Vaccinations are a vital part of overall health and without them, catastrophic consequences could occur. In one year, over a million deaths in the United States could have easily been preventable with proper vaccinations, according to vaxopedia.org. Not only does skipping vaccinations affect one’s health, but it affects every single person they come into contact with. Because of their weak immune systems, elderly people and babies are at high risk of contracting certain diseases. This would be easily preventable with a quick trip to the doctor’s office.

It is flu season, and that means flu shots. Most people do not give a second thought to their recommended flu shot, but others are deciding against vaccinating themselves and their children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most childhood vaccines are up to 99 percent effective in preventing disease, but only about 59 percent of people under the age of 18 are vaccinated.

“I find it weird that some people don’t get vaccinated,” sophomore Megan Elam said, “I think it’s important for everyone to make sure they are happy and healthy.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every person six months and older to get a yearly influenza shot. Yet, some parents are scared their children will suffer side effects that could be more dangerous than contracting influenza.

The health and safety of children should be the top priority. Children who are not vaccinated put themselves and others in danger of acquiring and spreading preventable diseases. Particularly to those individuals who cannot receive vaccinations, such as infants, pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems, including the elderly and those with diseases like HIV, AIDS and leukemia.

“Without vaccinations, your kids are open to new illness and there’s nothing to protect them,” Elam said. “Your child can get seriously sick and possibly die if you don’t vaccinate them.”

Many of the anti-vaccination group members believe that they cause autism. According to vaccines.gov, the widespread fear that vaccines increase the risk of autism came from a 1997 study by Andrew Wakefield, a British surgeon, suggesting that the measles, mumps, rubella and other illnesses increase autism in British children. However, the paper was discredited and Wakefield was stripped of his medical license when it was revealed that he altered the results of the study and misrecorded data. Although the study is no longer credible, the idea that vaccines have the chance to cause autism is still a modern and abundant belief.

Cost can also be a contributing factor to whether someone decides to be vaccinated. Although the shots cost between $15 to $100 depending on the type, most health insurance agencies cover most or all of the price. Depending on their insurance, families would be paying little to no cost for vaccinations, making the trip to the doctor extremely low cost.

With the myths associated with vaccines, many people are in the dark about the benefits. Vaccines are a vital part of the public’s overall health and need to be used going forward.