I choose Immunizations to review for my focus. Immunizations are something that are required by all states and schools in the United States. By getting an immunization, the child builds up a tolerance for a certain virus. The immunization is a small dose of the virus put into the body, and the body builds up antibodies to help fight off this disease. When the antibodies are already created within the body, the immunized child has a better chance of not catching the disease or virus that may be life threatening.
“Immunization currently averts an estimated 2.5 million deaths every year in all age
groups from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and measles.” (WHO, 2010)
The number of countries reaching over 80% of immunizations has reached 157 in the year 2009, which is a growth from 154 in 2008. (WHO, 2010)
According to the Berger text, Immunizations also protect the child from serious complications such as blindness and meningitis and can stop the spread of the disease from child to child. (Berger,2009)
A big issue with immunizations is the fact that not all children receive their immunizations when they should, or during the scheduled time. Since the children are not exhibiting signs of being sick, parents do not feel they need this immunization. There is also a worry about detrimental side effects from Immunizations, as many are suspected to cause Autism. (Berger, 2009)
I was researching information on Immunizations around the globe and found it interesting that Mexican children are better immunized then children in the United States! According to the website, “If parents here are late getting their child inoculated, a public-health nurse will come to their home, pull down the youngster's pants and give the vaccination right there in the living room.” (HEGSTROM, 2002) So, if you fail to reach a deadline, the doctors and nurses came to your house and made sure the child was immunized.
I think knowing about immunizations will be important for work to help educate parents. First time parents may be afraid of Immunizing their child, and may feel they can let it go since there are no signs of the child being sick. Perhaps if you have a good working relationship with the family, they can discuss the benefits of Immunization and you can offer some comfort and education about the important of Immunization.
Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
HEGSTROM, E. (2002, December 22). Mexico more effective than U.S. at immunizing children. Retrieved January 11, 2011, from Vaccination News Home Page: http://www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews/December2002/MexicoMore22.htm
Organization, W. H. (2010, October). Global Immunization Data. Global Immunization Data.
8 comments:
Hello Cassie, I am glad to know that immunization is required by all states and schools. Without immunization we would have a lot of sick children. I enjoyed reading your blog this week.
Hi Cassie, Iliked the information you provided especially about children in Mexico and how they are required to get immunizations and that the doctors and nurses go to the homes and do it right in the living room. Wow that is awesome! I know in America it is required but there are a lot of children who do not get all the immunizations due to the cost of health care for low income families. Head Start is very beneficial for that because we find resources to help our families get the immunization for their child to start head start and as they grow to kindergarten.
Cassie, You wrote a lot of interesting information in your blog. I did not know that Mexico rates higher with immunization than the United States. I am happy that the state of Georgia requires all students to be immunize before starting school. Great post!
That's interesting to know about why we get immunizations for babies. The sad thing is that not all kids around the world don't get the same type of immunization for body tolerance. You have shared some good information to know what's important for building antibodies in a baby's immune system
I too believe that immunization is important to the health and well being of children. In my center if children are not up-to-date with immunizations they are not allowed to return to school until they are updated.
There are so many misconceptions about certain immunizations being linked to Autism, I was a critic as well after listening to the interview with Jenny McCarthy who's son is autistic. It turns out that there is no convincing evidence that any vaccine can cause autism or any kind of behavioral disorder.
I like your post and I agree with you. My son got his one year shots. I hated to see him cry but glad to know he will be protected.
Hi Cassie, I also feel that immunization is important. As of now, I'm waiting to take my son to his 1 month appointment so that he can get his done. Until then, I'm keeping him in the house. Thanks for your post. Its good to know that its required by all states and schools.
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