BSC1005-Disc10
MO-MO
Topic-Discussion10-TechnologyandYou.pdf
This is a graded discussion: 30 points possible
due -
Discussion 10: Technology and
You 25 25
Directions: Recently there has been an increase in parents refusing to
vaccinate their children. Some celebrities and others have made statements
regarding the safety of vaccines and claimed that vaccines cause autism.
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Scientific evidence, where to get it, and how to identify credible sources are
all important aspects of being an educated member of society. So here is
the question, Why should you care if there is a rise in unvaccinated
children?
Watch this short video on
Vaccine Safety (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=o65l1YAVaYc&list=UUabaQPYxxKepWUsEVQMT4Kw)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=o65l1YAVaYc&list=UUabaQPYxxKepWUsEVQMT4Kw)
(video 7:56 minutes) and then answer the question stated above. Address
why the spread of this unsupported claim is dangerous for society on the
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 1 of 26
Search entries or author
Reply
whole. Here are a couple of things to consider:
1. Vaccines save lives and the CDC has put forth a recommended
vaccination schedule. There are some who cannot be vaccinated for a
variety of reasons. What are those reasons?
2. Describe why the parents who choose not to vaccinate their children
because they are afraid vaccines cause autism are relying on others
who do vaccinate to protect their children from vaccine-preventable
diseases.
3. Choose one disease that is preventable with vaccination and is on the
rise.
4. Why is it inaccurate for a parent who chooses not to vaccinate their
child to say to a person who will vaccinate their child, “My decision
does not affect you if you choose to vaccinate your child.”
Submission: After you post your initial post, reply to two or more of your
classmates' postings (three additional postings are needed for an
"Exemplary" grade). Keep in mind that your replies should be thoughtful and
move the conversation forward. If you response is, "That is cool" or "I liked
your post", you will not receive full credit.
Grading: This discussion is worth 30 points toward your final grade and will
be graded using the Discussion Rubric. Please use it as a guide toward
successful completion of this discussion.
Unread Subscribe
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 2 of 26
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Jul 31, 2023
1. Vaccines save lives and the CDC has put forth a recommended
vaccination schedule. There are some who cannot be vaccinated for a
variety of reasons. What are those reasons?
This is mostly due to severe allergies or if they have a weakened immune
system due to things such as cancer.
2. Describe why the parents who choose not to vaccinate their children,
because they are afraid vaccines cause autism, are relying on others
who do vaccinate to protect their children from vaccine-preventable
diseases.
When more people are vaccinated, there is less risk for everyone. In an
environment where no one is vaccinated, the risk of developing a disease
or illness is very high and can easily be passed. In an environment where
most are vaccinated and only a few are unvaccinated, the unvaccinated
run a lower risk of being infected as others are less likely to pass
something along as they now have a “barrier” (vaccination) to keep
themselves from being infected.
3. Choose one disease that is preventable with vaccination and is on the
rise.
Measles
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 3 of 26
4. Why is it inaccurate for a parent who chooses not to vaccinate their
child to say to a person who will vaccinate their child, “My decision
does not affect you if you choose to vaccinate your child.”
Their choice to not vaccinate affects everyone around them. This choice
not only affects other children but also adults with low immune systems
and even the elderly. By being unvaccinated you create an environment
for diseases to fester making the unvaccinated a host that can pass
along any virus or disease.
A rise in unvaccinated children will result in a rise in illnesses and
viruses. The only way to contain an outbreak is by maintaining a smaller
group of those who can be exposed. Exposure is limited by the amount of
those vaccinated as their body has now been supplied with the necessary
antibodies.
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Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 4 of 26
Edited by Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704) on Aug 4 at
8:43am
Hi Ashley,
My nephew and his wife recently had a beautiful baby girl who is
about 3 months old now. A few weeks ago while visiting with them,
they told me that they did not plan to vaccinate her. At that time I did
not have the information that I have now to help educate them on
their decision. Regardless, it is a tough topic with all of the
misinformation that is out there. I also believe that its not just the
misinformation but also the lack of trust in the government that is
making it easier for parents not to vaccinate. The political system and
its divide has this country in a tail spin.
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Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Aug 3, 2023
Hello Ashley, thank you for your post! After reading your post I gained
a new overall perspective. Saying that the choice of those parents
affects everyone else is a perfect way to explain the reality of the
situation. It is affecting everyone, especially since most of them
make this choice without their own research
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Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Sunday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 5 of 26
Hello Ashley,
I agree that another reason that a vaccine may not be able to be
given to someone is due to a weakened immune system. I like the
wording that you used to describe that those who may want to keep
their children unvaccinated that the disease can "fester", really adds a
mental picture to something that of a disease. This topic is hard to
cover as there is many emotions and misinformation tied to decision
making, good job covering it.
Great discussion!
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Jomer Ibarreta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Monday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 6 of 26
Reply
Thank you for your discussion, Ashley. Vaccination is often cited as a
potential cause of autism. However, research has consistently shown
that there is no causal link between the two. Studies conducted by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute of
Medicine (IOM), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have all
concluded that there is no evidence to suggest a connection between
vaccines and autism (“Vaccines and Autism”). Therefore, the
scientific consensus is that vaccination does not lead to autism.
Reference:
"Vaccines and Autism." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
(http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html) .
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Robin Patterson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/148704)
Aug 2, 2023
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 7 of 26
There are medical exemptions for certain patients, such as those who are
immune compromised or allergic to various vaccine components.
Parents who do not vaccinate rely on herd immunity also known as
community immunity. It is when a large part of the population of an area
is immune to a specific disease. If enough people are resistant it has
nowhere to go. While not every single individual may be immune, the
group as a whole has some protection thus protecting those who are
unvaccinated.
Whooping cough also known as pertussis is a preventable disease with
vaccination that is on the rise. Between 2014 and 2019 almost 120,00
cases were reported to the CDC in the U.S. Approximately 20 babies die
each year from whooping couch even though it is preventable with the
DTaP vaccine for children or Tdap for pregnant women during the third
trimester.
It is inaccurate for a parent who chooses not to vaccinate their child to
say to their decision does not affect other children. Unvaccinated
children can introduce disease into their communities. Spread of
diseases can cause exclusion or quarantine which could impact work and
household income.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4869767/
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4869767/)
https://www.webmd.com/covid/what-is-herd-
immunity#:~:text=Herd%20immunity%2C%20or%20community%2
0immunity,as%20a%20whole%20has%20protection
(https://www.webmd.com/covid/what-is-herd-
immunity#:~:text=Herd%20immunity%2C%20or%20community%20immuni
ty,as%20a%20whole%20has%20protection)
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 8 of 26
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Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Aug 3, 2023
Hello Robin, your first sentence in your discussion caught my
attention. Acknowledging how there are some exceptions in
vaccinations due to such things as allergies. This cancels the view of
"the government forcing vaccinations on children." I believe that
everyone should do their own research as we did with this discussion,
I have already learned so much and feel more confident in he
decision of vaccinating children.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Sunday
Hello Robin,
I actually did not know that whooping cough was on the rise, I only
heard of it through older generations. That is crazy at the amount who
are infected by whooping cough in this current time. I agree on the
standpoint on why it is inaccurate for parents to say that it does not
matter to others that they choose to not vaccinate their children, it
does offer an environment for a disease to stay that would affect
everyone around not just the unvaccinated.
Great discussion!
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 9 of 26
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Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Sunday
Hi Robin!
I experienced my first pregnancy a little over a year ago and I
remember them requesting if I wanted to take the Tdap vaccine. I
was unsure of what it was or what it would prevent at the time but I
was shocked when I found out that it was for whooping cough as I
had never heard of any relevant cases, I assumed that it had died off.
It is interesting to know that babies are still susceptible to dying from
this even tho the numbers are so low. Thanks for sharing!
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Monday
I had not thought about the fact that a vaccine could be administered
to the mother while pregnant. I am curious to look further into that
because I know some vaccines are not recommended while pregnant.
I think a lot of people only think about the health effects and not the
effects of not being able to do certain things due to a lack of
vaccines. I am not sure what the exact laws are but I do remember
having to get certain vaccines before I could enter middle school. I
feel this is another area to look into further because I do not
remember what it was.
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 10 of 26
Reply
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Jomer Ibarreta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Monday
Great information, Robin. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (2016), the rise of unvaccinated children is a
public health concern as it increases the risk of contracting and
spreading infectious diseases. Unvaccinated children are at an
increased risk of contracting diseases such as measles, mumps,
rubella, and pertussis, and these diseases can have serious health
consequences. When unvaccinated children are in close proximity to
each other, the risk of disease transmission is even greater, and this
can put the overall population at risk. As such, it is important to be
mindful of the need for vaccinations and to ensure that children
receive the necessary immunizations to protect their health and the
health of the population.
Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016).
Vaccines and Preventable Diseases. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/index.html
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8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 11 of 26
Beyonce Miranda-Gomez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/129249)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 12 of 26
Initially while reading the discussion description it was obvious to me
why it matters to vaccinate our children, even without any medical
experience, it should be common sense. It is surprising how our society
has gone down a path of wanting to change so bad that they change
what is not broken. Off topic, but I do believe that Covid and the
quarantine had a great psychological affect on society, where they realize
how fragile we are and how messed up some things are as well. In
realization of this, we 'cope' by pushing the boundaries of "social norms"
on all aspects, this creates a "controlled" chaos environment. To help us
revert this chaos and heal, we need to ask questions like this discussion
and research and change on our own, without following the lead of
influencers and celebrities blindly.
So, to answer this question, I decided to do some research on a lot of
the diseases or viruses on the rise today. Some of them include, HIV,
SARS, and Lyme disease. These disease do not have vaccinations
available. This information alone should trigger parents to protect their
children in anyway possible. Children tend to carry what they call
"cooties," which can be transmitted from one child to another. In times
where Corona Virus has been newly discovered around 2 years ago,
parents need to take any precaution in order to prevent their child from
being affected by any new and current diseases. We, as a society, have
gone through a lot of pressures this past fews years, but we should not
let that affects poorly on our future, on our children. We should prepare
ourselves and protect ourselves, especially our children.
To answer the given question, as future or current mothers and fathers,
we should all care for the absolute care we give our children. If there are
concerns, we should all make the effort to make our own research and
decide for ourselves what our own future will be. I am sure once we all
fed our own intellects and find our own answers, a lot of problems will be
solved.
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 13 of 26
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Ashley Burris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/142506)
Sunday
Hi Beyonce!
I do agree with you that perceptions of vaccinations did take more
direct notice during the onset of COVID. There was a lot of doubt
arising when it was made known how much the "big corporations"
were making off of this pandemic, as well as the uncertainty that still
falls behind the idea of how quickly these vaccines were made and
how effective they truly are. Especially when you look at diseases like
those you have mentioned... HIV, SARS, and Lyme disease. These
have been around for so long it is hard to understand why there has
been no advancement in vaccination or cure. Comparatively, how
quickly COVID received aid in the form of multiple vaccines that
have now been released and modified, makes you wonder.
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Amira Betancourt (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/102878)
Monday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 14 of 26
Reply
Hey Beyonce! I really agree with you on the effect COVID and
quarantine had on society, and how the perceptions on vaccines
really changed. I also agree that we as a society should research
what we need to and do everything we can to protect ourselves and
everyone around us.
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Monday
Hello Beyonce,
Th Covid-19 pandemic has definitely changed all of our lives in many
ways. It has politicized vaccines. People have fought vaccines as
harmful for about as long as they have existed, and we have always
feared the unknown and new. The Covid-19 pandemic as brought it to
another level. I wonder how many lives could have been saved had
more people headed the warning of medical professionals.
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Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253)
Sunday
1. Vaccines save lives and the CDC has put forth a recommended
vaccination schedule. There are some who cannot be vaccinated for a
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 15 of 26
vaccination schedule. There are some who cannot be vaccinated for a
variety of reasons. What are those reasons?
Some reasons why some may not be able to get a vaccine is due to the
allergic reactions or someone who is already sick as it could have a bad
effect to magnify the sickness
2. Describe why the parents who choose not to vaccinate their children
because they are afraid vaccines cause autism are relying on others
who do vaccinate to protect their children from vaccine-preventable
diseases.
Parents who fear that vaccines cause autism will rely on other parents to
vaccinate their children so that the space around the non-vaccinated
children is "safe". Possibly they hope that the other parents doing their
part will help make the disease a thing of the past and that their kids
children will not need vaccines at all.
3. Choose one disease that is preventable with vaccination and is on the
rise.
Chicken pox is a disease that is preventable by vaccine. In early 2023
there were 18 reported cases of chicken pox verses the only 6 reported
in that time frame the year prior creating a 200% increase. Also only 23
were reported in all of 2022.
4. Why is it inaccurate for a parent who chooses not to vaccinate their
child to say to a person who will vaccinate their child, “My decision
does not affect you if you choose to vaccinate your child.”
It is not up to the parent to say that not vaccinating their child does not
affect a child who is vaccinated. Vaccines do not make someone
immortal to a disease but rather helps protect one from the disease.
With that being said a non-vaccinated child who is already in the realm
of ease to be infected still could infect those who are vaccinated.
Although unlikely but viruses can evolve through experiencing the
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 16 of 26
Edited by Corbin Miller (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/54253) on Aug 6 at 6:22pm
Although unlikely but viruses can evolve through experiencing the
immune system of a vaccinated child therefore able to possibly gain the
attributes to be able to infect those who are vaccinated. Kids who are un-
vaccinated just give the ability for a disease to continue to grow and
adapt.
Chickenpox cases on the rise in Youth. (n.d.).
https://dphhs.mt.gov/News/2023/May/ChickenpoxCasesontheRisei
nYouth#:~:text=One%20infant%20and%20one%20young,cases%2
0year%2Dto%2Ddate
(https://dphhs.mt.gov/News/2023/May/ChickenpoxCasesontheRiseinYouth#
:~:text=One%20infant%20and%20one%20young,cases%20year%2Dto%2D
date) .
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Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Monday
Corbin, interesting that chicken pox is something on the rise now! I
had it as a child and thought it was still much more common that it
is. That seems to be a good indication that the vaccine did what it
was intended to do. Would be interesting to see the data as to who
was vaccinated and who wasn't in the cases that have been recorded!
Good post!
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 17 of 26
Reply
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Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Monday
I think the point you made about the virus adapting is a very
important one. We all think about those that are not vaccinated, but
the possibility of it mutating is very important thought. I had not
know that there was a rise in chicken pox cases. I know it is a very
small percentage of the U.S. what is affected, but a 200% increase is
one that should not be ignored.
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Amira Betancourt (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/102878)
Monday
Hi Corbin, I always remember thinking that Chicken Pox was an illness
that people back in the 20th century would get. I wonder why it’s
suddenly on the rise now.
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Amira Betancourt (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/102878)
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 18 of 26
Reply
Monday
1. Some people are not able to get vaccinated because of allergies or
weakened immune systems.
2. Since more people are vaccinated and are less likely to pass on
disease, unvaccinated people feel safer and don't feel the need to be
vaccinated.
3. Pertussis (whooping cough).
4. The choice to not vaccinate their child will affect everyone around
because now it is more likely that the child could now easily spread
diseases to other people who have weakened immune systems.
If there is a rise in unvaxxed children, there will be a rise in preventable
illnesses/diseases as well.
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Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Monday
Amira, I had no idea that whooping cough was something we are
vaccinating our children for and thought this was something much
more common than it is! Good info.
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 19 of 26
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Brooklyn Rossi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/24335)
Monday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 20 of 26
There many reasons we should care about the rise in unvaccinated
children. Taking a look at the questions posed in the discussion can help
us see these problems. One argument come from the fact that some
children and adults are recommended by doctors to not get certain
vaccines. This is because some people have allergies or health
conditions that would lead to certain safety issues. There are many
guidelines to keep people safe with vaccines. That is why certain ones
are given at particular ages and other guidelines like that. Those that do
not get their child vaccinated are gambling with their child’s life by
relying on others to get vaccinated. One of the perks of wide spread
vaccines is that many of those around you have been vaccinated, but you
run the risk of running into someone who is not. And if your child gets
sick from someone who is not vaccinated and infected, then they begin
to infect those who were unable to get vaccinated due to age or
immunity issues. Many of those who don’t get vaccinated in America
don’t get sick. This further validates their feelings on it, but this to me is
the equivalent of jumping off a bridge, living, then using it as justification
as to why it is okay to jump off a bridge. What they are doing is putting
the life of their (and other peoples children) in the hands of every person
they come into contact with. Two of the biggest diseases that come to
mind when we in the U.S. think of diseases with vaccines on the rise are
measles and mumps. Though there is on example of preventable
diseases spreading right here in Florida. Florida is currently facing a
Meningococcal Disease outbreak. While it is rare, it is life threatening.
According to the CDC there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease,
Serogroup C, in the gay community. Now, this is not something that you
spread by coughing. It is usually prolonged exchange of fluid, but it is
preventable through vaccines. Everyone in all age groups are effected by
those who do not get vaccinated. It poses a risk to the most vulnerable
members of our society.
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 21 of 26
Reply
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Bonni Haber (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/107427)
Monday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 22 of 26
Reply
1. There are actually many reasons the CDC says some should not get
vaccinated. Each vaccine has their own set of guidelines but in general a
person's age, overall health condition, current sickness or recent
exposure to certain things, allergies and other underlying health
conditions could put someone in the category of unable to be vaccinated
for certain things.
2. Some parents who are choosing not to vaccinate believe that their
child is safe from these diseases because the disease has been phased
out due to immunity of the population, ironically by the vaccinated
population.
3. Measles and chicken pox have both seen a rise in cases even though
they both are recommended vaccines.
4. Parents who chose to not vaccinate their children and believe the
vaccinated children won't be effected have been given information
inaccurate and without scientific validation. The more unvaccinated
children there are the more likely the disease can "come back" and
mutate with new variants that would affect even the vaccinated children.
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Jomer Ibarreta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/26650)
Monday
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 23 of 26
Having children in the population who are unvaccinated can have serious
repercussions for public health. Unvaccinated children not only put
themselves at risk for serious illnesses but can also spread diseases to
other children and adults. Vaccines are an important part of modern
public health - they help protect individuals and the population as a
whole from serious, contagious diseases. Therefore, it is important to
care about the rise of unvaccinated children, and to take steps to protect
the health of all individuals in the population.
The rise of unvaccinated children is a growing concern in the
medical field and the public health community. Vaccines are an essential
part of maintaining public health and preventing the spread of
contagious diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at an
increased risk of contracting preventable diseases, such as measles and
pertussis. Furthermore, they also put other children and adults,
particularly those with weakened immune systems, at risk of contracting
these diseases. Additionally, there is a fear among some parents that
vaccines can increase the risk of autism, but according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence to support this
claim. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that children are vaccinated in
order to protect them and the public from preventable diseases.
References:
“Vaccines: Vac-Gen/Why Vaccines Are Important.” Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12
June 2018, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/why.html
(http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/why.html) .
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 24 of 26
Reply
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Vaccines and Preventable
Diseases.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
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Claudia Huerta (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/71848/users/137133)
1:22pm
The rise in unvaccinated children is a concern for multiple reasons:
1. **Herd Immunity:** Vaccines work by creating a level of immunity within a population, often referred to as herd immunity. This is particularly important for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to various reasons such as being immunocompromised, having allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients, or being too young to receive certain vaccines. When a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, these vulnerable individuals are indirectly protected because the spread of the disease is greatly reduced.
2. **Increasing Disease Prevalence:** Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children out of fear that vaccines cause autism are, in a way, relying on those who do vaccinate to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This is dangerous because the more unvaccinated individuals there are in a population, the higher the chances of a disease outbreak. For example, measles, a disease preventable by vaccination, has seen a resurgence in areas with reduced vaccination rates, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
8/11/23, 6:36 PM Page 25 of 26
Reply
The statement "My decision does not affect you if you choose to vaccinate your child” is inaccurate because herd immunity depends on high vaccination rates. If a significant number of parents choose not to vaccinate their children, this decreases the overall immunity in the population.
Even if one child is vaccinated, they can still be at risk if the disease is prevalent in the community. This is because no vaccine provides 100% protection, and some individuals may not develop full immunity. Furthermore, diseases can mutate over time, and widespread outbreaks can lead to the evolution of strains against which current vaccines are less effective.
In conclusion, the spread of the unsupported claim that vaccines cause autism is dangerous for society as a whole. It undermines the collective effort to control and eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases, puts vulnerable individuals at risk, and can lead to the resurgence of diseases that had previously been under control. Being able to identify and interpret scientific evidence is therefore crucial for making informed health decisions and for the wellbeing of the community.
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