When people do not receive the vaccines that are suggested by doctors they put themselves at risk of catching the disease or worst of all dying from the disease. Yes natural immunities, like breastfeeding, are beneficial, but will only provide the help the body needs for a short period of time. Those who believe that natural immunity is the prime choice do not realize another factor being played in the environment around them. If most of the population in a community chooses to get vaccinated, they create what is known as “herd immunity”. According to the NIAID (the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease) the definition of herd immunity is, “When a critical portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease because there is little opportunity for an outbreak” (Health & Research Topics). Herd immunity is a very valuable aspect of a community. For the people who do not receive the vaccinations, they will be provided with partial immunity because everyone else …show more content…
The way vaccines were made and how they work are unknown by most adults because they are not concerned about the insignificant details. However, understanding vaccines may shed light on why vaccines are a much safer choice. Vaccines contain either an antigen which is a part of the virus or weakened form of the virus. The antigens or weakened form of the virus are strong enough that the body produces antibodies. The next time that the virus enters a human’s system the antibodies will work fast and quick to remove the antigens from the system and create what is called immunity (Why are Childhood). All parents want for their children is for them to be safe from harm and have a vigorous life. Vaccines will protect children because the antibodies will stay in the body’s system, so the next time the disease reappears the children will not catch the illness. These antibodies can last up to a lifetime and will never cause the body any harm. Adults still persist that vaccines can cause their child to have asthma problems or become autistic. A study managed by a British physician in 1998 showed “evidence” of a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and autism. However, thorough research has been conducted recently to show the link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and the