As the debate over mandatory vaccinations rages on, parents continue to choose whether or not to vaccinate their children.

While parents believe they are making the best decision for their child, the impact of non-vaccinated children on school health cannot be ignored. Here are ten ways non-vaccinated children affect school health:.

1. Increase in Disease Outbreaks

A non-vaccinated child can act as a “carrier” for a disease and can spread it to others, especially those who are also not vaccinated. This can lead to disease outbreaks which can quickly spread throughout a school.

Common infections such as measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and influenza can be prevented through vaccinations, but the decision not to vaccinate increases the risk of outbreaks.

2. Risk of Complications

Unvaccinated children are at a greater risk of developing complications if they contract a disease. For example, measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, deafness and even death in some cases.

These complications can be prevented with proper vaccination.

3. Absenteeism in Schools

Disease outbreaks can cause schools to temporarily close or force children to stay home from school. This disrupts the learning process and can have a significant impact on the academic progress of students.

4. Financial Implications

Outbreaks can also lead to financial implications for schools. Schools may need to pay for additional cleaning staff, disinfectants and medical professionals to prevent and manage outbreaks.

5. Legal Responsibilities

Schools have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of their students. They may face legal action if they are found to have not taken appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disease.

6. Lower Vaccination Rates

Non-vaccinated children can lower overall vaccination rates in schools. This decreases herd immunity, which is essential to prevent the spread of disease. Lower vaccination rates can create a breeding ground for disease outbreaks to occur.

7. Putting Vulnerable Students at Risk

Non-vaccinated children can put vulnerable students at risk, such as those with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, and allergies.

These students are at a higher risk of developing complications if they contract a disease that is easily preventable through vaccination.

8. Public Perception

Outbreaks in schools contributed to public perception about vaccines and vaccination policies. It can lead to an increase in anti-vaccine sentiment and promote conspiracy theories. This can have long-term consequences on public health.

9. Emotional Toll and Stigma

Students who have contracted a disease or have been exposed to a disease outbreak can experience emotional stress, anxiety, and even trauma. This can cause them to be stigmatized by others who fear they may become infected.

This creates an unhealthy learning environment for everyone involved.

10. Neglecting Public Health Actions

Choosing not to vaccinate is neglectful to the public health actions. Children who are not vaccinated contribute to the prevalence and spread of preventable diseases.

This can have downstream consequences on the health of the larger population, including infants, elderly and those who are medically fragile.