The data from the Center for disease control and prevention indicate that vaccination among the children has been above average in the past decade. Vaccination against diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis stood at 84.2% (CDC, 2015). The vaccination against polio was at 93.3% and that against muscles, mumps, and Rubella at 91.5%. The statistics demonstrate that sensitization and mobilization programs play an imperative role in enhancing people’s participation in vaccination initiatives. However, there emerging information on the relationship between vaccination and autism may have adverse effects on parents. In the article Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses, Jeffrey & offit (2009) indicated that some vaccines, especially those against muscles and Rubella put the children at a greater risk of developing autism. The conclusion was arrived at after a number of ecological studies in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Such information has negative effects on peoples’ attitudes and behaviors towards health. The information may lead to a reduction in the number of parents who take their children for vaccination.
The article Lancet Retracts Study Tying Vaccine to Autism, seeks to address the discrepancy on whether vaccinations cause autism. According to recent studies, there is no link between autism and vaccination. This is good news to parents and the community in general as it will encourage more parents to have their children vaccinated. Both the personal and interpersonal ecological levels will play an imperative role in fostering the desirable health behavior. At the personal level, the goal is to change peoples’ beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about health. This can only be achieved by the dissemination of accurate information on health. At the interpersonal level, one has to recognize the role of the family, friends, and the immediate environment in propagating healthy behavior. The public health officers should address the beliefs and attitudes that hinder healthy living.
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References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics . Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/immunize.htm
Jeffrey, S. & Offit, P. (2009). Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses. Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 4(28), 456-461.
National Institutes of Health. Theories of Health Behavior . A Guide for Health Promotion Practice
Wang, S. (2010). Lancet Retracts Study Tying Vaccine to Autism . The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704022804575041212437364420
