In a school of over 3000 students, sickness spreads fast. Are anti-vax families putting the rest of us in danger, or is it their right to refuse vaccination? It’s a tough question of individual vs collective rights. Who wins?

      Vaccines have many benefits. Vaccines can save lives, and adverse reactions are extremely rare. Vaccines use safe amounts of each ingredient, and have eradicated diseases such as smallpox, and nearly polio as well. Some say vaccines have fatal side effects, harmful ingredients, and could go against morals or preference. However, this only affects a small population of people, and does not apply to every vaccine. 

      When Lake Mary High School students were asked what they thought about vaccines, the answer was almost unanimous. Our student population believes that vaccines should be an obligation (excluding allergies, religion, etc.) because of its preventative benefits. Rampage editor Molly Clemens said, “Some students may have allergies to vaccines and rely on herd immunity to stay healthy. It would be selfish to keep your child unvaccinated.”  Zainab Mulla feels that “It would keep the school healthy. We don’t want to get people sick, or for the sickness to spread.”

      However, not everyone has the same opinion. AJ Ciotti feels that “It’s a personal choice. I should be able to choose to put something in my body. If people have vaccinations that work so well, then there shouldn’t be concern for everybody else.” Even so, we must come together to accept each other’s lifestyle’s, even if we do not agree.