LEARNING Open to Question
the vaccination debate ISB students examine the pros and cons of mandating vaccines
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hould parents be required to vaccinate their children? It’s a question that has spurred debate among families and within the health community in recent years. By age 2, most children will have received almost 30 vaccinations designed to boost defenses against disease, however an increasing number opt against vaccination. Proponents say vaccinations are incredibly valuable in disease prevention and control, while those against them cite a parent’s right to choose as well as fear over an increased risk of developing severe allergic reactions, or worse – possible life-threatening side effects. Elaine C. and Michael T., two seniors from International School of Beijing (ISB), evaluate the issue.
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beijingkids 2015 September
photos: Courtesy of ISB
Elaine, Taiwan, has been in Beijing for five years Vaccines may not entirely prevent a child from contracting a disease, but they do greatly reduce the likelihood of a disease outbreak. In a 2008 measles outbreak in San Diego, an unvaccinated 7-year-old infected 11 other unvaccinated children, according to the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 11 children, three were too young for vaccines and most of the remaining children had parents who requested legal personal-belief exemptions from vaccines. This outbreak cost the public sector over USD 10,000 for each case, for a total of over USD 100,000. Parents have a responsibility to keep their children healthy, but as members of society, they also have a responsibility not to harm the well being of their communities. Choosing not to vaccinate a child can cause the child to contract a disease, which can then cause other children to
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