A dollar spent on a childhood vaccination not only helps save a life, but greatly reduces spending on future healthcare.

-Ezekiel Emanuel

More parents in the United States are not vaccinating their children. Vaccination rates have slowly been falling. There has been an increase in parent's skepticism on the recommended vaccinations, causing more parents to choose to not vaccinate children. Many states have allowed parents the right to not vaccinate their children, which has led to a rise in the number of children who are not immune to deadly and preventable diseases. Another factor influencing child vaccinations is the insurance. Children who are uninsured are less likely to get the necessary vaccinations. Other factors preventing parents would be the lack of transportation and pediatricians in the area they preside.

Most vaccine-preventable diseases are spread from person to person. These diseases are highly contagious and easily spread. A vaccination creates an immunization to the disease. Once a person is immune, they will be protected from getting the disease and from spreading it. When multiple p
eople don't get vaccinated, an environment susceptible of an outbreak of preventable diseases is created. Measles were very common to the United States and many died from the illness each year Today, most doctors will rarely see a case because of the vaccine.

There are multiple different vaccines to cover the different diseases. The age to get them is suggested by the CDC, which stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recommended immunizations are posted for infants and children up to 6 years old, children between the ages of 7 and 18, and adults 19 years old and above. Many vaccines are encouraged to those traveling, especially if it's a country with less healthcare resources.

What can we do to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated?
For children under Medicare, under insured, or uninsured, there are options to find affordable vaccines. If you are considering not getting your child vaccinated, do more research before you make that decision for your child and for the children they will come in contact with. Vaccinations are a preventative measure that can save lives and money.

Helpful terms:

Vaccine: A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases.
Vaccination: The act of getting a vaccine, usually administered through a shot.