Immunity and Vaccination

Before 1963, there were 500,000 cases of measles and 500 deaths due to the disease in the United States each year. After the licensing of the measles vaccine, the incidence of measles dropped 98%, and in 2000, measles was thought to be eradicated in the United States.

Figure from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Links to an external site.).

Recently, there has been a resurgence of measles throughout the United States. In 2014, there have been 10 reported cases of measles in Los Angeles and 21 cases in Orange County (Links to an external site.).

Now that you have learned about the biology behind vaccines and understand the controversy surrounding them, I want to hear your opinion about the issue. For this week’s discussion, write about what you would tell a neighbor who is deciding whether or not to give her child the MMR vaccine. Cite at least one peer-reviewed source OR use CDC and/or Health Department data to supports your argument.

Remember to check your grammar and spelling. Write in complete sentences, and use correct punctuation.