The anti-vaccination sentiment has survived the testament of time, but recently it has become more apparent in the United States. Many Americans doubt the safety of these vaccines.
The societal fear of vaccines in the United States has led to a rise in previously eradicated diseases, killing many.
There are anti-vaccination groups throughout various states in the country. The people who are a part of the groups are against vaccinations because they don’t want to put toxic chemicals in their body. They don’t see a firm reason in vaccinating their children, even if the vaccines can serve as a life saver.
There are many chiropractic centers in the Quad Cities, which add more to groups that are anti vaccine. A majority of chiropractors are against vaccinations as well because they think vaccines have imperfections, aren’t safe and aren’t necessary overall.
Doctors, specialists and nurses are big believers in getting the vaccines needed such as measles, tetanus and polio. Pam Cinadr, a nurse at Pleasant Valley High School, states students who don’t get vaccinated put others at risk as well. “Our school is very pro-vaccination,” she said.
Cinadr talks about how if one student gets an illness like measles, it affects every other student who hasn’t been vaccinated. “We get people from other countries such as foreign exchange students and we need to make sure they’re vaccinated before they come to school,” she said.
One shot that is optional for everyone is a flu shot. It’s hard to predict how the flu will affect everyone during the year but there are always factors, such as the weather, which can help with determining how bad it can be.
This year is predicted to be a bad case of the flu, so doctors and pharmacists are starting to give the shots earlier than usual. Some opt not to receive the vaccinations because they believe they are unnecessary, when in reality the shots reduce flu complications if contracted.
Senior Prakruti Pancholi’s dad is a doctor, so her family finds it really important to get flu shots every year to prevent anyone from getting sick. “Flu shots are super important because not only do they protect you, but they protect everyone around you,” she said.
As anti-vaccination groups are increasing, people are becoming more aware and the need for vaccines is becoming more prominent.
