Controversial Paper 3: Vaccines

This paper is a bit sketchy; I'm writing in a way that caters to the opinion of my teacher, and it doesn't really portray what I truly believe. I still have a lot of research to do in order to fully flesh out my own opinion on vaccines, and I have a fair degree of skepticism when considering either side. So, any opinions or points about vaccines would be greatly appreciated, as I still have a lot to learn about them. But, I was vaccinated as a child, and generally speaking I believe that they are beneficial and relatively safe, which is what I say in this paper.

On Vaccines, Their Risks, and Their Benefits

By

Timothy Wong

            Vaccines are one of the greatest and most beneficial aspects of modern medicine. Through the research and application of vaccinations, numerous lives have been saved, both through direct application of the vaccine and through community protection. There are many who believe that vaccines have significant and dire consequences, such as causing autism. This is an extreme objection. There are many who state that vaccines are perfectly healthy and safe, and that there are no risks associated with their administration. This is also an extreme, but one that seems strangely and irrefutably backed by statistical evidence. But for the sake of argument, I agree that vaccines are absolutely essential to the protection of the community at large, both through direct application and community protection.

            To begin with, let us examine the realistic risks of vaccination. The CDC states that, “Vaccination risks range from common, minor, and local adverse effects to rare, severe, and life-threatening conditions. Therefore, recommendations for vaccination practices balance scientific evidence of benefits for each person and to society against the potential costs and risks for vaccination for the individual and programs” (1). Hence, a great deal of safety regarding vaccines requires that it be treated on a case by case basis, and much of it is left in the hands of the specific administrator or health care professional. Many adverse effects can be attributed to human error in the recipient, the recipient’s parent, or the health care provider. But according to scientific statistics from VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalink), and the CDC’s Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment centers, if properly administered, vaccines should not directly cause any adverse side effects (2). These programs were created specifically to monitor and address adverse side effects that could have arisen from vaccination, and to date have, apparently, not found any direct links. Thus, it is reasonable that any problems can be attributed to human error through improper, unsafe, or misinformed administration.

            Vaccines are powerful tools that serve to greatly benefit society. If administered properly and carefully, they should not cause any adverse side effects, such as Autism. They are essential for the protection of individual persons, as well as the protection of the community and those who are immunocompromised. In addition, the evidence of their safety seems irrefutable. So, it is vital to become and remain vaccinated, while of course keeping oneself informed about all the risks and benefits of vaccines.

(1)   Kroger, A. (2006, December 1). General Recommendations on Immunization. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5515a1.htm

(2)   Simon, H. (2012, March 5). Immunizations. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/immunizations