Immuizations

In developed countries, immunizing children is a common practice.  In the United States children begin to receive immunizations with a weeks of birth.  Immunizations serve as a way for the immune systems to build up defenses to foreign bodies.  In doing so, the person is protected in the event that they were to come into contact with the disease.  There are two types of immunization.  The first is active immunization.  Active immunization occurs naturally when a person comes in contact with a foreign body.  On the contrary, passive immunization occurs when an individual is given pre-synthesized elements that in turn do not require the body build up its own defenses.  This generally occurs through a vaccine.  This topic is meaningful to me in that many diseases can be prevented through vaccination.  Living in a country where we have access to vaccinations, this eliminates the spread of many diseases.  As an educator, states mandate which vaccinations children must receive prior to entering school.  This helps to ensure overall health.  Healthy children are such to perform better and lead more productive lives. 

In contrast, children in developing countries in Africa there are not many resources for vaccination.  Outreach agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Measles Initiative help to ensure that children have the ability to be vaccinated.  Vaccination in rural developing areas is difficult given the fact that many children do not have access to clinics and doctors.  Likewise, facilities are often far away.  With programs such as the American Red Cross and the Measles Initiative medical professionals are able to enter the villages of Africa.  It is here that they are able to administer vaccinations free of charge.  Poverty and lack of public funding make it difficult for vaccinations to occur in developing countries.  Support from world organizations, enable the children of developing nations to receive the vaccinations that will ultimately keep them healthy.