disease . Vaccines typically are the most effective way to fight or eliminated infectious diseases. Vaccines have limitations due to various clinical factors like steroid use, chemotherapy, HIV, age or diabetes. For a vaccine to have optimal effect, a person needs to complete the scheduled vaccination regimen as well as obtain the appropriate boosters as scheduled. Vaccine efficacy is dependent on the disease, the vaccine strain, if the vaccination schedule has been adhered to, immune response to vaccination, and assorted factors such as ethnicity, age, or genetic predisposition. Some individuals are nonresponders to certain vaccines, meaning that they do not generate antibodies despite being vaccinated correctly. “If a vaccinated individual does develop the disease vaccinated against, the disease is likely to be less virulent than in unvaccinated victims.” (Préziosi, 2003). There are multiple types of vaccine: inactivated, toxoid, attenuated, subunit, conjugate, experimental, valence, and heterotypic. Despite any limitations, “vaccination is ranked as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century and is the number ...
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...The Importance of Vaccinations for Children Since Edward Jenner introduced the first vaccine, a vaccination against smallpox, in 1778 (Allen, 48) the world has been a bit skeptical. The concept of inoculation is counter-intuitive—what sense does it make to inject a healthy person with the very virus they’re trying to prevent he or she from contracting? The very idea of it seems dangerous, even reckless. The issue with this uneasy feeling about the safety and sense of vaccinations is ignorance. We do not fully understand our own body’s immune systems; therefore we cannot fully understand how vaccinations work. Many people are under the impression that extremely harmful diseases are, for the most part, wiped out or incredibly rare. They may not see the reason for immunizing themselves or their children. But the truth of the matter is that these incredibly harmful, even deadly diseases are very much prevalent in today’s world. People come into contact with these infectious viruses on a daily basis; it is only our immune systems that keep the infections at bay. And our immune systems can only fight off these diseases through the use of vaccinations. There is a growing percentage of the population that is choosing against vaccinating their children. These parents against child inoculation have various reasons for opting not to vaccinate, including health concerns, cost of medical treatment, religious or philosophical beliefs, or their place of residence. Large portions...
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... A controversial topic that is currently being considered is the application of an early HPV vaccination in younger girls and boys. This sensitive subject has ethical implications and valid points can be argued both for and against the concept. Individuals that are for early vaccination hold that the vaccine prevents transmission of HPV, decreases chances of developing future complications, and is more cost effective in the long run. Individuals that take a stand against early vaccination will say the vaccine promotes risky sexual behavior, is not safe, takes away from parent’s autonomy, and is not cost effective in the immediate period. The following information will give insight to both sides of the argument and a personal stance on the issue. The first example in support of early vaccination is the prevention of transmission of human papilloma virus (HPV). There are symptoms that can occur as a result of having an HPV infection. Gardasil is found to be successful in preventing HPV infections from types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (Donahou, 2013). A benefit of the HPV vaccine is the provision that there is use of accepted medical technology that will prevent serious diseases when possible and minimize pain and suffering (Donahou, 2013). Vaccinating both young girls and boys is found to reduce HPV transmission (Chen, Shepherd, & Becker, 2012). White states “this vaccination may help prevent the spread of genital warts in both sexes in addition to the cancer prevention...
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...legislators had proposed measures to increase uptake of HPV vaccine, including educational campaigns, public subsidies, and insurance requirements. The most important of these measures seems to be mandatory vaccination for girls attending school (Colgrove, Abiola, and Mello 785). Thus, with this proposal, a controversy question about compulsory vaccination of HPV began because it involves violation of parents’ autonomy about their children’ lives. Also, being HPV a sexually transmitted infection, some conservative individuals fear that the vaccination could promote promiscuity among adolescents. Despite all controversy that surround HPV vaccine, immunization of young women against HPV is a way to prevent HPV transmission and cervical cancer. However, cost of vaccination, promotion of promiscuity, and safety are some challenges that need to be...
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... Vaccinations Thesis: When people here the phrase, need to get vaccinated either it is for themselves or Their children for school, it opens up people eyes whether they are for them or against then. The word vaccine is a fear to a lot of people. Reason why they could be afraid of them could be the ingredients in the vaccines. There are 11 very dangerous ingredients that makes up most of the vaccines. So dangerous, the human body should never be exposed to them. This paper hope fully will help people determine either they are for the vaccination or against the vaccines. View of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases. 1. Too many children go without being vaccinated. 2. What should I get vaccinated for. 3. Will there be any risk involved. 4. If I don’t get the vaccine will I get sick? Issue on vaccine safety and risks to people’s health. 1. Side effects to vaccinations. 2. The dangers of taking them or not taking them. 3. The age group of importunacy. 4. Calculating risk Why parents hesitate to vaccine their children. For either school, sports or any other reason. 1. Is i safe for them. 2. Why do we need it. 3. Do we have to get it . 4. How many vaccines do people need. Whats the ingredients in the vaccines are they safe or are they unsafe. 1. Theirs 11 harmful ingredients. 2. Vaccinations are not made in the use. 3. You can loose your...
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...common statement could not relate any better than it does with the controversy surrounding the morality, effectiveness, and safety of childhood immunizations. The major argument is whether or not laws should be established to declare vaccination mandatory for all children. “The US food and Drug administration (FDA) regulates all vaccines to ensure safety and effectiveness,” (ProCon.org, 2012) therefor there should not be any reason to risk the health of any child. Vaccinating our children not only ensures their safety but also that of their future to come. The first major concern parents have when it comes to childhood vaccinations is that of the health and safety of their children. Some parents believe that vaccines were developed to help the spread against dangerous transmittable diseases. Other parents are under the impression that vaccines themselves present high risk factors for their children. Both have strong arguing points in this controversy and have good reason to believe in what they do. Proponents argue and the facts clearly show that since the emergence of vaccines in the twentieth century for common life threatening diseases, such as measles and diphtheria, the related number of deaths has decreased by more than 500%. On the other side, opponents argue that childhood vaccines are responsible for the dramatic increase of autoimmune diseases. Many proponents argue that childhood vaccination is vital and should be a state requirement not a parental option...
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...(attached) to require healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals and long term care facilities to receive an annual influenza vaccine by November 15, 2015 or, if they decline the vaccination, to wear a mask while working in patient care areas within that facility for the duration of the influenza season, which concludes on March 31, 2016. This order will be ongoing and applies each influenza season unless the order is rescinded. This mandate is consistent with legal requirements of California Health and Safety Code §1288.7 and Cal-OSHA Code Regulations §5199. The letter will also recommend that ALL other health care facilities follow the same vaccination policy this upcoming influenza season. Last influenza season 2014-15 there were 4 deaths associated with influenza, and another 16 intensive care unit hospitalizations among residents 0-64 years old, and a significantly greater number of deaths in individuals 65 and older. Vaccination remains the best method for controlling disease outbreaks for viral diseases such as influenza. Influenza mortality is highest among people 65 years old and older, the very young, those that are immunocompromised, and people with pre-existing lung or chronic medical conditions. Each year, influenza is responsible for approximately 3,000 to 49,000 deaths in the US. National vaccination rates are as low as 51%. Nationally, there is a push for local and state health jurisdictions to establish mandates for health care workers to receive an influenza vaccine...
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...With reference to the thousands of family’s affected by reactions to vaccines and are not entitled to compensation as families in other countries are: 1) I think there should be avenues for support if a child is permanently disabled as a direct result of a vaccination (by participating in the vaccination program they are assisting in the maintenance of the herd immunisation of our country after all) 2) The numbers of any reaction reported and associated with medicine (including vaccines) in Australia are recorded at http://apps.tga.gov.au/PROD/DAEN/daen-report.aspx . These reports do not confirm causality but are a point for adverse reactions to be recorded from which the government can follow up on the safety of the reported medicines. Anyone can submit reports to this data base and the following information is from the TGA website: “Each year the TGA receives more than 17,000 reports of suspected adverse events to medicines and vaccines. In 2013 about 55% of these reports came via pharmaceutical companies, 17% from state and territory health departments, 10% from hospitals and hospital pharmacists and the rest from community pharmacists, general practitioners and consumers. The TGA asks for contact details from people making reports so that it can seek further information about suspected adverse events. The TGA does not accept anonymous reports. If you have any concerns about an adverse event it is important to also speak to a health professional.” With reference to comment...
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...The Controversy of Quantiferon Gold Dr.Sunil Sethi MD,MNAMS. Vice chairman, IUSTI Asia Pacific South Asia subregion Nodal officer, RNTCP Accredited Lab Additional Professor,STD and TB division , Deptt of Medical Microbiology,PGIMER, Chandigarh,India 160012 Ph-91 1722755161 , 09872882609( Mobile) Fax-91 172 2744401 Diagnosis of TB is mainly depends upon clinical h/o and Chest X-Ray 2) microbiological detection of AFB 3) Nucleic acid amplification assays 4) Detection of mycobacteria specific immune responses in Tuberculin skin test (TST) and Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA,s) (QuantiFERON-TB-Gold, In tube-QFT-GIT, T-SPOT.TB test ) 5) serological diagnosis have limited role. In Various studies, it has been found that IGRA (ex-vivo) is more specific than TST (in-vivo) in BCG vaccinated persons- reason is in contrast to mixture of Ags (>200) used in TST (shared by NTM, M. bovis strain-BCG vaccination), IGRA measure immune response to limited no. of specific RD-1 peptides ex. ESAT-6, CFP-10, TB-7 (highly specific to M.tb and limited no. of NTM) So better is to combine both tests to increase the specificity and to overcome the limitation of BCG vaccination. There are some controversies regarding use of IGRA in various studies like- QFT-G test can’t completely discriminate active TB disease from LTBI because an overlap in the IFN levels between active TB disease and LTBI groups. Also controversy regarding its value in...
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