A recent measles outbreak in what is supposed to be “The Happiest Place on Earth” has brought to light a very important issue. Thousands of Disneyland visitors in Orange County, California were exposed to the highly contagious disease because of a few parents’ decision to not vaccinate their children. This selfish negligence could have disastrous consequences on the entire country and must be put to an end before it is too late.

Whenever people plan to take trips, whether it be out of the country or just out of state, these plans should include vaccinations in order to protect against highly contagious diseases such as measles that could be lurking in the most unexpected place. Without vaccinations, the world’s population most likely would have been wiped out centuries ago. In world history, a handful of terrible epidemics have threatened human existence due to the lack of preventative measures. With the prevalence of modern medicine such as vaccines this is no longer a worry, but if people continue to neglect their shots, another Bubonic Plague could ensue. The truth is that diseases are becoming rare due to vaccinations. For example, the smallpox disease has been eradicated since 1949. This should be the case with measles, a preventable virus that has been around for just as long, but parents have been turning away from its vaccine because of a now discredited study that linked the vaccination to autism. While it is understandable for parents to be concerned with possible adverse side effects, they must take a step back and realize how their actions are affecting others on a worldwide scale. In 2014, 644 people caught measles in the United States, which is the highest figure in over two decades. Even worse, nearly 60 cases in seven states have erupted this year—all tying back to Disneyland.

Vaccines are a necessity of the modern world. Without precautions such as flu shots and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, disease would spread faster than a forest fire.  There is no reason not to take measures that could ensure a sick-free season. Various clinics and even grocery pharmacies across every town offer vaccines. This is a simple and fast solution to a possibly long term and annoying illness.

No one has the time to fall ill, and getting vaccinated provides the comfort of knowing that all possible measures were taken in order to keep your body in its best health. One shot has the power to protect you, your entire family and your entire community from catching a nasty disease whose effects are far more cumbersome than the act of preventing them with a vaccination.