Immunization

The topic and discussion of immunization is always something causes a stir.

Unicef.org

Do I vaccinate or not? 

What if the immunizations causes another disorder? 

These diseases are old so why vaccinate?

As a Army veteran, I am vaccinated more than most people due to various deployments and moves. I carry the scar of the smallpox immunization and I have had the full series of inoculations for anthrax so there was never a question as to whether or not my child would receive routine vaccinations. 

Unicef.org

People live wonderful lives due immunizations because without them each person would be susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. Thinking of history, Jonas Salk (inventor of the polio vaccination) chose to not patent it so it could be released to the masses instantly and be readily available for all. 

Before beginning my research for more information about immunizations around the world, I knew right away one orgainization that provides so much to struggling countries and populations; Unicef.

Unicef.org

Within my searches, I was surprised to see the amount of countries that struggle with providing immunizations and one of these is Guinea. This country boasts a population of just over 12.5 billion and yet only "57% fully immunized against DPT" at age one according to Unicef. Comparing this to the information about the United States that shows a "fully immunized rate of 95%" at age one. The DPT vaccinations covers the diseases diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus which can all cause death if not treated promptly thus making immunization for these vital.

While many countries face countless more struggles than the United States, it is important to provide these countries with the opportunities to grow strong. Immunizations are one way to do this by providing vaccinations for preventing illnesses or diseases to infants and also the population as a whole.