VACCINES (reading comprehension)

Immunizations can save a child’s life. Because of advances in medical science, children can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction –

mainly due to safe and effective vaccines.

Progress in vaccination has helped eradicate illnesses which were once impossible to cure.

• True

• False

One example of the great impact that vaccines can have is the elimination of polio. In many countries, polio was once most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis, but today, thanks to vaccination, there are no more reports of polio in civilized countries.

In some developed countries cases of polio can still be dangerous and cause death to patients who are not vaccinated.

• True

• False

Vaccination is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal

compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent.

Certain discomforts and side-effects of a vaccination procedure may be more acute than the results of a disease.

• True

• False

Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. It is important that children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects whole families, but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to other family members or friends.

Vaccination gives protection against diseases not only to vaccinated children, but also to other society members.

• True

• Folse

Some diseases that can be prevented by vaccination result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In result, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance.

As an effect of vaccination, some patients may develop disabilities that require a lot of money to be cured.

• True

• False