Is it necessary to get vaccinated: let's weigh the pros and cons
Every mother wants her child to be protected from viruses and various diseases. The task is quite doable, but you need to approach this issue seriously and consult with a good specialist. The article discusses all the pros and cons of vaccinations.
Contents
The benefits of vaccinations
The topic of vaccinations is inexhaustible. Over 200 years, many myths and lies have accumulated about them.
Undoubtedly, there are benefits from vaccinations. After all, if you look at the history of the development of medicine, you can understand that vaccines have made a great contribution to human health. The population stopped dying from plague, smallpox, cholera, ulcers, leprosy, rabies, measles, polio, etc.
All diseases were fatal and could not be treated.
In underdeveloped countries, these diseases progress because the state cannot provide the population with the necessary number of vaccines. Therefore, before traveling to foreign countries, be sure to get vaccinated. This way you will be reliably protected from viruses.
If we talk about vaccinations against FLU, then the opinions of scientists differ. The fact is that vaccines are developed long before the onset of an epidemic and the strain of the future virus is unknown. Perhaps it will coincide with the vaccine, but in reality it turns out differently. Therefore, no one gives 100% guarantees.
According to WHO, 30% of parents refuse vaccinations, which increases the chances of their children contracting measles, whooping cough, and tetanus. Mothers refer to unreliable sources and thereby expose their children to danger. To make such a decision, a consultation with an immunologist is required, who will tell you with confidence whether it is possible to get vaccinated or not.
The harm of vaccinations
This is not to say that vaccinations are safe. Like all medicines, vaccines have contraindications and side effects.
It is no secret that almost all vaccines contain salts of heavy metals - mercury, aluminum, etc. Of course, their concentration is low, but it is not advisable to introduce them into a newborn body. Therefore, in the maternity hospital they usually offer two vaccinations: hepatitis B and against tuberculosis (BCG). It has been proven that these vaccines do not cause harm, and the baby’s body is protected from the most common viruses. Injections are given only to healthy children. If the baby has diseases at the time of birth, then the vaccine is not given.
Many mothers complain that after vaccination the child develops fever and chills. Yes, this is a side effect. But it’s too early to say that this vaccine is dangerous. This is how the immune system fights the virus.
Harm from the administered vaccine may occur if:
- the baby's temperature rises above 39 degrees;
- vomited;
- indigestion;
- seizures, etc.
In this case, call emergency services. Basically, this reaction is possible due to an allergy to the components of the drug. This doesn't happen often.
The entire medical world is not against vaccinations, because thanks to vaccines we have defeated many diseases.
What vaccinations are required?
The Ministry of Health identifies a number of mandatory vaccinations, which are administered to the child according to a specific calendar:
- Hepatitis B. The first injection is administered in the maternity hospital on the first day after birth, then at 1 month, at 2 months. and per year.
- BCG or tuberculosis vaccine - administered on the third day after birth. Next revaccination at 7 years of age.
- DTP (whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus) - first vaccination at 3 months, then at 4 months, 6 months. and 18 months
- Poliomyelitis - administered to a child at 3 months, 5 months. and 6 months
- Rubella, measles and mumps (mumps) - the first injection is given upon reaching 1 year of age.
The doctor is also obliged to offer optional vaccinations against:
- hepatitis A;
- pneumococcal infection;
- meningococcal infection;
- tick-borne encephalitis, etc.
Remember that you must sign a written consent even for mandatory vaccination.
Should my child be vaccinated?
Whether or not to vaccinate a child is the responsibility of parents for the child’s health.
Let’s imagine a situation where you didn’t get vaccinated, and in kindergarten someone else’s child got measles and infected yours. The consequences of this disease are pneumonia, meningitis etc. Agree that you do not want such outcomes. And if you get vaccinated, then the probability that the child will not get infected is 99.9%. There is a chance of getting sick, but it is negligible.
The main thing is to consult with an immunologist before vaccination, conduct a series of tests for allergies, hidden diseases, and take a urine and blood test.
Pediatricians routinely examine only the throat and check for wheezing. In fact, this is not enough. It is no secret that for each injection the doctor receives a bonus to his salary.
The vaccination schedule can be moved. If you are not sure that your child is ready for vaccines, then postpone visiting the vaccination office. A mother's heart does not deceive.
And remember: the choice is yours.
