I’ve heard a lot about the debate against vaccines, truths, and myths mixed with heightened emotions. The debate spark on and fuels the fire. Steam starts building up and the pot is about to explode, then a pop. The screeching and wailing of the debate is loud, ununiformed, and chaotic. The fire will be extinguished today, the debate ended, as I explain why I am for vaccines. Research and evidence state that vaccines are perfectly safe and that they save lives, prevent dangerous illnesses and stop massive outbreaks.

    The FDA states that they require at least 10 years of federal testing of a vaccine for the vaccine to be licensed. Then, the vaccine is inspected by both the CDC and the FDA for any dangerous materials used in that vaccine. Oxford’s Vaccine Knowledge Project also states that ingredients, like aluminum, are perfectly safe in the doses vaccines are in. The usage of aluminum is actually supposed to strengthen the immune system, making it respond faster to the vaccine.

    Furthermore, the CDC reported that from 1994 to 2014, an estimate of 322 million reports of illnesses were prevented by vaccines. Also, vaccinating saved around 734,000 children’s lives. In 2011, 49 out of 50 states did not meet the required minimum for herd immunity for whooping cough. This resulted in the biggest outbreak since the 1950s and as many as 42,000 people were infected with the disease. Unvaccinated people cause danger to themselves and their neighbors. If we continue to not be vaccinated, it could cause a major outbreak of deadly diseases in the United States, especially in dense cities like New York or San Francisco. Vaccines save lives and, if we do not vaccinate our children, we are threatening their survival and their future.

    According to The World Health Organization, Rubella outbreaks dropped from around 670,000 to 22,000 during the period from 2000 to 2016. WHO also states that the last ever case of smallpox was in 1977 as it was wiped out from the smallpox vaccine. Polio also had only 500 cases from 2014, a massive drop from the original number of 350,000 cases in 1988. Clearly, the evidence has shown that vaccines can effectively limit and eliminate deadly diseases. If we vaccinate ourselves, we will not bear the burden of pestilence. The Horseman cannot lay his fingers on us anymore.

    Finally, I must say that, with all due respect, not being vaccinated is a rather “abstract” idea. It is not the best choice that you could make for yourself or your family. Vaccines were made to protect us. Are we now rebelling against the status quo for no reason, or are we just frightened at something that doesn’t exist? You may argue that the side effects of the vaccines are dangerous, that it can cause an all flurry of things. That is true, yes, but drinking too much water or taking too many vitamins do the same. In reality, the side effects of vaccines are extremely rare. You contracting Measles, Polio, or any disease that can be preventable by vaccines is less rare. The evidence is crystal – vaccines prevent deadly diseases. Vaccines are perfectly safe and side effects are extremely rare. Finally, vaccines save lives. By using vaccines, we can help our community resist against diseases like Polio and Measles.