VELAMMAL NEWGEN EDU NETWORK
A PROJECT REPORT ON
CHILDHOOD VACCINATION SHOULD BE COMPULSORY
FOR ASSESSMENT OF LISTENING AND SPEAKING
NAME: CNEGHAN.K
CLASS: 12A2
ROLL NUMBER:
SSCE 2024- 2025
CERTIFICATE
Certified that this ASL Project report titled ‘Childhood Vaccinations should be
Compulsory’ is the bonafide work of CNEGHAN.K of Grade 12 in the academic year
2024-25 , who carried out the project under the guidance of Mrs. Mareni Leela Rani for the
partial fulfillment of ENGLISH CORE Internal Assessment conducted by SSCE - CBSE,
New Delhi for the academic year 2024 – 2025.
Signature of Internal Examiner Signature of the Principal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am extremely grateful to my mentor Marneni Leela Rani, Department of
English ,Velammal Vidhyashram –Surapet, Chennai for the valuable guidance and support
during the course of the project.
I wish to express my gratitude to the Principal of Velammal Vidhyashram for the
continuous support in the completion of this project.
I express my gratitude to my parents, friends and family members for their great support
and patience.
Cneghan.k
INDEX
1. What is vaccination
2. Importance of vaccination
3. Importance of vaccination for children
4. How do vaccination works
5. Vaccination is very safe and effective
6. The case for compulsory childhood vaccination
7. Diseases can spread rapidly
8. Why should vaccination be mandatory
9. Arguments for compulsory vaccination
10. Arguments against compulsory vaccinations
11. The role of education and informed choice
12. What is immunization
13. Immunization can save your child's life
14. Immunization project others you care about
15. Immunization can save your family time and money
16. Immunization protect your future generation
17. Conclusion
WHAT IS VACCINATION :
The process of administering a vaccine to protect the immune system from diseases is
termed vaccination. The main function of vaccines is to provide protection by
recognizing the pathogens like viruses or bacteria and fighting the pathogens. The life-
threatening diseases include measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, influenza,
tetanus, typhoid, and cervical cancer. The vaccine is the material that is used for
immunization.
The vaccine is prepared from microbes that are weak or dead and it has similar items of
a microorganism that causes the disease by using one of its surface proteins or its toxins.
The vaccine helps to stimulate the immune system and identify the foreign bodies to
destroy it. The first vaccine to be discovered was the Smallpox vaccine.
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION :
is required and vaccines are recommended for infants, children, teenagers, and adults.
There are proper schedules made for vaccination according to age. Vaccines are
especially important for young children and older adults as they are at-risk populations.
This plays a major role in decreasing the rate of mortality during the break of any
pandemic disease or infection.
IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN:
Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-
preventable diseases like amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss,
convulsions, brain damage, and death.
Vaccination should be given to children as they have a high chance of spreading it to
other children who are too young to resist any infections as they have developing
immune systems. Vaccinations start from an early age which are called booster doses
that are given within a year to prevent any unwanted diseases which affect the growth
and body functioning of the newborns.
HOW DO VACCINATION WORKS :
The human body has several anti-infection defence systems (disease-causing
organisms). The skin, mucus, and cilia (microscopic hairs that carry material away from
the lungs) all serve as physical barriers to keep pathogens out.
When a virus penetrates our bodies, our immune systems are engaged, and the infection
is battled, eradicated, or defeated. Vaccines include weakened or inactive components of
a certain organism (antigen) that trigger an immunological response in the body. Newer
immunizations include the blueprint for producing antigens rather than the antigen
itself.
This weaker form will not cause illness in the individual getting the vaccination,
whether the vaccine is made up of the antigen itself or the blueprint for the body to
create the antigen, but it will induce their immune system to react similarly to how it
would in the presence of the pathogen.
Some vaccinations require many doses spaced weeks or months apart. This is
sometimes necessary to allow memory cells to form and long-lasting antibodies to be
produced. The body is trained to fight a specific disease-causing organism, and the
pathogen's memory is built up so that it may be rapidly combated in the future if and
when it is exposed.
VACCINATION IS VERY SAFE AND EFFECTIVE :
Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists,
doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may
cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection, but this is minimal compared
to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side
effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The
disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side
effects for almost all children.
THE CASE FOR COMPULSORY CHILDHOOD VACCINATION:
According to the World Health Organisation, measles is one of the leading causes of
childhood death globally . In early 2019, the WHO said that there is a ‘clear trend’ of
increasing outbreaks and argued that vaccinations must be stepped up across the world.
The key argument about herd immunity, put forward by many calling for compulsory
vaccinations, is that when an individual choice puts other members of society of risk, it
is no longer a valid one. “The core issue here is the common good. If enough people are
vaccinated, everyone benefits. But if enough people decide to opt out of vaccinations,
for whatever reason, they put everyone at a higher risk of contracting disease.” Also
important are the difficult issues about the importance of parental autonomy to make
decisions about their children, versus the needs of society as a whole. Since the US
Supreme Court case Jacobson v. Massachusetts in 1905, the United States has allowed
mandatory vaccinations when they are “necessary for the public health or safety” and
when the community is “under the pressure of great danger”. Even then, “while
governments could enforce vaccine mandates by imposing penalties like monetary fines
on violators, forcibly vaccinating individuals against their will would be ‘cruel and
inhumane to the last degree’.” Much of the debate about compulsory vaccinations turns
on what the line is between acceptable and unacceptable measures to encourage the
uptake of vaccines. Such measures vary from education, advertising and campaigns, to
fines, not allowing unvaccinated children into nurseries or schools, or even banning
such people from public places.
DISEASES CAN SPREAD RAPIDLY :
Unvaccinated children can be exposed to infections that are not common in their area
because of modern travel.Vaccines are essential to getting children off to a healthy start
in life and keeping them healthy as they grow up.
Because immunization programs of the 20th and 21st centuries have been so successful,
many parents today have never seen the many vaccine-preventable diseases that were
once common. They may not realize that those infectious diseases could reemerge. If
individuals choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children, some diseases that are
now rare or nonexistent in the U.S. may resurface. Infectious diseases that used to be
common in children in the U.S. – including measles, polio, diphtheria, rubella (German
measles) and chickenpox – are preventable with vaccines approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration. Vaccines can prevent contagious diseases that once killed or
harmed many infants, children and adults. The FDA ensures that the vaccines we
approve or authorize for emergency use in the U.S. meet our safety and effectiveness
standards, as well as standards for quality.
From babies to teenagers, people need vaccines throughout childhood to protect them
from potentially dangerous infectious diseases. Without vaccines, children would be at
risk for serious illness – and even disability or death – from diseases such as measles,
whooping cough, or meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
A vaccine is a medical product. Like any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects, but
most are minor and short-lived, such as a low-grade fever, or pain and redness at the
injection site. Severe, long-lasting side effects of vaccines are rare. The risk of being
harmed by vaccines is much smaller than the risk of serious illness from the diseases
they prevent. Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines is one of the FDA’s top
priorities.
The FDA ensures that the vaccines we approve or authorize for emergency use have
undergone a rigorous and extensive development program. This includes studies
conducted by the manufacturers to show that the vaccines meet FDA standards for
quality and for safety and effectiveness in the target population. The FDA has extensive
expertise in clinical trial design and methods, and manufacturers conduct clinical trials
according to plans that have been evaluated by the FDA. The FDA approves or
authorizes a vaccine only if it determines that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks
WHY SHOULD VACCINATION BE MANDATORY :
Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions in the world for saving
lives and promoting good health. Only clean water, which is considered to be a basic
human right, performs better.
Despite this, uptake of vaccines has reduced in some countries and this is thought to be
partly caused by misguided concerns over vaccine safety.
When vaccines control disease, parents are less likely to witness the devastating effects of
vaccine preventable infectious diseases first hand. It is then easy for misplaced anxiety or
suspicion about vaccines to override concerns about the disease itself.
When vaccination rates decline, we start to see a resurgence of infectious diseases.
That’s why some countries are choosing to make vaccination mandatory. However, the
effectiveness of this approach varies in countries which have already implemented it.
ARGUMENTS FOR COMPULSORY VACCINATION :
* Public Health Protection: Vaccines are incredibly effective at preventing the spread
of dangerous diseases. Mandatory vaccinations help to achieve herd immunity, where a
large enough portion of the population is immune, protecting even those who cannot be
vaccinated (like infants or immunocompromised individuals). Vaccines serve as a
frontline defense against a variety of deadly, contagious diseases. Childhood vaccines
protect individuals from illnesses that were once widespread and caused significant
morbidity and mortality, such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough
(pertussis). These vaccines create a barrier that helps to prevent the spread of these
diseases, thus protecting not only the vaccinated child but also the wider community.
When children are vaccinated, they contribute to "herd immunity." Herd immunity
refers to a situation where enough people in a population are immune to a disease—
either through vaccination or previous infection—that it reduces the likelihood of the
disease spreading to vulnerable individuals. This includes infants too young to be
vaccinated, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. For these
groups, vaccination is critical because even mild infections can have severe
consequences.
* Herd Immunity and Community Protection
The concept of herd immunity is essential for protecting those who cannot be
vaccinated, such as children with certain medical conditions (e.g., leukemia,
autoimmune diseases) or those who are allergic to specific vaccine components. When a
high percentage of the population is immunized, the transmission of infectious diseases
is reduced, making it less likely that outbreaks will occur.
This is particularly important for diseases that can spread rapidly in community settings
like schools, daycare centers, and healthcare facilities. For instance, diseases such as
measles are highly contagious. Even a small drop in vaccination rates can lead to
outbreaks, as seen in recent years in places where vaccine coverage has declined.
Making childhood vaccinations mandatory ensures that enough people are protected,
lowering the overall risk of disease spread.
*Prevention of Disease Outbreaks
One of the greatest public health successes in history has been the near-eradication of
deadly diseases through widespread vaccination. Smallpox was completely eradicated
globally by 1980 thanks to an intensive vaccination campaign. Polio, another crippling
disease, is now only a few cases away from being completely eliminated, with 99% of
cases having been wiped out since the 1980s.
However, these achievements are fragile. If vaccination rates fall, the risk of outbreaks
increases. In the U.S., for example, the return of diseases like measles and whooping
cough has been linked to drops in vaccination rates in some areas. In 2019, a measles
outbreak in the U.S. was attributed to pockets of unvaccinated individuals, and the
number of cases rose dramatically. Mandatory childhood vaccination ensures that such
diseases do not regain a foothold in the population.
*Combating Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
In recent years, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy have become significant
challenges to achieving high vaccination rates. This is often fueled by misinformation
on social media, fear of side effects, and distrust in healthcare institutions. Mandatory
vaccination policies help counteract these challenges by ensuring that children receive
the necessary immunizations, regardless of misconceptions or misinformation their
parents may encounter.
While it is essential to address concerns and educate parents about the safety and
importance of vaccines, mandatory vaccination policies create a safety net that helps
protect public health even in the face of individual doubts. Education and informed
decision-making are crucial, but so is ensuring that disease prevention remains a priority
for the community as a whole.
*Preventing the Reemergence of Eradicated Diseases
As global travel increases, so does the risk of diseases that were once controlled or
eradicated reappearing. For example, recent outbreaks of diseases like polio in countries
that were once considered free of the disease highlight the importance of global
vaccination efforts. If vaccination rates drop, there is always the risk that these diseases
could return.
Mandatory vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing such diseases from resurfacing.
Without widespread vaccination, we risk losing the hard-earned gains we have made in
eradicating or controlling diseases that once caused significant death and disability.
*Ethical Responsibility to Protect Public Health
In a society, there is a collective responsibility to protect the well-being of all its
members. Vaccination not only protects the individual child but also contributes to the
health and safety of the broader community. By ensuring that all children are
vaccinated, we fulfill our moral obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable,
including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and infants who are not yet old
enough to be vaccinated.
Furthermore, mandatory vaccination policies are rooted in the ethical principle of
justice. It is not just a matter of individual choice—protecting public health is a shared
responsibility. Just as we have laws to protect against harm (such as seatbelt laws or
smoking bans in public places), mandatory vaccinations are a logical extension of these
protections, aimed at safeguarding the collective well-being.
* Economic Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness
Mandatory vaccinations are not only effective in preventing disease but also offer
significant economic benefits. Treating vaccine-preventable diseases can be expensive
for families and healthcare systems alike. Hospitalizations, long-term care, and
treatment for severe disease outcomes impose substantial costs.
For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that
childhood immunization programs save the country around $70 billion in direct
healthcare costs and lost productivity every year. Preventing outbreaks and reducing the
burden of disease through vaccination leads to fewer healthcare expenditures and a
healthier, more productive society overall.
Furthermore, vaccines are cost-effective in comparison to the high costs associated with
managing infectious disease outbreaks. While vaccines may incur an upfront cost, the
long-term financial benefits of preventing diseases far outweigh the initial investment.
* Individual Health Benefits
Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and even
death for children. They prevent suffering and long-term health consequences.
* Disease Eradication
Compulsory vaccination programs have been instrumental in eradicating diseases like
smallpox and polio. They play a crucial role in keeping other diseases at bay.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST COMPULSORY VACCINATIONS :
* Personal Liberty: Some argue that parents have the right to make decisions about
their children's medical care, including vaccinations.
* Religious or Philosophical Beliefs: Certain religious or philosophical beliefs may
conflict with vaccination practices.
* Vaccine Safety Concerns: While vaccines are incredibly safe, some parents may
have concerns about potential side effects, especially due to misinformation or fear-
mongering.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND INFORMED CHOICE:
Many experts believe that instead of mandatory vaccinations, a focus on education and
informed consent is more effective. This approach involves:
* Providing accurate information about vaccines, their benefits, and their risks.
* Addressing concerns and misconceptions about vaccines.
* Offering counseling and support to parents who may be hesitant.
Ultimately, the decision about whether childhood vaccinations should be compulsory is
a complex one with ethical, medical, and societal implications. It's a debate that
continues to evolve as new information emerges and public health priorities shift.
WHAT IS IMMUNIZATION :
The process in which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease is
done by introducing a vaccine into the body. This prepares the body to fight against any
foreign bodies which have invaded the body.
Immunization plays an important role in controlling and eliminating life-threatening
infectious diseases. This plays an important role in eradicating a disease as it is proven
to be the most cost-effective health investment and is accessible to the most remote
areas.
IMMUNIZATION CAN SAVE YOUR CHILD'S LIFE :
Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more
diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of
children have been eliminated completely, and others are close to extinction – primarily
due to safe and effective vaccines. Polio is one example of the great impact that
vaccines have had in the United States. Polio was once America's most-feared disease,
causing death and paralysis across the country, but today, thanks to vaccination, there
are no reports of polio in the United States.
IMMUNIZATION PROJECT OTHERS YOU CARE ABOUT :
Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen
resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. Since
2010, there have been between 10,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough each year
in the United States. About 10 to 20 babies, many of whom were too young to be fully
vaccinated, died each year. While some babies are too young to be protected by
vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe
allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons.
To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who can get
vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps
prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.
IMMUNIZATION CAN SAVE YOUR FAMILY TIME AND MONEY :
A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or
childcare facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged
disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or
long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good
investment and usually covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program is a
federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income
families.
IMMUNIZATION PROTECT YOUR FUTURE GENERATION :
Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or
severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination
eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don't have to get smallpox shots
anymore because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella
(German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or
newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no
longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating
completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no
longer be around to harm their children in the future.
CONCLUSION :
Mandatory childhood vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health. They protect
individuals, promote herd immunity, and prevent the spread of preventable diseases.
Vaccines have saved millions of lives worldwide, and the evidence overwhelmingly
supports their safety and efficacy. By making vaccinations mandatory, we can ensure
that all children are protected from dangerous diseases and that the broader community
remains safe and healthy.
While individual autonomy is important, the collective responsibility to protect public
health outweighs personal preferences when it comes to preventing the spread of
infectious diseases. In the case of childhood vaccinations, mandatory policies are not
only scientifically justified but ethically necessary to maintain the health and safety of
society.
