Essay On Herd Immunity

One way vaccinations protect is by preserving herd immunity. Herd immunity is defined by the Merriam-Webster English dictionary as “a reduction in the probability of infection that is held to apply to susceptible members of a population in which a significant proportion of the individuals are immune because the chance of coming in contact with an infected individual is less” (“Herd Immunity”). A “susceptible member” may include a person who has a weak immune system or cannot tolerate immunizations because of other medical conditions. These members of our community are the ones who suffer the most in the event of an outbreak of disease. Herd immunity helps provide the protection these “susceptible members” cannot have on their own.
The importance of herd immunity is recognized by the legislative branch of the United States government. Legislatures in each of the fifty states have passed laws requiring the vaccination of children in order for them to attend public schools (“States with Religious and Philosophical Exemptions”). These mandates protect the herd immunity of the school environment. Some call these mandatory vaccinations an infringement of constitutional rights. But …show more content…
By receiving certain immunizations, parents help provide a healthier environment for their children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunization schedule, some immunizations, for example the vaccination for whooping cough, cannot be administered to an infant immediately after birth (“Recommended Immunization”, 1). Limiting exposure to the disease is crucial to keeping infants healthy. Unvaccinated parents provide one more avenue by which the disease can reach the infant. Vaccinated parents establish a form of herd immunity for their children. If parents are protected against whooping cough then they will not pass along the disease to their child. This reduces the likelihood of infant