Should parents be obliged to immunize their children against childhood diseases?

Should parents be obliged to immunize their children against childhood diseases? Or do individuals have the right to choose not to immunize their children?

The issue of whether we should force parents to immunize their children against common diseases is, in my opinion, a social rather than a medical question. Since we are free to choose what we expose our bodies to in the way of food, drink, or religion for that matter, why should the question of medical 'treatment' be any different?

Medical researchers and governments are primarily interested in overall statistic and trends and in money saving schemes which fail to take into consideration the individual's concerns and rights. While immunization against diseases such as tetanus and whooping cough may be effective, little information is released about the harmful effects of vaccinations which can sometimes result in stunted growth or even death.

The body is designed to oppose disease and to create its own natural immunity through contact with that disease. So when children are given artificial immunity, we create a vulnerable society which is entirely dependent on immunization. In the event that mass immunization programs were to cease, the society as a whole would be more at risk than ever before.

In addition, there is the issue if the rights of the individual. As members of a society, why should we be obliged to subject out children to this potentially harmful practice? Some people may also be against immunization on religious grounds and their needs must also be considered.

For these reasons i feel strongly that immunization programs should not be obligatory and that the individual should have the right to choose whether or not to participate.