British researcher Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a completely invalid study in 1998 that stated that vaccines have a direct correlation to a child having Autism. This study, based on merely twelve individuals, encouraged uncertainty towards the scientific discovery that has saved millions of lives for centuries. There are dozens of studies that disproved his study and state that there is absolutely no connection between vaccines and autism. Still, many parents still refuse to vaccinate their children.
We see the repercussions of these unwise practices today in Richmond, Virginia where there are two confirmed cases of mumps at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (News 6 Richmond). The mumps virus does not have a direct cure other than rest and waiting for the virus to pass as antibiotics do not work (Mayo Clinic). However, the contraction of this disease has many possible complications if one’s immune system is compromised or just simply not strong enough to fight the virus off. The complications include great swelling in the testes of men and breasts of women. The most risky and incredibly dangerous complications are the possibility of meningitis and children becoming deaf.
This disease is preventable. The mumps vaccine was created after the virus was isolated in the 1940s and it is almost completely effective (History of Vaccines). Though it is possible to contract the disease even with the vaccine, it would be an exceptional circumstance. Furthermore, strengthening our communities by ensuring vaccinations allows for the immunity of everyone. If the disease were to come in contact with somebody, it would have minimal impact on the environment.
Wakefield’s study started a controversy that has lasted almost twenty years and reduced our safeguard against many deadly illnesses, including mumps. Our one defense against disease is community immunity. Putting that at risk, puts us all at risk. We depend on each other to be safe, and as our community immunity reduces we become increasingly vulnerable. It is our duty to ourselves and each other to not become the victims to completely preventable diseases.
