OPINION: Yes, vaccines are safe for your children

Moscow-Pullman Daily News - 5/10/2018

May 10--Our nation has always had small groups of anti-science or conspiracy theorists among us.

Often, we can't help but be entertained by some of them, like the flat-earthers and those fearful the government is dispersing mind-control chemicals -- otherwise known as chemtrails. Those groups have, for the most part, been harmless, although social media and the internet has given them much louder and far-reaching voices, and that is concerning.

But there is a sizeable percentage of the population that believes vaccinating their children is unsafe -- and that steps away from being somewhat entertaining to being downright dangerous and deadly.

Idaho, unfortunately, ranks as one of the worst states at ensuring children are vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Idaho has the third worst vaccination exemption rates in the nation, trailing only Alaska and Oregon. The Gem State had an exemption rate -- referring to students whose parents have asked the state for a vaccine waiver for medical, religious or philosophical reasons -- of 6.5 percent during the 2016-17 school year. Washington's exemption rate was 4.8 percent.

Overall, only 86.1 percent of Idaho's kindergarten population of 22,589 during the 2016-17 school year was adequately immunized. State health officials want that figure at 95 percent.

Immunizations are the most efficient -- and often only -- defense we have against many serious diseases. When a child is vaccinated, he or she is not only protected from those illnesses, he or she is able to protect others who do not or cannot get their shots for legitimate reasons -- like medical conditions. This is called herd immunity.

Not immunizing children is not only grossly irresponsible, but it can lead to debilitating diseases and death.

And it can all be prevented.

When it comes to the safety of your children, you should ask questions -- but you should believe the doctors, scientists and years of studies and data showing the benefits and safety of vaccinations and not some quack posting misinformation on Facebook or Twitter.

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