Vaccine refusal is the intentional rejection of the use of vaccines by an individual, or other individuals by themselves, their guardian, next of kin, or the government.
Due to the measurable immense benefits of vaccines, it is the general assumption that their use will be widely supported and publicised, especially by governments of nations that are constantly challenged by one health problem or another. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and, in fact, in this Twenty-First Century, vaccine refusal is still a major challenge being faced in the administration of vaccines, and in the eradication of infectious diseases.
There is no doubt that the use of vaccines is highly advantageous. The eradication of smallpox in the year 1979, is perhaps one of the greatest highlights in vaccinology. Also, outbreaks of numerous contagious diseases like measles, chicken pox, tuberculosis, yellow fever, rubella, only to mention a few, have been greatly contained by vaccines ain a way that no other physical or chemical component has accomplished. This is because, physical barriers often fail, due to the continuous movement or air, which contributes to the transmission of many diseases. Physical barriers are also futile because global travel is easier in this
…show more content…
An article posted by the United States Center for Disease Prevention and Control (2016) highlights that one of the dangers of not vaccinating a child is the predisposition to vaccine-preventable diseases. Also, in the United States, school age children are required to receive periodic shots before enrolment. One could therefore conclude that, to a large extent, pro-vaccine governments do a lot in enlightening the citizens about the risks of refusing vaccines. As a result, the rejection of vaccines may not simply be due to ignorance of the vaccines or the consequences of the refusal, but to other