Do Vaccines Work? CDC Says Evidence is Conclusive

Although safe and effective for a majority of people, as with any medical treatment vaccines can be accompanied by a number of potential risks.  Ranging from short-term soreness and limited range of motion to more serious neurological effects, vaccine-related injuries and illnesses have varying levels of severity, with many requiring prompt medical treatment in order to promote a more speedy recovery.   Statistics indicate that although the potential risks occur rarely, vaccine-related injuries do occur, with many cases unreported.

This begs the question: With so many risks, is getting vaccinated worth it? In other words, do vaccines really work?

The CDC says, “Yes.”

CDC: Long-Term Vaccine Effectiveness Ranges from 70 to 100 Percent

While the effectiveness of certain types of vaccines (like the flu shot) can vary from year to year, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that vaccines remain highly effective in combatting illness and disease. When comparing morbidity rates before and after the introduction of vaccines for various illnesses, the CDC’s data reveal that many potentially-dangerous diseases have been largely eradicated in the United States due to the introduction of vaccines. For example:

• Diphtheria – Greater than 99 percent decrease (from 21,053 deaths to one).
• Hepatitis A – 98 percent decrease (from 117,333 deaths to 3,463).
• Hepatitis B (acute) – 70 percent decrease (from 66,232 deaths to 19,764).
• Measles – Greater than 99 percent decrease (from 530,217 deaths to 667).
• Mumps – Greater than 99 percent decrease (from 162,344 deaths to 1,223)
• Rubella – Greater than 99 percent decrease (from 47,745 deaths to six).
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – 96 percent decrease (from 4,085,120 deaths to 151,149).

The CDC also credits vaccinations with the full eradication of polio and smallpox in the U.S.

The Substantial Majority of U.S. Children and Adolescents Receive Vaccinations

According to the CDC, the vast majority of parents in the United States have their children vaccinated. For example, the CDC’s latest data show that 91.5 percent of children between 19 and 35 months of age receive vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), while the MMR vaccination rate for adolescents between 13 and 17 years old stands at 90.7 percent. Similarly, 91 percent of young children receive varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations, and 85 percent of adolescents have received at least two doses of the varicella vaccine.

Is Vaccination Right for You?

Scientific data indicate that vaccinations are a powerful tool in preventing illness and disease. Anyone concerned about the potential risks of receiving a vaccination should consult their doctor. While some risks are common to vaccinations administered by needle injection, such as the risk of shoulder inury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), other vaccines can carry unique risks for certain individuals.  Contact your doctor to learn more about whether vaccination is the right choice for you.

National Vaccine Attorney for Individuals Diagnosed with Vaccine Injuries

With offices in Washington D.C., the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC provides nationwide legal representation for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with SIRVA or any other vaccine-related illness or injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). To learn more about your rights – including your right to no-fee legal representation – call us at (202) 800-1711 or inquire online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Leah Durant is a vaccine attorney who represents clients in vaccine litigation claims before the U.S Court of Federal Claims. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, is based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in obtaining the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.