Question

In this discussion board, apply key immunological concepts learned in this module to the important issue of vaccination. The safety of vaccination was recently challenged by a study that linked autism to vaccination. The study was subsequently retracted by the journal editors because it was unsubstantiated and deeply flawed. Yet, the controversy remained and fueled other unnecessary concerns related to vaccination. You are the parent of a child who is enrolled in an elementary school. discussing the controversial topic of vaccination with another parent, who argues against it. How do you respond? Support all your assertions with evidence.

Answer 1

Vaccination is an important aspect of modern medicine. I would tell them how vaccination helps prevent many diseases. Also, in some diseases, vaccines are the only preventable measure available. I would explain to them how vaccines work; that they are an attenuated or killed form of the pathogen which elicits an immune response but does not cause disease. And that modern vaccines only contain the antigenic portion of the pathogen and therefore are highly safe. I would back my arguments with supportive data about the safety of vaccines.