Introduction;
Vaccinations are useful in protecting organisms against harmful diseases. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health advises immunizing as one of the most successful medical creations to avoid illness. Vaccines, however, are not cures against a disease, they are just a prevention. So, should the chickenpox vaccine be given? Chickenpox is a disease that is extremely contagious. It creates small blisters to form all over your skin. The virus can be spread by an individual touching their own chickenpox blisters then touching another surface or person, through someone touching another's chickenpox blisters or through the air- when infected people sneeze or a cough. It is rare, but chickenpox can cause significant complications, such as; pneumonia, issues in an individual's kidney, heart, joint or nervous system. Chickenpox can also cause issues for pregnant women. Once you have had chickenpox you are most likely immune to it. However after you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains in your body. It relocates itself near the roots of your spinal cord and becomes dormant. If the virus were to become active again, shingles is the name of the disease. The vaccination to protect against chickenpox is known as varicella.
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The Biology related to your issue;
A vaccine is an immune triggering substance produced from the contributing agent of a disease or a synthetic replacement. It is used to give humans immunity against one or several diseases. The vaccine is injected into a person to prompt the immune system. It is made of either a diluted or a dead version of the pathogen. This allows the immune system to have some practice fighting off the weaker version, therefore when the immune system encounters the actual disease, it can fight it off efficiently so the person doesn’t get sick. Vaccinations are also very successful in counteracting the spread of viral diseases.
When a human experiences a disease it activates the immune system, making it produce antibodies to fight off antigens (proteins produced by the pathogen). Vaccines allow the antibodies to recognize the antigens and learn how to fight them off.
Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus- a pathogen. The chickenpox vaccine (varicella) is a live attenuated vaccine which is made of a weakened version of the actual pathogen. Which still stimulates the immune system to respond, therefore teaching the body to recognize the disease and how to attack it. Live attenuated vaccines are more successful at providing immunity against a disease compared to inactivated vaccines. This is because the pathogen is more powerful so it requires a stronger response from the immune system. The resistance against the specific disease also lasts longer.
Vaccines have been developed over time, especially since the very first vaccine. In 1796 the smallpox vaccine was the first successful vaccine, performed by Edward Jenner. It was created by taking fluid from a cowpox blister then applied to the skin of an 8-year-old boy, James Phipps. From this, a blister formed on the skin but healed reasonably soon. Edward Jenner then vaccinated the same boy again, using the same process. This time no blister developed, and therefore the vaccine was a success. Nowadays children can receive up to 24 vaccines by the time they are 2 years old and in addition 5 vaccinations in one visit.
(3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
The historical/political/ethical/social context for your issue;
Chickenpox was not distinguished from smallpox until the late 19th century. After successful laboratory studies, in Japan during the 1970s, a live attenuated varicella vaccine was developed. The chickenpox vaccine has been available in New Zealand since 1999. In New Zealand, this vaccine has always been optional and not funded until the 1st of July 2017. Varicella has become part of the 15-month-old immunisations. Any children turning 11-years-old on or after this date and have not received the chickenpox vaccine, also qualify for 1 free dose. The vaccination against chickenpox is recommended for teenagers and adults who have never encountered chickenpox, but one dosage will cost $80. One dose of varicella protects, on average, 1 in 4 people from any case of chickenpox. But the vaccine protects almost everyone from a severe case of chickenpox. The Chickenpox vaccine, like any other vaccine does have side effects including; pain, redness or swelling where the injection occured. Some people can grow a rash. Serious side effects are very scare.
According to the Science Learning Hub the media is to blame for filling people’s minds with the relationship between vaccinations and conditions such as; allergies, asthma, special needs, autism and down syndrome. However, there is no scientific proof for the majority of these assumptions. They also say that “Vaccines have saved many more lives than they have taken.” Work carried out by scientists is constantly challenged by people in society, even when the work is being done to help us survive. Although immunisations have rescued several lives, there is still people who question vaccines safety and furthermore some people reject vaccinations entirely either for personal or religious beliefs. Whether people want to be vaccinated or not is determined by the ethics of this science issue. People need to decide what evidence they believe is factual or what is fictional.
(8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
The differing viewpoints that named people/groups have expressed (Anti);
Susie Olson-Corgan was 22 years old when she became pregnant. When her healthy baby boy, Liam was born he was given vitamin K, and hepatitis B despite Susie’s request for them not to be given. Liam was progressing throughout his life like any other young boy. When Liam became 12 months old he was given his 12-month vaccines. This caused Liam to become extremely distressed. Liam wouldn't stop screaming had a fever of 105 and also had explosive diarrhea. Liam was inconsolable. Liam had the exact same reaction to his 18-month vaccinations. Susie believes vaccines caused Liam’s autism.
Dr. Daniel Neides, of Cleveland Clinic, received the flu vaccine. He chose to receive the preservative-free vaccine because he refused to have mercury inserted into him. However, Dr. Daniel Neides discovered that there was, in fact, a preservative in the ‘preservative-free’ vaccine (formaldehyde). Dr. Daniel Neides has become angry over all the constant toxins contributing to chronic diseases. He believes “We live in a toxic soup”. Dr. Daniel Neides states that we are surrounded by toxins and chemicals. They are found in what we drink, eat and use in everyday life. Dr. Daniel Neides believes that if we don’t make a change we could hear more about cancers, autism and more autoimmune diseases, as a result of vaccinations.
A blogger named Sarah published a post called “Six Reasons To Say NO to Vaccination”. She believes that doctor can be wrong and did not vaccinate her own children. Sarah makes the six statements of why people should not get vaccination;
Pharmaceutical Companies Can’t Be Trusted;
Sarah states that over the last 10 years if a drug has ever been named unsafe or hazardous pharmaceutical companies would just cover it up for many years to follow. They do this only to ensure they still make a profit. She mentions drugs like Vioxx and hormone replacement for women, resulted in an increased risk for breast cancer, stroke, and a heart attack.
All Vaccines are Loaded with Chemicals and Heavy Metals;
Sarah says that many vaccines are filled with heavy metals but they are not stated on the list of ingredients.
Vaccinate Children are the Unhealthiest, Most Chronically Sick Children;
Sarah found some statistics showing that vaccinated children are chronically ill more often, compared to non-vaccinated children. She noticed there was an increased rate of 30% for vaccinated children to get autism, ear infections, ADHD, asthma, and allergies.
Other Countries are Waking Up to the Dangers of Vaccination;
Sarah did some research and discovered that in 1975, Japan raised its minimum vaccination age to 2 years old. Australia temporarily made the flu vaccine available for children under 5 in April 2010. She also found in the UK children don't even need the chickenpox vaccine, at all.
Numerous Vaccines Have Already Had Problems/Been Removed from the Market;
Sarah states; “If the vaccines above have had serious problems, the others probably do too as vaccine manufacturers follow the same basic formula when coming up with each new shot.”
You can Always Get Vaccinated, But You Can Never Undo a Vaccination;
Sarah makes the comment; “If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything!” She also says that there are holistic remedies that can cleanse children from the poison put into the child, however, the destruction caused will never be completely restored.
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The differing viewpoints that named people/groups have expressed (Pro);
Matthew F. Daley and Jason M. Glanz found statistics showing that in 2010 and 2011, parents were worried about the MMR vaccine and therefore did not vaccinate their children, resulting in 10 children dying from whooping cough and 10 measles outbreaks. Matthew F. Daley and Jason M. Glanz believe that these results show unvaccinated children are endangering not only themselves but also the health of others around them. They have noticed that parents are being fooled by misleading information on the internet, saying that vaccines can cause autism. Parents nowadays question both the risks and benefits of immunizations so parents need to be provided more/better information so they know that the benefits outweigh the risks anyway. Matthew F. Daley and Jason M. Glanz state that some parents believe their children are not at risk of getting polio, measles, and tetanus. Whilst others believe illnesses such as chickenpox and measles are not serious enough to vaccinate against. Matthew F. Daley and Jason M. Glanz state that parents need to know that vaccines both protect against potentially lethal diseases and have a high level of safety. Vaccines are regularly assessed for their level of safety.
A medical writer named Rachael Dunlop states 6 myths about vaccination. She explains to readers why they are wrong. The 6 myths included are;
Vaccines cause autism;
Rachael Dunlop makes the quote “The myth that vaccines are somehow linked to autism is an unsinkable rubber duck.” Rachael Dunlop found a research that was carried out in Japan during mid-1993. They replaced the MMR vaccination with single-vaccines. The results showed that the autism statistics continued to rise. Rachael Dunlop thinks the reason this myth exists is that at the time when children receive multiple vaccinations also occurs at the same time autism would be diagnosed in children.
Smallpox and polio have disappeared so there’s no need to vaccinate anymore;
Rachael Dunlop says that “It’s precisely because of vaccines that diseases such as smallpox have disappeared.” Multiple cases of disease-free areas exist, for example; India experienced 2 years without any cases of polio arising, and all because of a vaccine campaign. Australia announced they were measles-free in 2005, however, once they stopped being so careful, breakouts began to appear.
More vaccinated people get the disease than the unvaccinated;
The majority of the population is vaccinated therefore it is true that more vaccinated people get the diseases. Although vaccinated people will endure fewer problems and long-term consequences, compared to those who are unvaccinated.
My unvaccinated child should be of no concern to your vaccinated one;
Rachael Dunlop states that “Vaccination is not just a personal issue, it’s a community responsibility.” This concept is known as herd immunity. Herd immunity protects those who are unable to be vaccinated, young children, pregnant women and the people such as elderly with weakened immune systems.
Vaccines contain toxins;
Rachael Dunlop says that the most important fact to remember is “the poison is in the dose”. Water, in a high enough quantity, can even be dangerous. Many claims made saying “vaccines contain toxins” are false, and are based on no evidence.
Vaccines will overwhelm kids’ undeveloped immune systems;
Rachael Dunlop mentions that children confront many immune battles each day in the environment, which are much greater, compared to the numerous antigens or reactive particles in all of their childhood vaccinations combined.
Dr. Tim Jacks published a letter he wrote, titled “To the Parent of the Unvaccinated Child Who Exposed My Family to Measles”. Dr. Tim Jacks states that he is extremely angry towards the unvaccinating parent’s decision. He mentions that measles was once inescapable, but is now regarded as ‘abolished’. Measles is extremely contagious. Dr. Tim Jacks wants the parent of the unvaccinated child to know that “…your child does not live in a bubble. When your child gets sick, other children are exposed.” For example his children. Dr. Tim Jacks is so angry towards this parent because his daughter Maggie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (blood cancer) this means she cannot receive the MMR vaccine. Dr. Tim Jacks son, Eli also couldn't receive the MMR Vaccine, but because he was too young. Maggie was discharged from the hospital and just a few days later taken back as she and Eli had both been exposed to measles. This unvaccinated parent ruined Dr. Tim Jacks’ family’s “3-week ‘vacation’ from chemotherapy.” Dr. Tim Jacks also mentions that not only did they expose his family but 195 other children to a disease which was supposed to be ‘extinguished’ from the US.
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Your position or opinion on the issue;
Should the chickenpox vaccine be given? Personally I believe yes it should be given.
The purpose of a vaccine is too train the immune system, so it can learn to fight off a weaker version. This means when the immune system encounters the actual disease, it can fight it off efficiently. I personally would rather get a vaccine so my body can effectively fight off a disease rather than take my chances and hope I do not contract it. If I did contract a disease I am not vaccinated for I don't know what my chances are of surviving it or if I would suffer permanent physical or psychological harm. By getting vaccinated I am also helping those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as; young children, pregnant women, the sick and the elderly who all have weakened immune systems.
I disagree with rumors that say vaccines cause allergies, asthma, special needs such as down syndrome, and especially autism. Any information I found stating this had no scientific evidence to back it up, and therefore cannot be claimed as true.
Recommendation for the action;
The government has already made a change as of the 1st of July 2017. This means the chickenpox vaccine is now included in the 15-month-old immunisations. They have also allowed for any children turning 11-years-old on or after this date and have not received the chickenpox vaccine to have 1 free dose. I feel this is a very positive step in reducing the risk and/or harm diseases such as chickenpox cause.
In modern society with the easy access to funded vaccines, this will increase the number of children that are immunised in New Zealand. This reduces the number of notified clinical cases and the spread of viral diseases. Based on the factual information presented in this report it makes logical sense for me, when I become a mother, to immunise my children and reduce their chances of contracting diseases that are easily preventable, such as chickenpox.
Conclusion;
Vaccinations help reduce the number of children falling ill and suffering from diseases that are easily and affordably averted. This will benefit the entire country and help to eliminate diseases that are not life threatening but can have long term physical and physiological effects not only on ourselves1 but people around us.