Over the past couple of years, many parents and older individuals have chosen not to vaccinate against the flu, whooping cough and more.

I’ve heard multiple times “I’m not getting a flu shot because I always get the flu when I get the shot.” There is no scientific proof that if you receive the flu shot, you will get the flu. If you become ill, the virus was already in your system before the shot.

I am usually pretty open-minded about things, you do you, but think about how your actions will effect other people. In college, if you choose not to vaccinate not only are you putting yourself at risk, you’re putting your fellow classmates and professors at risk.

Many parents have chosen to not vaccinate against measles. According to the CDC, 600 measles cases have reported in the United States this year. That is the most since 1994. If you have forgotten, measles was eradicated back in 2000.

In Michigan and Seattle, Wash. outbreaks of whooping cough have hit high schools due to lack of vaccinations. During the Seattle investigation, they found 89 students who had not been vaccinated and the first person to get it was not vaccinated as well.

There have also been accusations that vaccinations led to Autism. Celebrity Jenny McCarthy has dedicated a large amount of time to the cause saying Autism is caused by vaccines. There is no scientific proof or evidence that it is caused by those shots.

Now I know science is not perfect. Any prescription drug on the market has potential side effects, and vaccines are no different. A lot of people take birth control to help with cramps, ovarian cysts and acne even with the side effects of blood clots, intense nausea, weight gain, sore or swollen breasts, mood changes, stomach pain, chest pain, headaches (severe), eye problems (blurred vision) and swelling or aching in the legs and thighs. Why? Because they’re only possible side effects, not guaranteed. At the end of the day, it still beats the alternative without the medicine.

Why would you choose to not vaccinate a sickness that has been eradicated or is preventable? There are over a million preventable sicknesses that have vaccines available. Next time you choose not to vaccinate, think about those that surround you and do some research.