Vaccination Nation [infographic]

Vaccines have been a topic of debate for quite some time. Many parents opt out of vaccinating their children because of scientific rumors, some feel that ancient diseases no longer need vaccinations because of their rarity. Other parents vaccinate their children willingly and unvaccinated playmates cause parents to fear for their child’s health. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has sparked controversy after a physician published a paper linking it to autism. This has been widely discredited both by government researchers and private researchers, but the publicity and effect carries on.

As seen in the infographic, some parents are not following CDC suggested vaccine schedules. Parents are skipping doses, delaying vaccines, waiting between consecutive vaccinations and refusing the vaccinations all together. This has an effect on the unvaccinated children as well as their vaccinated playmates. 68% of those diagnosed with measles from 2004-2008 refused vaccinations.

Parental reasons for straying from CDC recommended vaccinations vary, including more control over their child’s health, avoiding unnecessary vaccines, safety and side effects. While parents do have ultimate control over their child’s health, everyone should make educated decisions about health and wellness. While following a recommended schedule blindly may not be the best route, doing research and having a plan are important to consider when the consequences can affect both your child health and the health of others. For all of you parents, do you vaccinate? Why or why not? [Via]