Child Development and Public Health

Immunizations are an important aspect of public health. Diseases that were once fatal, such as measles, whooping cough, and pneumonia, are now infrequent among developed nations. Most children in the U.S. have received all their immunizations by the time they are 2 years old and, though children do not have to be immunized to attend public schools, parents must sign a waiver stating their children have not had their vaccinations.  This topic interests me, because there are currently debates among professionals and concerns among parents that vaccinations can have ill side effects, such as autism. Though I have heard of strong correlations, there are also several studies disproving this. Regardless, the benefits to the individual and the public both outweigh the risk of possible side effects. Immunizations not only protect the child, but those who are not able to get immunized, such as people with weak immune systems and pregnant women’s fetuses.

In December of 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported of a measles outbreak in European countries. This outbreak underscores the importance of vaccinations throughout Europe. It was reported that 90% of those who contracted measles had never been vaccinated or had no history of vaccinations. This outbreak was connected to measles outbreaks in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Brazil. WHO stated that this demonstrates a continued need for parent education about immunization, as well as reaching out to susceptible populations. This highlights the importance of immunizations not only for the individual, but the general population as well.

I work in a classroom of young children with varying disabilities. Though I work with no children who are “medically fragile” I do come into contact with children who have weak immune systems and get sick easily. I was vaccinated as a young child, but do not keep current on flu shots or tetanus shots, and have never had my Hepatitis B vaccination. Upon learning more about the importance of vaccinations, I realize that it is not only my health that may be at risk, but those of the children I work with as well.

References:

Berger, K.S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5^th ed.) New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

World Health Organization. (2011, November 2). European countries must take action now to prevent continued measles outbreaks in 2012. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/press/european_countries_action_measles_outbreaks_2012/en/index.html