Can Vaccinating Yourself Protect Those Around You Too?

Can Vaccinating Yourself Protect Those Around You Too? 

By Lucas Codispoti - YMCA Arlington - Washington-Lee 

  

The words “They’re not just protecting others, they're protecting themselves.” echoed through the Senate of Virginia on Saturday morning of debate by Senator Joseph Maraska from Wakefield School. Immunization has been a very thoroughly discussed topic around the country. Commonwealth Bill No. 21 requires that all students entering school must have documentary proof of immunization unless the child is exempt due to detrimental risk to the student's health. 

  

Bill Patron Marya Dunning from Danville Family, explained how in the Commonwealth, around 95% of all people were immunized. She mentioned as well how: “If the percentage were to drop slightly, even just 2%, herd immunity would fail. The people who can’t get vaccinated due to preexisting medical conditions are at a much higher risk of contracting the disease.” Both Bill Patron Dunning and Senator Maraska contributed that they get vaccinated whenever there is a vaccination requested from a doctor and explained how it should be an obligation for everyone to do so. 

 
 

Senator Maraska acknowledged that although he agrees with this bill, not everyone can afford the vaccinations and there would need to be more legislation created to allow this bill to function more appropriately. 

  

In the end though, the bill was met with an astounding yes from the rest of the delegates.