Immunizations are always a hot topic in pubic health sector because of the many different views on the purpose of, the effects of ,and the necessity of receiving them. Overall, the purpose of immunizations is to ensure the healthy development of individuals throughout their lifespan. Immunizations affect not only the individual but the people around them. When an individual is immunized, their body builds the anti-bodies needed to fight off any harmful, and life threatening disease's, such as mumps, measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. If the individual can not contract the disease, then they cannot pass it on to the others around them and vice versa.
Many refuse immunizations due to religious beliefs and even historical and social mistrust. Religious objections stem from the ethical dilemma involved in using human cells to create vaccines and from the belief that the body is sacred and should be healed naturally. Historical mistrust stems from past incidents like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and social mistrust stems from "Western plot theorist" who believe vaccines are an attempt to sterilize non-western communities (Cultural, 2017).
According to UNICEF, immunizations save up to 3 million children a year. Sadly, not everyone is able to receive such immunizations. According to UNICEF, children "in remote rural regions and impoverished areas of cities in poor and emerging countries" are not receiving immunizations; in 2015, it amounted to almost 19.4 million children. In Africa and South-East Asia 70% of children do not receive vaccinations and in India almost 1/3 of children.
In regards to my future work in the early childhood field, I know I will come across families who have alternative perspectives in immunization. However, by knowing and understanding their perspectives, staying informed, and providing the appropriate information in regards to the policies to them, I can still advocate for this cause while being sensitive to the religious and cultural beliefs of the children and families in my care.
References
Cultural Perspectives on Vaccination. (2017). College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Retrieved from https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/cultural-perspectives-vaccination
Immunizations. (2017). UNICEF. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/immunization/
Amy!
ReplyDeleteImmunization is such a popular topic in our society and even more so when working with children. At my work place now our health specialist is always having a hard time in making sure every child's immunization are always up to date. Some families give us a hard time but we always try to tell them how important it is to stay on top of their child's health and their development.
Some of our parents do refuse immunizations due to religious beliefs and social mistrust but that is something that for me is hard to understand at times. I think I just worry about children being health and safe.
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Immunization is such a hot topic all over the world and especially in California when they passed SB 277 that enforced children to get their vaccinations and no longer accepting the personal belief waiver. Similar to Melissa, educating parents is important in helping them understand the importance of getting immunized is crucial as an educator.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteImmunization is such an important topic to understand. There is definitely controversy over immunizations, and many different view points. I too researched this topic this week, and I learned that while many families choose to not receive immunizations, families in developing countries do not have that luxury.
In our future work, there is a great chance that a family chooses not to receive the immunizations, but we could also encounter a family traveling from another country who did not have the option to receive the immunizations. I agree with your statement that it is important to stay educated on immunizations in order to provide accurate information to these families.
Thanks for sharing!
Brianna